On Feb. 21, Patrick Beverley signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls for one year and $801,614, which has led to complicated results.
Since this deal was made, the Bulls have done decently. Specifically, they’ve had a record of 10-7 and have gotten some impressive wins.
Within this run, they managed to beat teams like the Lakers, Nuggets and 76ers.
Within those games, Beverley averaged 6.3 points, 3.67 assists, 4.67 rebounds, 0.67 steals, and 0.67 blocks. While those stats aren’t that impressive, Beverley’s play is different from what is shown within the box score.
When speaking about Beverley, Coach Billy Donovan said, “It’s at 10 all the time with him…it really helps our group.”
Essentially, Beverley’s impact on the game is more in his leadership role and energy than in his actual stats.
So far, that impact does seem to be more of a positive than a negative. However, the more complicated issue is where this impact is leading them in the postseason.
The Post-Season Issue
As of March 29, the Bulls are the 10-seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-40. The teams around them also fighting for play-in positioning include:
-the Miami Heat with a record of 40-37
-the Hawks and Raptors with their records both at 38-38
-the Wizards and Pacers with records of 34-42 and 33-44.
In terms of getting knocked out of the play-in, the Bulls have a slight cushion of 2 and 3.5 games over the Wizards and the Pacers. So, unless the Bulls go on a long losing streak, their position is safe, for now.
Play-in positioning is another matter in itself.
For example, if the Bulls end up winning four out of their last six games while the Hawks and Raptors end up winning only two out of their last six games, the Bulls would be the 8 seed and would face the Heat or Nets and battle for the 7 seed.
If the Bulls end up winning three out of their last six games, Hawks win two out of their last six games, and the Raptors five or six out of their last six games, the Bulls will play the Hawks to get a chance to get the 8 seed.
So much can happen and:
Every Game Counts.
However, what’s waiting at the end of those battles is the 1 or 2 seed, who are in those positions for a reason.
While there is a possibility for the Bulls to not only make it and possibly beat either team (the Bucks or the Celtics) in a 7-game series, it comes after the play-in process.
Beverley Signing Results So Far
He seems to give them the energy to get some tough wins to help further them into the play-in. But, is that necessarily a success?
Before the signing, the Bulls seemed to be battling for a chance to make it to the playoffs and, likely, weren’t going to make it. However, they signed Patrick Beverley and now they’re in the position they are today.
In comparison to earlier in the season, it is an improvement. But, how much of it truly matters in the grand scheme of things?
Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more NBA content, including midseason moves, contract updates, and more pieces about every team.
Featured image courtesy of Lee Tran-Fadeaway World
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