Bulls Need Thomas to Step Up

The Bulls haven’t had great success in developing their first round picks of the past few years.  One promising talent that hasn’t produced much is forward Tyrus Thomas.  The Bulls traded the number two pick for Thomas (who was picked fourth by Portland) and Victor Khryapa on draft day in 2006.  In his two seasons with the club, Thomas hasn’t developed much of an offensive game and hasn’t been terribly effective on the defensive end.  He’s good for a highlight block or dunk here and now, but he hasn’t been consistent or come along the way you’d expect a guy drafted in the top five to do.

Thomas has been showing some positive signs in this year’s summer league though.  In yesterday’s game against Orlando, Thomas scored 25 points and pulled down six rebounds; he also added a steal and two blocks.  This is the second straight solid performance by Thomas in this year’s summer league, and it could be a sign that he’s turning a corner.  The team should be happy that Thomas didn’t attempt a three pointer in yesterday’s game, something he has the tendency to do despite that fact that he doesn’t have the range.  He also got to the free throw line 11 times, nailing nine from the stripe.  He’s extremely athletic and relied on that ability to net him points on the high school and collegiate level, but that won’t get him far in the pros because everyone is really athletic.  He’s looked good in summer league thus far and perhaps he’s ready to take the next step this season.

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