LAS VEGAS — Last summer, as a rookie, Paul Zipser missed his first Summer League due to a commitment with the German national team. This year, he suffered a left ankle injury in the Bulls’ first game and missed the rest of the tournament.

It was a disappointing setback, but not a long-term concern, Zipser said. The second-year small forward is expected to play a significant role in the coming season as the Bulls take on a long, challenging rebuild. The No. 48 pick in the 2016 draft, Zipser was able to earn consistent minutes starting in January of his rookie season, proving himself to be a solid two-way wing who can guard multiple positions. With Jimmy Butler gone and a bunch of unproven young players in his place, Zipser has a real chance to open the season as the Bulls’ starting small forward.

The Athletic caught up with Zipser during Summer League to talk about a summer of big changes for the Bulls.

Sean Highkin: How have the group workouts gone this summer?

Paul Zipser: So far they’ve been pretty good. We’re doing a lot of work. Three weeks in Chicago, a lot of guys. We work out every day. Now of course, the first game out here wasn’t like planned.



SH: What has it meant to have all the guys together at the facility all summer, with such a young roster?

PZ: It means a lot. To see your whole team that you work every day with [during the season], and then in the summer you keep working, keep grinding, because you have a lot to practice and a lot to learn.



SH: What was your first reaction when you heard about the Jimmy Butler trade?

PZ: I wasn’t surprised at all. Too many rumors that something will happen. Just a question of time. But I think we got a good trade for us. Two good young players, and I think we have a lot of energy and a lot of work to do now.

Bulls forward Paul Zipser shoots against the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of their playoff matchup. He got playing time over last year’s first-round pick Denzel Valentine and could start this season. (David Banks/USA TODAY Sports)

SH: What do you think of Lauri Markkanen so far coming in as a rookie?

PZ: I like him. I’m impressed. He shoots the ball pretty good. He doesn’t do stupid things on the court. He’s solid. He can defend, he’s athletic.

SH: Did you know him when you were both in Europe? Did you guys ever cross paths?

PZ: Yeah, two years ago we played one game against each other. But I was mostly playing the three so we didn’t really recognize each other. But he’s a good kid and I’m looking forward to spending time with him.

SH: Has the team given you any idea of what your role is going to be next season?

PZ: Obviously we’re a bunch of young guys now, trying to get better and win games. I think I had a good role last season, but I always want to be a little better for the team, for myself. Just to take a little more responsibility.

SH: Was it frustrating when they got two more wings this summer, trading for Zach LaVine and signing Justin Holiday? It’s more competition for you.

PZ: No. We needed another three because I was pretty much the only one last year. Dwyane [Wade] is more of a two-guard than a three. So I’m happy for the signing. Of course it’s a lot of competition going on, but we need good players to win games.

SH: As players, how do you balance the goals of the organization with your goals on the court? Management obviously wants to rebuild and get a high lottery pick, but you guys aren’t going to go out there and not play hard or try to lose games.

PZ: I’ve never been on a team where we’re not supposed to win every game. Last season we always had the mindset to win every game. I think for me, personally, that won’t change. Of course, you play certain teams in the league and nobody expects you to win, but my mindset is always to play to win. Not to show off or just to get better during the game. You want to win games and that’s how you get better.