Chicago Bulls sign Turkish wingman Onuralp Bitim to a two-way contract

Bitim could be a diamond in the rough.

As some expected, the Chicago Bulls have signed athletic shooter Onuralp Bitim to a two-way contract, giving the Turkish wingman an opportunity to help the team’s shooting profile, especially after he shot more than 40 percent from beyond the arc in the Turkish League last season while playing for the Frutti Extra Bursaspor.

Diamond in the rough

The 24-year-old wingman is expected to spend time in both the NBA and the Bulls’ G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls. Bitim averaged robust numbers of 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 47 percent from the floor. Bitim, though, is more than just a spot-up shooter since he also has hops for days, as he’s won the Slam Dunk contest twice at the Basketbol Super Ligi All-Star weekend.

Furthermore, he’s no stranger to the American style of play, because he’s played high school basketball in the United States, suiting up for Huntington Prep School in West Virginia.

Valuable experience

Bitim also brings valuable experience from playing overseas, as he started his professional career with the Turkish powerhouse club Anadolu Efes and won the national league title with them in 2019. Last season, he was recognized for his improved play by being selected to the All-EuroCup Second Team.

The Turkish player will join Justin Lewis and Adama Sanogo as the Bulls’ two-way players.