NBA: Breaking Down Every Eastern Conference Rookie, Team-By-Team

Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) defends in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls

Denzel Valentine, Paul Zipser

Denzel Valentine is one of two rookies for the older leaning Bulls. He’s played in 56 games and while he still has room for improvement, I’m surprised he played less to start the season. With his recent stretch of a good amount of playing time, he looks to be improving and getting in a groove. As much as one can when on a losing team that looks like they’ll be one of the lower seeds in the playoffs.

Paul Zipser also has been seeing more playing time as the playoffs approach. The good news is that it looks like the Bulls are willing to develop their young players instead of just having the vets play even more minutes. He does a decent job on the defensive end with grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. The Bulls could use all the help they can get on the defensive end, so that could be a good focus for Zipser if he’s looking to contribute in a more positive way.