The Chicago Bulls are just slowly starting to recover from the insane health and safety protocol frenzy that kept out a good chunk of their roster for the past few weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to sideline players, which has opened up opportunities for various fringe players to strut their stuff on an NBA court.
The Bulls locked up forward Alfonzo McKinnie to a full contract after originally signing him through the hardship exemption as a temporary stopgap. He is the first player signed through the hardship exemption to be given a full-season deal.
McKinnie had impressed in their latest win over the Houston Rockets, where he poured in 16 points and five rebounds. He also spaced the floor efficiently, going 4-for-6 from the three-point line.
Via Shams Charania:
But in what feels like the perfect microcosm of this season, both for the Bulls and the NBA at large, McKinnie immediately entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols barely an hour after Shams Charania made the announcement of the new deal. The news was reported by NBC Sports Chicago's Rob Schafer.
Shams had announced that the Bulls waived forward Alize Johnson just moments prior to the announcement of McKinnie's season-long contract. Perhaps they give Mr. Johnson a call and mend fences as they face not one, but two new health and safety protocol casualties.