Fansided

Chicago Bulls made huge upgrades this offseason

By Andrew Melnick

Jul 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls new players Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol pose for photos after a press conference at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls new players Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol pose for photos after a press conference at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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After missing out on Carmelo Anthony, the Chicago Bulls made a couple of big moves, signing Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic after using the amnesty clause to waive veteran Carlos Boozer.

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Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders believes the Bulls made huge upgrades in the offseason.

"I think Mirotic and Gasol are an enormous upgrade on Deng and Boozer. Boozer was almost a negative player last year, and Deng hasn’t really proved that he’s essential to what the Bulls do. He can’t shoot enough threes, and really gums up the spacing. He and Butler probably wouldn’t have worked offensively on the wing. I think this version of the Bulls has a lot more offensive upside and should be able to keep up the defense."

With Mirotic, Gasol and rookie Doug McDermott, the Bulls should have a lot more firepower this season, which is something they desperately need.

Gasol averaged 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds 3.4 assists and 1.5 blocks per game last season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and 73.6% from the free throw line. In his 13-year NBA career, the third-overall pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft has put up 18.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.5% from the floor, 24.7% from three and 75.0% from the free throw line.

Mirotić averaged 13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Real Madrid last season.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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