The Bulls’ offseason spending spree brought in Norman Powell, and his own words suggest he understands exactly what kind of situation he stepped into.
Chicago had more money than it needed to spend, and that financial freedom let the team go after players who might not have looked twice at the Bulls otherwise. Powell was one of them, landing on a two-year, $44 million offer sheet that apparently made the decision easy.
That helps explain why he doesn’t sound overly concerned about where Chicago stands as a contender next season. In fact, he seems to know this may not be a long-term arrangement at all.
“We have the potential to be really good. But we also have the potential to be really bad,” Powell told Fadeaway World.
He went on to expand on that thought and talked about proving people wrong, but the quote itself says plenty. It’s not the kind of line most players give about their new team, especially right after signing on.
Powell is 33, and this looks like a chance to cash in while he still can. With the current CBA making life tougher on veterans, this may have been his best shot at a lucrative deal.
There’s also the matter of why a veteran chooses a rebuilding team in the first place. Most do it because of a personal connection to the organization.
Powell doesn’t really fit that mold. He’s a San Diego native, went to Lincoln High in California, and played at UCLA.
That leaves him in the other category: veterans who aren’t chasing a ring so much as they’re chasing the payday. He’s earned the right to get paid, but the Bulls still need the priorities to stay clear.
If Powell is helping Chicago win or helping the younger players grow, that’s one thing. If he starts soaking up touches that should go to the rookies, or if the numbers become the focus, then the Bulls have a problem.
There’s a silver lining for Chicago even if the season goes sideways: big scoring nights from Powell would still boost his trade value. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating that he seems prepared for the possibility of a mediocre team.
For years, the Bulls have lived around .500 and settled into being just good enough. That has to change, and it starts with the veterans setting the tone every day in practice.
Powell has to be part of that. If not, what’s the point?
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