The writing was on the wall for guard Antonio Blakeney long before the news Monday that the Bulls waived him. Even before July, when guard Shaquille Harrison was released, cleared waivers and then brought back.
That message came in the form of the dwindling playing time under coach Jim Boylen.
The decision to waive the shoot-first, ask-questions-later Blakeney, who still is guaranteed $1.58 million for the upcoming season, was more about fit.
Before the All-Star break last season, the 6-4 Blakeney appeared in 42 games. After the break, he played in only 15, mainly because of the numerous injuries he suffered in March.
In two seasons with the Bulls, Blakeney appeared in 76 games, averaging 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists.
But the Bulls’ backcourt got crowded this summer, with the team acquiring Tomas Satoransky from the Wizards, drafting Coby White in the first round and giving Ryan Arcidiacono a guaranteed contract.
Initially, it appeared that Harrison would be the odd man out, especially with the Bulls intrigued by undrafted rookie Adam Mokoka. But Boylen always has appreciated Harrison’s aggressive mindset on defense and his unselfish play. So Blakeney’s game was no longer a good fit.
The Bulls’ roster stands at 16.
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