The Chicago Bulls’ positioning in the 2017 NBA Draft is completely unpredictable right now. Just past the halfway point of the season, Fred Hoiberg’s crew holds the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference at 23-23. Making the playoffs is still a very real possibility. Missing out on the playoffs for a second straight season is just as likely. That’s how it is for a mediocre team in a weak conference. Even if the Bulls miss the playoffs, their record won’t be bad enough to have a decent shot at winning a high draft position in the lottery. Assuming the Bulls don’t plummet or surge to finish well above .500, they’re looking at another pick in the mid to late teens.
Then there’s the pick Sacramento owes Chicago. That first round pick, which was part of the Luol Deng trade, is protected inside the top 10. The Kings (17-27) are currently in position to finish with the 9th worst record in the league. Assuming they don’t turn things around in the second half of the season and the lottery unfolds with no major upsets, the Kings will keep that pick. That means unless the Bulls acquire another 2017 first round pick in a pre-deadline trade, they will have a tough time trading up to get a high lottery pick.
Point Guard Wanted
So why are we talking about this? Because the Bulls need a point guard, and the incoming draft class is loaded with talent at that position. Unfortunately, Gar Forman and John Paxson’s insistence to “remain competitive” this season killed any hope of getting a potential franchise-changer like UCLA’s Lonzo Ball or Washington’s Markelle Fultz. Those two, along with NC State’s Dennis Smith and Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox, are almost guaranteed to go in the top ten.
The Bulls might be fine with that. In a recent column, ESPN Insiders Chad Ford and Kevin Pelton shed light on another point guard option for Chicago in the 2017 draft class. He’s not projected as a top ten guy. Some even have him going outside the entire first round, so there’s a great chance he’ll be available if the Bulls are picking in the mid or late teens.
Oh, and one other thing. He’s a former pupil of “The Mayor”, aka ex-Cyclones coach Fred Hoiberg.
[USE ARROWS TO CONTINUE READING]
