Late this month, youngster Onuralp Bitim of the Chicago Bulls made his NBA debut by contributing significantly to his team’s 132-129 double-overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Turkish winger, who was playing in only his third NBA game, finished with 10 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. He continued to contribute in the closing minutes, helping the Bulls to seal the incredible victory by grabbing a pivotal rebound and converting two free throws.
Since then, Bitim has become a part of the Bulls’ rotation, playing 16 minutes per game and averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. Operating primarily as a shooter and a floor-spacer for a Chicago team that heavily relies on the isolation attacks of DeMar DeRozan, Bitim says he’s been working on expanding his game to offer more than just spot-up shooting.
“Normally, I score goals. In Europe, I was a highly proficient scorer and pick-and-roll player. They have been teaching us how to read defenses since we were little children, so I am familiar with it. Because they start training us at a young age, I believe that many European players in the NBA are adept at reading defenses and the game, Bitim stated in an interview with The Athletic.
“But right now, I’m trying to just help my team. Whatever they need. If I need to defend, I need to defend. If I need to shoot, I need to shoot. If I need to take a rebound, I need to do that.”
