A look at the middle tier of the Chicago Bulls roster

These rotation players could dictate where the Bulls will go this season.

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt about who the key stars of the Chicago Bulls are. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic form the team's "Big 3" and they carry the franchise's aspirations on their shoulders. Equally important, though, is the part that the middle tier of players play in Chicago's quest for success. This group of guys includes names like Andre Drummond, Coby White, Jevon Carter, and Torrey Craig, among others.

Man in the middle

Vooch played all 82 regular season games last season, which meant there was no need for backup center Andre Drummond to fill in. Though far removed from his days as an All-Star, make no mistake: Drummond is still a force to be reckoned with on the glass. He averaged 6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season in just 12 minutes of action, providing the Bulls with a solid presence in the middle of the paint.

Sustained improvement

Meanwhile, Coby White has established himself as one of the team's most important players. The third-year guard out of North Carolina averaged the fewest points in his career so far last season, but showcased tighter handles, improved shot selection, and better playmaking as the season progressed. He is looking to break out and cement himself as one of the best younger guards in the NBA.

The new faces

Carter and Craig joined the Bulls to inject the team with some toughness and perimeter shooting. Carter is coming off a stellar year for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 8 points and shooting an astounding 42 percent from rainbow country. Craig, meanwhile, also had a superb season for the Phoenix Suns. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. These two will be looking to provide a spark off the bench for Chicago and help spread the floor.