The Chicago Bulls are placing a lot of trust in a pair newcomers. Players voted Thaddeus Young and Otto Porter Jr. as the team captains for the 2019-20 season, according to NBC Sports Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson:
The tribe has spoken. In a players' only vote administered by coach Jim Boylen, Thaddeus Young and Otto Porter Jr. will be captains for the Bulls.
“They’ve demonstrated an ability to put the team above themselves and the ability to communicate with their teammates in a positive way,” Boylen said. “I haven’t felt they’re worried about getting liked. They’re worried about getting it right. Something we talk about here is leadership over likership. And I think they have a great feel of that.”
The Bulls acquired Porter prior to the February trade deadline last season, and the former Wizards swingman averaged 17.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting nearly 50 percent from beyond the arc in 17 games.
Porter told Johnson that he was honored that his teammates chose him as a captain:
“It means a lot,” Porter said. “Just everything I’m doing is for the team, on and off the court. I gotta represent the team right. Make sure our guys are knowing they’re leaded in the right direction. I take that seriously.”
Meanwhile, Chicago signed Young as a free agent this summer, hoping that his veteran leadership and energy will rub off on some of his younger teammates.
The Bulls open the regular season in Charlotte, and they are hoping to break through a playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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