In rebuilding mode, the Bulls continue to take fliers on young players in the hope of getting a few diamonds in the rough.
In this case, the Bulls literally signed a Diamond in former Maryland center Diamond Stone.
The 6-foot-11 Stone was the 40th pick in the 2016 draft by the Pelicans, but began his NBA career with the Clippers after being traded on draft night. He played seven games with the Clippers, averaging 1.4 points in 3.4 minutes per game. He averaged 16.2 points and 7 rebounds in 13 games in the G League.
Stone's deal is partially guaranteed, meaning the Bulls could send him to the Windy City Bulls for more seasoning in the G League. Stone is 20 years old.
Stone was a McDonald's High School All-American before heading to Maryland. For the Terps, he was the AP Big Ten Newcomer of the Year and was third-team All-Big Ten as a freshman.
His pro career hasn't gotten off to a solid start. Falling to the second round and struggling for minutes as a rookie, and now finding a new team, means he has failed to make his mark yet. A rebuilding team like the Bulls could give him the opportunity, and more importantly the minutes, to prove he can play in the NBA.