Mickael Pietrus Could Fill Chicago Bulls' 14th Roster Spot

When the season started for the Chicago Bulls there were many new faces. There was a new lineup, a new bench and new roles distributed throughout the team. Through 12 games those variables are still shifting. Fans are seeing new faces stepping up to fill voids in the offense as well as the defense and they’re seeing old faces carry the team on their backs for long stretches at a time. With so much shifting going on with this team fans may once again have to brace themselves for another change. On November 19th, the pro-rated minimum for a one-year contract was lowered which means that the Bulls can add another player to their roster if they choose to. With this opportunity it opens up the discussion on whether or not they will sign a free agent and who they would choose if they did.

One name that has been tossed around the league with rumors surrounding him is Mickael Pietrus. Pietrus last played for the Boston Celtics where he averaged seven points and three rebounds per game. While his stats aren’t jumping off the page, he may be able to offer the Bulls some consistency off of the bench at the shooting guard position. He is listed as a small forward and at 6’6″ he can stretch and play the small forward position or he can rotate and play at the shooting guard position.

Pietrus may be a much needed addition to the Bulls’ bench seeing that Richard Hamilton is spending the majority of games on the court. When Hamilton is not on the court, coach Tom Thibodeau usually opts to play Jimmy Butler instead of veteran Marco Belinelli. Coach Thibodeau has shown his lack of confidence in Belinelli and it raises the question of whether or not he will choose to keep him around this season. Enter Pietrus, he could offer the Bulls a big body at the two guard and more consistency as well.

Pietrus went down last season with a concussion and upon his return struggled to find his rhythm. But this season is different; his concussion is long gone and his career is still in prime condition. The Bulls need help at the two guard and because Hamilton is prone to injury, Butler is young and inexperienced and Belinelli doesn’t get many minutes, Pietrus might be a investment worth making.