C.J. Watson optimistic about his future after a strong showing last season – NBA News
C.J. Watson has had a turnaround season with the Chicago Bulls and is enjoying the limelight after putting in a strong performance that saw the Bulls finish with the best record in the league.
Watson started 25 games for Chicago last season and averaged 23.7 minutes per game. He was thrust into the starting line up with great responsibility as Bulls starting point guard Derrick Rose struggled with injuries. The star
one guard was out of action on numerous occasions during the regular season with back, groin and ankle injuries. He then suffered an ACL injury on his left knee during the opening game of the Bulls post season campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers that sidelined
him for the rest of the season.
Rose has undergone surgery on his injured knee since and is on a recovery schedule at the moment.
In the absence of Rose, Watson played as starting point guard and proved his mettle, coming up big in crunch games and playing beyond the expectations placed on him. He had his opportunity to shine with Rose out and he took it.
“There was a lot of pressure at first, but after a while I got used to it. I got a little banged up this season, dislocated my elbow, missed three weeks with a sprained ankle. The short season (due to the strike) made it tough.
There wasn't a lot of rest time between games,” said Watson while making an appearance in the Allegiant Athletics Agency golf tournament at Three Ridges Golf Course on Friday.
The Bulls need to make a decision about Watson’s $3.2 million contract for next season by July 10th. If the Bulls do not pick him up, other teams will have the option of hiring his services at the same salary otherwise
he will become a free agent.
"I don't worry, I just pray. I've proven I can play in the NBA as a starting point guard, or at least one of the best backups. I don't think about it much,” said Watson when asked about his future with the Bulls.
Watson was involved in the final play of game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers, when he brought the ball up court with 11 seconds left and with the Sixers players trying to foul him. He dodged them and passed the ball to Omer Asik
who was then fouled and missed both free throws. Andre Iguodala grabbed the rebound and ran up court. He was fouled and scored on both attempts to give the Sixers the win and eliminate the Bulls from the playoffs.
Watson was criticised for passing the ball to Asik and not going all the way himself. He even received death threats on Twitter following the game, but says it is part and parcel of the position he holds in the city of Chicago.
"That's OK, they criticize the best players in the world. I'd probably do the same thing again. I trust my teammates,”.
Despite Watson’s optimism, there have been rumours that the Bulls might not re-sign him nest season as they look to make some cap space for a strong free agent.
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