Bulls rumours: Felicio officially joins La Liga

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Cristiano Felicio watches before a 2020 game between the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks at MSG.

Few Chicago Bulls players have been as vilified by fans and media alike for the money they made as Cristiano Felicio. The Brazilian big man has had his moments in the Windy City – quite a few Wellsome fewer. However, he cashed some hefty checks during most of his time at the club.

After Paxson-Forman’s front office considered the role of a workhorse rebounder, a defender and a second-unit energizer an undrafted type and minimum signer, it saw fit to reward Felicio with a four-year, $32 million contract . However, the baller could not consistently perform at a level that warranted such a salary.

Additionally, the contract became an albatross around the team’s neck, contributing to a bloated cap situation that prevented Bulls Brass from taking the steps necessary to seriously contend for a playoff berth.

However, following his move to Germany and ratiopharm Ulm last season, he became a beast on the Euro scene. So much so that he may have just signed a new contract in arguably the best domestic league in the world outside of the NBA.

Felicio Heading to Spain?

According to a report from the Spanish outlet ideal Felicio reached a verbal agreement with CB Granada from the ACB League over the weekend.

The club are said to have stepped up their pursuit of the ex-bull after failing to secure Kostas Antetokounmpo’s signing, according to the Greek publication SDNAmight actually be on Chicago’s radar for a back-end roster spot.

As of now, Granada haven’t made any official announcement but the club have good reason to be looking for a big man at NBA level. Head coach Pablo Pin’s side will compete at the top tier of La Liga for the first time next season after securing promotion in 2021-22 with a regular-season LEB Oro Championship.

In 32 games (all starts) in three competitions for Ulm last season, Felicio, 30, averaged 11.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per competition while shooting 60.3% from the field and 77.9% from the charity streak lap.

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Felicio’s time in Chicago

After impressing Bulls decision makers with his summer league outreach, Felicio was signed by the team in 2015. Over the six seasons (ending in 2021), he played 252 games with the Windy City crew, averaging 4.3 points and 3.9 boards just over 14 minutes a drive.

He hit 57.2% of his field goal attempts and 67.3% of his foul shots.

Recently, fans saw Felicio compete in the Denard Bros. Pro Runs at the Bishop Shepard Little Memorial Center in Chicago. The veteran pivot is currently playing alongside his compatriots as Brazil look to secure a spot at the 2023 FIBA ​​World Championship of Basketball.

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