Dalen Terry is entering a big season for not just his status with the Chicago Bulls, but for his career. The wing out of Arizona was the 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Terry was a raw prospect even as a two-year college player, but with the Bulls entering a clear turning point in one way or the other in their rebuild, and Terry entering year four in Chicago, it is fair to question if he will be a long-term part of their future. 

In 2024-25 Terry averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per 36 minutes. Overall Terry only played 13.5 minutes per game but he did play 17 minutes per game over the final month of the season. The problem for Terry is still a lack of a defined role based on his skill set. 

Terry is a willing passer but extremely limited in term of his offensive bag. He hovered around 58% on shots at the rim (per NBA.com) and a career-best 35.6% from 3-point range. The main issue for Terry is that while just north of 35% is a career-best for him, it doesn't match what is need from a modern-day NBA floor spacer.  As with many lanky wing players, Terry will have to continue to improve in terms of both his 3-point accuracy and volume, as he only took 1.4 3-point attempts per game. 

In arguably Terry's best game of the 2025 season, he racked up 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block in a 32-point Bulls win over the Philadelphia 76ers. In that matchup, Terry showcased what is possible when the 3-point shot isn't falling but he still stays aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. His 17 points came on 75% shooting from the field and no 3-point makes. He also collected five free throw attempts, knocking down all five. 

While it is unlikely Terry all of the sudden turns into an explosive scorer, it is possible he finds a slightly bigger role with a great training camp. Kevin Huerter, who played well down the stretch, is still sure to be a factor in the rotation, but there will be a need for perimeter defense outside of Isaac Okoro and the recovering Ayo Dosunmu. 

The great news for Terry is that Billy Donovan will not require much from him offensively. Of course, you would hope the shooting improves, but if Terry continues to get downhill on drives as he adds weight to his frame, he could carve out and intriguing drive-and-kick, big-guard role on a team that already has shown to be fond of the archetype.