New Derrick for Bulls’ backcourt
6-1 Walton played in 16 games with Heat
The Bulls added another training-camp body with the signing of 6-1 guard Derrick Walton Jr., which was announced Tuesday.
The former Michigan standout went undrafted in 2017 and signed a two-way contract with the Heat. Walton played in 16 games, averaging 1.8 points and one assist in 9.2 minutes. He had a season-high seven points and five assists in a victory against the Mavericks on Dec. 22, 2017.
In 27 games in the G League with Sioux Falls, however, Walton averaged 16.1 points and 7.1 assists.
Walton, a native of Detroit, is the only player in Wolverines history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists in his career and was the Big Ten tournament MVP his senior year.
The terms of his contract were not disclosed.
But with Kris Dunn locked in as the starting point guard, and Cameron Payne, a Gar Forman favorite, likely running the second unit, there doesn’t appear to be a spot for Walton in a crowded backcourt. And that’s without taking reserves Ryan Arcidiacono and Rawle Alkins into account. Arcidiacono agreed to a partially guaranteed contract last month, and Alkins signed a twoway contract in late July.
Coach Fred Hoiberg also likes to let playmaking combo guards run the point, which makes Walton’s task even more difficult. Zach LaVine, Alkins and Antonius Cleveland all fit that description, further hindering Walton’s chances.
The Bulls are expected to start training camp the week of Sept. 24.