The Chicago Bulls are once again tapping into local talent by agreeing to a two-way contract with DJ Steward. A Chicago native, Steward's journey is a powerful testament to grit and determination, values synonymous with the Windy City.
A Chicago Talent Returns
Steward, a standout in the Las Vegas Summer League, has been making waves with an impressive average of 19.3 points per game. This performance includes a notable 37-point overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks, underscoring his scoring prowess and potential to make an impact at the professional level.
Born and raised in Chicago, Steward's basketball journey began with high expectations. He played a single season at Duke, a program renowned for producing NBA talent. However, despite his talent and promise, Steward went undrafted. Undeterred, he took his talents to the G-League and began the long road to the NBA.
Not a Straight Path
Steward's first professional stop was with the Stockton Kings, where he began to hone his skills against formidable competition. He then took his talents north of the border, playing for the Vancouver Bandits in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. This international stint expanded his experience and added another layer to his development as a player.
Returning to the United States, Steward rejoined the G-League, this time with the Maine Celtics. Each stint in the G-League provided valuable playing time, and with each game, Steward's confidence and abilities grew. By the time he took the court in the Las Vegas Summer League, he was ready to showcase his improvements.
A New Chapter with the Bulls
The Chicago Bulls, currently in a rebuilding phase, saw Steward's performance and potential as an excellent fit for their roster. The agreement on a two-way contract represents not just an opportunity for Steward to gain NBA experience but also for the Bulls to invest in a promising local talent. Two-way contracts are designed to afford players like Steward valuable NBA minutes while continuing their development in the G-League.
This upcoming season will be critical for Steward. With his journey across various leagues, he has demonstrated resilience and a relentless work ethic. His determination to prove he belongs in the NBA will be closely watched, especially by those rooting for a homegrown player to succeed with his city's team.
For the Bulls, bringing Steward on board signifies their commitment to nurturing young talent during their rebuilding process. For DJ Steward, it marks the next step in what has already been an eventful and impressive career. Chicago will be watching, and one can be sure that Steward will be ready to rise to the occasion.