Did the Bulls Find a Summer League Diamond in the Rough?
Chicago Bulls fans are searching for signs of hope as the franchise pivots toward a youth-centered rebuilding phase at the United Center. While lottery pick Matas Buzelis captured most of the headlines in Las Vegas, an unheralded guard quietly stole the show. DJ Steward’s standout performance during the NBA Summer League suggests the front office may have uncovered a valuable rotation piece for the upcoming season.
The Unexpected Rise of DJ Steward in Las Vegas
Every summer, NBA rosters fill up with undrafted free agents and G-League journeymen fighting for survival. For the Chicago Bulls, the breakout star of the desert tournament was undoubtedly DJ Steward. The former Duke guard has spent the last few seasons grinding through the developmental ranks, but his stint in Las Vegas proved he belongs on an NBA floor. Steward played with a level of poise, speed, and scoring instinct that consistently caught opposing defenses off guard. His ability to control the pace of the game made him look like a seasoned veteran rather than a young prospect fighting for a roster spot.
His performance secured him a two-way contract with the Bulls, a designation that allows him to split time between the main roster in Chicago and the Windy City Bulls in Hoffman Estates. His ability to score from all three levels and set up his teammates turned what was supposed to be a developmental look into a mandatory signing for general manager Marc Eversley.
Evaluating the Summer League Production
While summer statistics should be taken with caution, the efficiency of Steward’s play cannot be ignored. He did not just accumulate raw numbers; he ran the offense with poise. To understand his impact, it is helpful to look at how his production compared to high-profile rookie Matas Buzelis during their time on the court in Las Vegas.
| Player | Points PPG | Assists APG | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Steward | 17.4 | 6.4 | 48.2% |
| Matas Buzelis | 16.4 | 0.8 | 43.7% |
The numbers reveal a highly productive playmaker who excelled at keeping his teammates involved. While Buzelis showcased the raw athleticism and defensive upside expected of an eleventh overall pick, Steward operated as the engine of the Summer League offense. His superior shooting efficiency and distribution skills provided the stability the young Bulls needed in tight game situations.
Fitting Into the Rebuilt Chicago Backcourt
The Bulls are entering a transition period in their backcourt. With Alex Caruso traded to Oklahoma City and Lonzo Ball’s recovery timeline still uncertain, backcourt depth has become a premium commodity for coach Billy Donovan. Steward provides a unique element off the bench as a micro-scorer who can quickly change the tempo of a game. His primary strength is his pick-and-roll navigation, using an explosive first step to penetrate the paint, draw help defenders, and kick the ball out to open shooters.
The Local Connection in Hoffman Estates
Steward’s two-way status is excellent news for local fans. He will spend significant time leading the Windy City Bulls at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. This local access gives Chicago fans a firsthand look at his progress as he refines his defensive habits and adapts to the physical demands of professional basketball.
What to Watch for Next
As the regular season approaches, Steward must prove his summer scoring efficiency can translate against the size of NBA defenses. Fans should monitor his minutes during the preseason, particularly when paired with established playmakers like Coby White. His defensive effort on screens will ultimately determine how quickly he earns regular-season minutes at the United Center.
- Who is DJ Steward?
An undrafted 6-foot-2 guard from Duke who signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls. - What is a two-way contract?
A deal allowing a player to play for both the NBA team and its G-League affiliate. - Will he play in Chicago?
Yes, he can appear in up to 50 games for the Bulls while developing in Hoffman Estates. - How did Matas Buzelis play?
Buzelis showed great athleticism, averaging 16.4 points but shooting a lower percentage than Steward.
Keep an eye on the Windy City Bulls schedule this autumn; catching a game in Hoffman Estates is the best way to watch Steward refine his skills before his eventual call-up to the United Center floor.
Bulls Find Summer League Diamond in DJ Steward
