Onuralp Bitim says there’s more to his game than just shooting and scoring

Originally posted on FanNation All Bulls | By Nick Raguz | Last updated 3/18/24

Chicago Bulls rookie Onuralp Bitim had his NBA moment late last month when he played a key role in helping his team defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers in double overtime, 132-129. Playing in only his third NBA game, the Turkish wingman scored 10 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. He also played down the stretch, securing a crucial rebound and making two free throws to help the Bulls complete the remarkable victory.

More to his game

Since then, Bitim has become a part of the Bulls’ rotation, playing 16 minutes per game and averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. Operating primarily as a shooter and a floor-spacer for a Chicago team that heavily relies on the isolation attacks of DeMar DeRozan, Bitim says he’s been working on expanding his game to offer more than just spot-up shooting.

“I’m normally a scorer. I was a very good scoring player in Europe and also a good pick-and-roll player. I know how to read defenses because that’s what they have been teaching us since a young age. That’s why I think a lot of European players in the NBA know how to read defenses and how to read the games because they’re teaching us at a young age,” Bitim said in an interview with The Athletic.

“But right now, I’m trying to just help my team. Whatever they need. If I need to defend, I need to defend. If I need to shoot, I need to shoot. If I need to take a rebound, I need to do that.”

Gimme the hot sauce, OB! @NBCSChicago | @OnuralpBitim pic.twitter.com/x0XB85juDW
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 8, 2024

Loved Michael Jordan and Manu Ginobili

Growing up in Turkey, Bitim revealed he was a huge fan of Bulls icon Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. However, he was most intrigued by the game of San Antonio Spurs Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili.

“I was always a huge fan of M.J. and Kobe. But playing-wise, I watched a lot of Manu Ginóbili games and highlights. Manu is one of my favorite players, so I watched him a lot and tried to learn from him. I’m a huge basketball fan. I was a fan of a lot of players growing up, but they were probably my favorite,” Bitim shared.

“Yeah, he’s a very rare talent, definitely. But I love his basketball IQ on offense, on defense, how he passed the ball, shot the ball, drove the ball. But, yeah, like you said, he’s definitely a rare talent.”