Chicago Bulls Basketball Player Profile: Aaron Gray

Can Aaron Gray Continue His Rookie Success?

Player Profile: Aaron Gray
Position: Center
Height: 7'0"
Age: 23

Player Summary

Aaron Gray was a pleasant surprise for the Chicago Bulls last year. Gray was drafted by the Bulls in the second round (49^th overall pick) of the 2007 NBA Draft. Aaron Gray was not guaranteed to make the Chicago Bulls roster, let alone see significant minutes. But, Gray did just that in his rookie season with the Bulls. Although he did not take many shots, Aaron Gray led the Chicago Bulls in field goal percentage and was the only player who shot above 50%.

Statistics for '07-'08 Basketball Season

Minutes: 10.0
Points: 4.3
Rebounds: 2.8
Assists: 0.7
Steals: 0.7
Blocks: 0.9

Player Strengths

Aaron Gray will never be confused with Patrick Ewing, but Gray has a nice low post game. Gray is really the only player on the Chicago Bulls with an above-average post game. Gray is strong and plays tough and smart. He is a legit 7 feet tall and has good bulk at 270 pounds. Gray's size allows him to play decent low post defense when he's matched up against stronger, slower players.

Gray is also a very good passer for a player his size. At times, the Chicago Bulls offense looked smooth when the ball was fed into the post to Aaron Gray first.

Player Weaknesses

Aaron Gray is not very athletic and is certainly not fast. Gray has difficulty running the floor and keeping up with faster players. On defense, faster players give him fits. Gray's speed could be a problem with the Chicago Bulls newest draft pick, point guard Derrick Rose. The only speed Rose knows is fast.

Gray also does not shoot free-throws very well, gets into foul trouble, and tends to turn the ball over too often. For a player who is as good of a passer as Gray is, the turnovers are a surprise.

Player Projections

Aaron Gray was a steal in the draft for the Chicago Bulls. Gray gives the Bulls their only real post presence and plays well for the limited minutes that he sees. Gray will be Joakim Noah's backup at center and may see an increase in his minutes this season. If Gray can perform like he did last year for the Chicago Bulls, the team will be happy. Nobody expects any All-Star games from Gray. Just good, solid play.