The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Chicago Bulls: Paul Zipser
Paul Zipser was a complete unknown to most Bulls fans when they selected him in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft. He averaged just five points per game in a German professional league the year prior. When Zipser came over right away, there was no guarantee that he would make the Bulls roster. And with young wings Doug McDermott and Denzel Valentine expected to back up Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, few fans thought about Zipser even when he made the squad.
The Bulls season has been tumultuous, but Zipser’s emergence could potentially be a silver lining in Chicago. He has done a lot of what fans hoped fellow rookie Denzel Valentine would. The 6-foot-8 rookie has established himself as the Bulls sixth man during the month of January and closed a number of games as well. He fills a needed role alongside Butler and Wade, hitting open shots and making smart plays.
The Bulls have been known for their expertise with international scouting ever since they brought Toni Kukoc over and may have found another hidden gem in Paul Zipser. He could potentially fit the “3-and-D” mold of role player, and then some. Zipser has a nice shot and is capable of attacking the rim at times as well. Defensively, he’s already miles ahead of Doug McDermott and could become strong on that end. At just 22, Paul Zipser may be a Bull for a while.