Javonte Green takes step closer towards claiming starting power forward spot for Chicago Bulls

Javonte has been nothing short of impressive in the preseason

© Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls preseason is in full swing, and Javonte Green has taken a major step toward claiming the starting power forward spot.

In the team's latest preseason game, Green had 17 points on an impressive 7-of-8 shooting. He added five rebounds, an assist, a steal, and the spark the Bulls needed to defeat the Toronto Raptors 115-98. This strong performance could give him an edge over his competitors for the starting spot, with the opening night of the 2022-2023 season looming.

Immediate impact

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan tinkered with his lineup again, inserting Derrick Jones Jr. with the regulars and not playing Green in the first half. The move seemed to light a fire from under the Radford product as he immediately made an impact, often scoring emphatically.

Confirming: Woo took off from FAR!!@2Xtremebounce | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/iZXIQhndbF

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 10, 2022

Green played just 16 minutes in the game, but his impact was profound as the Bulls outscored the Raptors by 27 in that time. It was the type of performance that would make it hard for Donovan to keep him off the floor when the games start to matter.

The case for Green

It has been a remarkable preseason for the 6-foot-4 wingman, who has racked up 50 points in three games. What's even more impressive is the efficiency he's done it with. 

Green has made 17 of his 22 attempts, including 6-of-8 from downtown. Compared to projected starter Patrick Williams who was downright awful against Toronto -- six points on 1-of-8 shooting -- there's no reason not to give Green the starting nod.

Donovan has said that he plans on using the preseason to determine his rotation, and it's hard to see how Green doesn't work his way into a significant role with the way he's been playing. If he continues at this rate, it won't be long until he claims the starting power forward spot for good.

Woo with the spark off the bench in the second half!@2Xtremebounce | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/JVO3oTCfLi

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 10, 2022