The Chicago Bulls are currently 13-18, good for 10th place in the Eastern Conference. That places them in the last Play-In Tournament position, although they are just a half game ahead of the ascending Philadelphia 76ers. They have pretty much played as expected heading into the season.
The Bulls made a move with one of their three two-way contracts. They have waived DJ Steward from his two-way deal, and added Emanuel Miller in his place.
Bulls Waive Two-Way Player, Add Another
Emanuel Miller Joins Bulls On Two-Way Deal
Emanuel Miller is the older brother of Leonard Miller, current member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The elder Miller, 24 years old, went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Miller has spent this season playing for the Texas Legends in the G League. In 16 outings (14 starts), the 6-foot-7 forward has posted averages of 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks. He has shot 48.3% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc, and 75.0% from the charity stripe.
Prior to that, Miller played two seasons collegiately for Texas A&M followed by three with TCU. During his last year playing for TCU, Miller was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team. In 2023-24, he averaged 15.8 points while connecting on 38.3% of his three-point tries.
The Bulls other two two-way players are Adama Sonogo and E.J. Liddell.
DJ Steward Waived From Bulls Two-Way Contract
While DJ Steward had been on a two-way deal for Chicago, he did not play in a game for them this season. Now 23 years old, Steward went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-2 guard has spent each of the last four seasons in the G League. He has been playing for the Windy City Bulls this season, Chicago’s G League affiliate. In 16 games (15 starts), Steward has averages of 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. He has shot 42.7% from the field, 39.8% from three-point range, and 80.9% from the free-throw line.
Steward played collegiately at Duke. He spent just one season with them (2020-21) before declaring for the NBA Draft. In his one year for the Blue Devils, Steward appeared in 24 games (22 starts). He would go on to average 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals that year. In his one college season, he shot 42.6% from the field, 34.1% from three-point territory, and 81.1% from the foul line.
Little Impact From Two-Way Players For Chicago
While two-way players are not expected to be valuable members of a rotation, sometimes teams find someone who can be play a role. A great example is guard Ajay Mitchell, who finds playing time each game for the top seed in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Bulls have very little utilization this season when it comes to their two-way players. As mentioned, Steward didn’t play a game for them. Sonogo has played just four games for them this season totaling just 21 minutes. He appeared in nine games as well for them last season. Liddell has played six games for 31 minutes.
The Bulls next play on Saturday night at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. Time will tell if Miller sees a role for Chicago this season.
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