Terry gears up for the summer

2022 pick takes on Williams in his first practicewith team before heading to Vegas

Rookie Dalen Terry ended his first official practice as a Bull with a show of support from teammate Patrick Williams.

Williams picked out the Bulls rookie as the top competitor of the practice, highlighting Terry’s energy on his first day scrimmaging against his new teammates as he prepares for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next week. The Bulls selected Terry with the 18th pick of the draft last month.

“It gave me a little bit more confidence,” Terry said. “He was here last year, he’s been through what I’ve been through. So for him to do that is definitely a nod and respect, and I appreciate him for saying that.”

Williams, the Bulls’ pick at No. 4 in 2020, provided an immediate challenge for Terry, who is relishing the chance to face off against professional players in his first days at the Advocate Center.

Bulls Summer League coach John Bryant said the two had a fair amount of friendly trash talk in their limited matchups on the first day of practice.

“He’s been in the league, so I give him his respect,” Terry said of Williams. “But I’m going to compete. I ain’t backing down now.”

Williams and Ayo Dosunmu won’t play in Las Vegas this year, but both players will train with the full Vegas roster this week to prepare for the preseason.

Bryant said the Bulls want Dosunmu and Williams to spend the remainder of the offseason focused on scrimmaging against top-caliber competition.

“That’s why they’re here this week,” Bryant said. “There’s a lot of individual development, but they need to get game reps daily against NBA and fringe NBA players. So that alone in our building, in front of our coaching staff and coach (Billy) Donovan, they’re going to improve.”

Although Terry has been enjoying the Chicago summer since he was drafted June 23 — making a stop at the Bean earlier this week — he spent most of his time working out. Bryant said he spotted Terry in the gym at least three times a day since he arrived in Chicago.

Terry wants to improve his shooting — among other things — as a rookie. He likened his growth to building up a player in the video game NBA 2K — right now, he sees his stats as 75s, with a goal of improving to 99s across the board.

“I’m good at some things, but I’m not great at nothing,” Terry said. “I’m trying to be great at everything.”