It isn’t exactly the “Bench Mob.’’
As a matter of fact, the Bulls haven’t had anything that’s resembled the “Bench Mob’’ in quite some time.
Yes, there were financial reasons the reserves from those 2010-12 teams had to eventually be dismantled, but the departure of former coach Tom Thibodeau has also played a big part in why the front office hasn’t been able to build a second unit that grabbed that “Bench Mob’’ persona and ran with it.
Thibodeau had the likes of C.J. Watson, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver and Omer Asik believing that not only were they better than the opposing second unit, but they were also interchangeable enough to give the opposition’s starting unit some headaches.
Without question the fact that Derrick Rose’s knees betrayed him was 1B in why the Bulls didn’t get out of the Eastern Conference – right behind the reality that Miami had LeBron James (1A) on its roster – but the loss of the “Bench Mob’’ wasn’t far behind in holding the Bulls back.
Fast forward to this season’s backcourt reserves, and it’s just a reminder of how far the Bulls have slid back in the last eight years.
It’s not that the likes of Ryan Arcidiacono, Shaquille Harrison and Adam Mokoka can’t play. Individually, Arcidiacono and Harrison could find minutes on most NBA rosters, while Mokoka is a G-Leaguer looking to start writing his own journey.
But it’s not a backcourt that necessarily gels off the bench. It’s an either or with Arcidiacono and Harrison, where you play either Arcidiacono if you need outside shooting, offensive play-making and a guy willing to take a charge from a rhino or Harrison if you need a defensive-minded wolverine, hell-bent on making someone’s life hard.
As for Mokoka, he is interesting from a developmental standpoint.
Ryan Arcidiacono
The Situation: “Arch’’ shot 39.1 percent from three this season, and had moments of solid play-making as a reserve. He started four games out of necessity, but the former Villanova standout is better suited for bench minutes.
With Tomas Satoransky now a member of the second unit, Arcidiacono is a third option at the point guard spot. He is signed through next season, with a $3 million team option for the 2021-22 campaign.
The Resolution: Because he is the ultimate teammate, as well as his ability to hit from long-range, Arcidiacono is a keeper at a low price tag.
Bold Prediction: Expect Arcidiacono to stay a Bull and have a 10-year NBA career. He’ll then take over the head coaching job from Jay Wright at Villanova just in time for the 2032 season.
Shaquille Harrison
The Situation: Don’t be surprised if the Bulls feel they can let Dunn walk, and try and give that defensive stopper role to Harrison – albeit as a reserve. The problem is that while Harrison did show some improvement from long-range the last month, he is an offensive liability.
The Resolution: Harrison is a free agent this offseason, and the Bulls will let him walk if Dunn is brought back. If Dunn is grabbed up elsewhere and the Bulls refuse to match, they can fall back on Harrison.
Bold Prediction: With a new front office replacing coach Jim Boylen, Harrison’s skillset won’t be as coveted. He signs as a reserve with Boston.
Adam Mokoka
The Situation: Playing on a two-way contract, Mokoka saw minutes because of all the injury problems. He had some moments – specifically scoring 15 points in five minutes during a Feb. 6 loss to New Orleans – but is a project at best.
The Resolution: Stash him and see what he can become. The Bulls need to hit on an undrafted free agent at some point.
Bold Prediction: Mokoka becomes a must-see attraction … in Hoffman Estates as part of the Windy City Bulls.
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