Norman Powell Shows Up in Vegas to Meet His New Bulls Teammates Face to Face

Norman Powell made it official on Friday, signing the two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls that was agreed upon nine days ago. And he didn’t waste any time meeting the guys he’ll be sharing a locker room with.

Powell flew straight to Las Vegas to catch the Bulls’ first NBA Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies. While he was there, he connected with his new teammates, according to Will Gottlieb of CHGO Bulls.

The group included Josh Giddey, rookie Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Rob Dillingham, and Leonard Miller. They all got to watch Caleb Wilson go off for an unofficial Summer League debut record of 35 points. The Bulls still lost 97-96, but that’s kind of secondary.

What Powell brings to a young team

Powell is 33 years old and coming off a year where he averaged 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He shot 47% from the field and 38% from three. That kind of scoring and floor spacing is exactly what a rebuilding team needs, especially when you’re building around guys like Giddey, Wilson, and Buzelis.

He’s entering his 11th NBA season. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted him in the second round back in 2015, then shipped him to Toronto, where he won a championship in 2019. This past season, he made his first All-Star team. So yeah, he’s got the resume and the ring.

His contract includes a team option in the second year, which makes him a logical trade deadline piece if things don’t click. But for now, the Bulls are getting a veteran who can still put up numbers and mentor a roster full of guys trying to figure it out.

First impressions matter

Powell showing up in Vegas to say hello in person instead of texting or waiting until training camp is a decent sign. It’s not everything, but it’s something. Summer League games are basically glorified scrimmages, but having your new veteran on the sideline with the young core is a good look for a franchise trying to change its culture.

Wilson’s 35-point outburst is the kind of highlight that makes you forget about the final score. But the Bulls still lost by one. That’s the kind of thing that matters eventually. Just not right now.