Earlier this week, I released Part One of my Bulls Top 10 Most Likely Draft Picks list for 2017. That list featured big men T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu of UCLA, Jarrett Allen of Texas and Justin Patton of Creighton. Also cracking the top ten were Indiana’s defensive sensation OG Anunoby and Louisville shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.
Now we get to the final five: based on their current draft projections and the Bulls’ roster needs, these five guys are the ones most likely to be taken with the 16th pick.
Top 5 Most Likely Bulls Draft Picks In 2017
5. Terrance Ferguson – Adelaide (Australia NBL)
Year: 1 year pro (NBL) Position: SG/SF Meet/Workout with Bulls: Yes
Ferguson is a wildcard. The five-star recruit out of high school turned down Arizona to play his one pre-NBA year professionally in Australia. He served as a role player off the bench for the Adelaide 36ers, so his stats are nothing special. However, in his meeting with the Bulls at the NBA combine he talked about the benefits of playing against “grown men” in Australia’s pro league.
Terrance could be a great fit for Fred Hoiberg’s system in Chicago. He has the necessary physicality and skillset to develop into a great 3-and-D wing in the NBA. He mostly played shooting guard in Australia but has the size (6’7, 6’9 wingspan) to play minutes at small forward as well. Ferguson can get hot from three point range, and is also a very smart passer. In Fred’s pace and space offense, he’d be ready and willing to make the extra pass. His athletic ability is among the best in this draft class, and he just turned 19. “Younger and more athletic”? This kid definitely checks those boxes for GarPax.
4. D.J. Wilson – Michigan
Year: Sophomore Position: PF Meet/Workout with Bulls: No
The Bulls taking Wilson would definitely be a “bold strategy, Cotton.” The sophomore was on the fence about entering this year’s draft but ultimately decided to go for it. Originally projected as an early second rounder, he’s beginning to jump into the early 20s in some mocks around the web. He really helped his draft stock with an impressive performance in the tail end of the season. Between Michigan’s Big Ten Championship run and their Sweet 16 appearance, D.J. averaged 15.6 points (54% FGs), 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Wilson, like T.J. Leaf, could be a great stretch four for Hoiberg’s offense. He’s got the size (6’10, 7’3 wingspan) and confident stroke needed for the position. Wilson also has impressive ballhandling skills for a power forward, and can drive confidently if his defender closes out on his shot from deep. His lateral quickness is there for perimeter defending, but he needs to add more muscle to his frame before he’s ready to guard NBA bigs in the paint.
3. Justin Jackson – North Carolina
Year: Junior Position: SF Meet/Workout with Bulls: Yes
Jackson might be the prospect most frequently paired with the Bulls in mock drafts going back several months. The junior forward helped the Tarheels reach back to back championship games in the NCAA Tournament. His strong play through UNC’s triumph this spring vaulted him up several draft boards from late first rounder to potential lottery pick. He might be gone by the time the Bulls pick at 16.
Fun fact: Jackson is from Tomball, Texas. Yeah, Jimmy Butler’s hometown.
Jackson is a stereotypical pick for GarPax. He’s older (already 22) and has three years of college experience. He’s not the most athletic guy or the most skilled guy in the draft, but he’s a well-rounded player ready for the NBA. Jackson saw great improvement in his three point production as a junior, setting a Tarheels record with 105 made threes at a 37% clip. He has the makings of a great wing defender, and his high basketball IQ should attract Hoiberg and the Bulls.
Jackson felt confident in his performance after working out for the Bulls earlier this week:
“It was probably one of my best workouts as far as learning and competition. I loved it. It was intense. I feel I shot the ball really well.” – Justin Jackson
Will Jackson be there at 16? If he is, there’s a very good chance the Bulls take him.
2. John Collins – Wake Forest
Year: Sophomore Position: PF Meet/Workout with Bulls: No
This is my “being salty towards GarPax” prediction. Collins is definitely a first round talent, and might actually be off the board before 16. He’s a remarkably efficient scorer around the rim; finishing last season with 67% true shooting percentage and the highest PER among all Division I players. He earned the ACC’s Most Improved Player award as a sophomore, averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds. John’s skills on the glass might be the best among the bigs in this year’s draft, but his defensive footwork and awareness needs serious development.
The reason I call Collins my “salty” pick is that he makes little sense for the Bulls’ needs. Paxson continuously cited their need for shooters at the end of the season. This draft is stacked with stretch four players who can shoot the long ball (some of whom appear earlier on this list), but Collins isn’t one of them. His offensive game is built like the power forwards of NBA generations gone by. He doesn’t fit the mold of what Hoiberg wants to do offensively.
Let’s not forget, though, that GarPax chose Bobby Portis two years ago when they spent most of their time scouting point guards to replace Derrick Rose. Why? He was the highest-ranked player on their draft board. Taking Collins at 16 could be another classic example of GarPax ignoring their roster needs and taking the best available player.
1. Luke Kennard – Duke
Year: Sophomore Position: SG Meet/Workout with Bulls: Yes
I can already hear the groans from Bulls fans everywhere. “Seriously? Luke Kennard is just another version of Doug McDermott, and look how that panned out.” I understand that Kennard seems like a boring pick, but comparing him to Doug is misguided.
This kid unexpectedly turned into Duke’s most reliable scoring option (19.5 PPG) last season. Not only is Luke an excellent shooter with range (52.5% FGs, 43.8% 3PT), but he’s sneakily good off the dribble. He can create his own shot with underrated ballhandling and crafty footwork, and has good floor vision for a shooting guard (2.5 assists per game last season). His offensive versatility and NBA potential is already higher than McDermott’s.
Kennard won’t be leaping out of the United Center with the high-flying, acrobatic athleticism fans are demanding. But it is a smart pick.
Break down the situation the Bulls are in: 1) Nikola Mirotic is all but guaranteed to be re-signed. 2) The Bulls still believe Bobby Portis can turn into a reliable stretch four. With both of them in the fold, I think GarPax will decide they’re set at the power forward position. 3) Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo will probably return this season, but they’ll likely be gone after that. The Bulls need shooters in their backcourt. Right now, it doesn’t look like Jerian Grant or Cameron Payne can provide that. Denzel Valentine? Maybe. But we still haven’t seen enough to know for sure.
Kennard might not play big minutes as a rookie, but his skillset makes the most sense for the Bulls’ needs going forward. He’s projected to go somewhere in the early/mid teens and worked out for the Bulls last week, so you know he’s on their board.
There they are, your most likely draft picks for the Chicago Bulls in 2017. Keep it here at Sports Mockery for any developments or news about prospect meetings/workouts before the draft next Thursday!
If you want to talk more about any of these Bulls prospects, find me on Twitter @Bulls_Peck.
