Jalen Smith Deserves More Minutes for the Chicago Bulls: A Rising Talent in Need of Opportunity
The Chicago Bulls, a team with a rich history and a promising young core, have been undergoing a transition over the past few seasons. While the franchise has focused on building around established stars like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, the bench players and younger prospects have often been overlooked. Among these promising talents is Jalen Smith, a player who, despite showing flashes of his potential, has not been given the consistent playing time he needs to develop into a key contributor for the Bulls. As we dive deeper into the season, it is becoming increasingly clear that Jalen Smith deserves more minutes on the court.
Background: Jalen Smith’s Potential
Jalen Smith was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft, with the 10th overall pick. After spending some time with Phoenix and later being traded to the Indiana Pacers, Smith began to make a name for himself as a versatile forward who could stretch the floor, contribute defensively, and provide energy off the bench. His combination of size (6’10”), length, and shooting ability made him an intriguing prospect, and in the right system, he had the potential to develop into a two-way player who could impact both ends of the floor.
During his time with the Pacers, Smith’s performances were sporadic but showed plenty of promise. He averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game during a brief stretch as a starter in the 2022-2023 season. However, he struggled to secure consistent minutes as the Pacers prioritized other players in their rotation. Still, his flashes of talent were evident, and many believed he would thrive if given more responsibility and playing time.
After being traded to the Chicago Bulls, the hope was that Jalen Smith would get an opportunity to flourish in a system that valued versatility and energy. However, the minutes have not been forthcoming, and there is growing concern that he is not getting the opportunities he needs to prove his worth on the court.
The Case for More Minutes
1. Versatility on Both Ends of the Floor
Jalen Smith’s skill set offers a level of versatility that can benefit the Bulls, both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Smith has developed into a capable three-point shooter, something that is becoming increasingly important in today’s NBA. His range stretches out beyond the arc, making him a potential stretch-four or even a small-ball center in the right lineups. His ability to space the floor could provide much-needed floor spacing for players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom thrive when they have room to operate.
Defensively, Smith’s length and athleticism allow him to be a strong presence on the perimeter and in the paint. Standing at 6’10” with a wingspan of 7’1″, he has the ability to guard multiple positions. This defensive flexibility is invaluable for a Bulls team that has struggled with consistency on that side of the ball. Smith’s shot-blocking ability and rebounding are assets that would give the Bulls an edge, especially in the second unit where the team has often lacked rim protection.
Additionally, Smith’s tenacity and hustle on defense are qualities that could energize the Bulls’ bench. His ability to rotate quickly on defense, contest shots, and crash the boards could provide a defensive boost that the Bulls need, especially in the second half of games when they have been known to struggle at times.
2. Lack of Consistent Bench Contributions
While the Bulls’ starting lineup has been relatively stable, with DeRozan, LaVine, and Vucevic providing the bulk of the scoring, the bench has often lacked the depth and scoring punch needed to keep the team competitive. The lack of a consistent offensive threat off the bench has led to extended periods where the Bulls’ offense stagnates, especially when the starters are off the floor.
Jalen Smith, with his ability to score from multiple areas on the floor, could provide the Bulls with the much-needed scoring punch off the bench. His scoring capabilities would allow the Bulls to maintain offensive efficiency even when the starting five is on the sidelines. In addition, his rebounding and energy could help the Bulls win crucial minutes during the second and third quarters, when the bench unit typically sees more minutes.
With the team’s depth often called into question, giving Smith more playing time would ensure that the Bulls have a more balanced roster, one that isn’t solely dependent on their starters for production. More minutes for Smith would allow him to become a focal point of the second unit and ease some of the burden on the Bulls’ stars.
3. Development of Young Talent
The Chicago Bulls are in a period where developing young talent should be a priority. While the team still has playoff aspirations, there’s no question that integrating younger players into the rotation will help ensure the team’s future success. Players like Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, and Jalen Smith represent the future of the franchise, and it’s essential that they are given opportunities to develop and gain experience.
For Smith, consistent playing time would be crucial in his development. As a young player who is still finding his rhythm in the NBA, being able to play through mistakes and learn on the court is essential. The more Smith plays, the better he will become, and the more he will grow into the player the Bulls need him to be. Without sufficient minutes, the Bulls risk stunting his development, which could be a missed opportunity for both Smith and the franchise.
Moreover, by giving Smith more playing time, head coach Billy Donovan would be allowing the Bulls to evaluate his potential over an extended period. If Smith can continue to improve and contribute consistently, he could become an important piece of the puzzle moving forward.
4. A Changing Landscape for the Bulls
As the season progresses, the Bulls are faced with the challenge of balancing immediate results with long-term growth. With the likes of DeRozan and LaVine being in their primes and Vucevic still a key contributor, the team will continue to be in playoff contention. However, if they are to truly contend in the future, they need to develop younger players who can eventually contribute to the core.
Jalen Smith is exactly the type of player who can help build the Bulls’ future. By giving him more minutes now, the team can begin to integrate him into their long-term plans, ensuring that he continues to improve while contributing to the team’s success. It’s a delicate balancing act, but one that could pay off if Smith continues to show the promise that he has throughout his career.
5. The Case for a Bigger Role
Jalen Smith has shown throughout his career that, given the opportunity, he can be a reliable player on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability, rebounding, and defense make him a versatile option for the Bulls, and it is clear that he can be an impact player with consistent minutes.
It’s time for the Bulls to give Jalen Smith a bigger role in their rotation. Whether it’s as a stretch-four alongside Vucevic or as a small-ball center in the second unit, Smith has proven that he can provide the team with a boost. His ability to contribute in multiple areas will give the Bulls an edge, and his development could make him a key piece moving forward.
Conclusion: The Time for More Minutes is Now
For the Chicago Bulls to reach their full potential and continue developing their young talent, Jalen Smith deserves more playing time. His versatility, defensive prowess, and scoring ability make him a valuable asset to the team. By integrating him into the rotation more regularly, the Bulls not only give him the chance to develop but also enhance their depth and balance.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the Bulls to prioritize the development of their younger players, and Jalen Smith should be at the forefront of that effort. With more minutes, Smith can prove that he deserves a spot in the Bulls’ future plans, and in doing so, elevate the team to greater heights.
