Bulls Draft Prospects Discussion

[clonetrooper264]

Figure might as well have a thread to put thoughts on the upcoming draft and who the Bulls should pick.

As of today, it is exceedingly probable that the Bulls will land the #8 pick in the draft and I doubt in terms of odds that there will be much variance to that. There is always a chance that the Bulls could jump into the top 4, but there's also a chance they could get jumped themselves and land in the 9th or 10th spot. I figure if the Bulls do get lucky and land in the top 3 then of course you go with one of Flagg, Bailey, or Harper, whoever is available. The discussion between 4-10 is probably more of a toss up.

 

[clonetrooper264]

From what I can see thus far, at #8 several mocks have Bulls selecting Duke's Khaman Maluach, a 7'2 C from South Sudan.

In the little footage I've seen of him, he doesn't seem very featured in Duke's offense, for obvious reasons, and acts mostly as a lob threat and cleanup guy. He can shoot 3s supposedly, but his volume and percentage are super low so it's hard to tell how true that is. Free throw percentage seems to indicate he's not inept at shooting though. His shot blocking numbers don't wow you, but he does seem capable enough on that end.

I can see the potential here, but at most I see him being a Walker Kessler type player with more shooting range. Maybe Bol Bol without the mobility (not that he's completely immobile, but I don't see him crossing anyone over). He's super young, scouts like that usually. I doubt he'd thrive here in Chicago, mostly because I don't trust the player development for a player like him here...they'll find a way to mess him up.

 

[clonetrooper264]

Someone I expect to be at the top of AK's draft board, presuming the Bulls do not land in the top 3, is Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6'6 G from Lithuania. The immediate reasons are obvious...he's Lithuanian, he's a guard, and he plays for Illinois.

Biased reasoning aside, Jakucionis is the main cog for Illinois, as far as I can tell. Other people who have watched him more than me have said he takes a lot of difficult shots which is why his 3pt% is so low. He's a guy I could see Chicago fans liking a lot if his hustle is as advertised. Super high turnovers too, but probably because he has to do everything for his team. I don't see superstar in him personally, but he could be a very solid player who does a bit of everything, maybe there could be All Star potential in him. He can definitely get some buckets.

This guy says a lot more than I can

 

[Enasic]

Never seen him play but those measurables and deep ball are what you’re looking for.

https://x.com/esidery/status/1897659063678193676

In all likelihood though AK will draft a dud.

 

[clonetrooper264]

Never seen him play but those measurables and deep ball are what you’re looking for.

https://x.com/esidery/status/1897659063678193676

In all likelihood though AK will draft a dud.

This particular fellow seems to be projected in the 20s, for whatever reason, but I know nothing about him other than what's in that tweet.

How much of a dud AK drafts probably also depends on where the pick lands. The chances of landing a superstar talent naturally drops dramatically the further you go in the draft, but always a chance to strike gold.

Personally, if drafting outside the top 4, I don't expect anything more than a high level role player at best because 1) we don't have a reason to trust AK with early picks and 2) we don't have a reason to trust player development staff. Plus, at #8 you probably have a higher chance of draft a player on the level of Frank Ntilikina or Nik Stauskas than you do of Jamal Crawford or Franz Wagner (everyone's favorite #8 pick).

Long story short, I'm not anticipating a franchise cornerstone anyway

 

[Enasic]

This particular fellow seems to be projected in the 20s, for whatever reason, but I know nothing about him other than what's in that tweet.

How much of a dud AK drafts probably also depends on where the pick lands. The chances of landing a superstar talent naturally drops dramatically the further you go in the draft, but always a chance to strike gold.

Personally, if drafting outside the top 4, I don't expect anything more than a high level role player at best because 1) we don't have a reason to trust AK with early picks and 2) we don't have a reason to trust player development staff. Plus, at #8 you probably have a higher chance of draft a player on the level of Frank Ntilikina or Nik Stauskas than you do of Jamal Crawford or Franz Wagner (everyone's favorite #8 pick).

Long story short, I'm not anticipating a franchise cornerstone anyway

Oh wow a nik stauskas reference…honestly thought he’d be a better pro than he was. Silly me.

 

[clonetrooper264]

Oh wow a nik stauskas reference…honestly thought he’d be a better pro than he was. Silly me.

I think Stauskas was partially ruined by the situation he was put into initially (Sacramento) but even with a better opportunity in Philly he just couldn't do enough to stick.

Just goes to show how much of a crap shoot the draft can be also. Part of why I have a hard time imagining anyone the Bulls drafting being anything more than a role player.

 

[Probie2429]

The Fleming highlight video gave me Tyrus Thomas shivers.

 

[Crystallas]

Khaman Maluach is a good pickup. I'd do that.Usually I don't care for mocks, as they are 90% wrong outside the top-3 as far as player turnout. Mocks push hype more than actual scouting ranks. But the mocks that have us picking Maluach... Yes please. That's a no brainer.

Deep 2nd round, and the Bulls have no picks.
Trey Kaufman-Renn isn't on anyone mock. Undrafted FA, steal this guy before he gets on everyones radar.

 

[clonetrooper264]

Since I created this thread, it now seems like the Bulls will finish either outside the lotto at 15 (if their hot play keeps up and they end up winning the play in) or somewhere in the 10-12 range. As such, might as well have a look at players projected in the 10-15 range.

Technically you could say there is not much difference between 8 and 10, but definitely there is a difference between say, 8 and 15. In both cases though, I still argue you are mostly looking at a high level role player. As with any pick, and especially outside the top 5, getting an all star caliber player at this range is a crap shoot.

I have seek Derik Queen projected consistently in the 10-15 range. 6'10 250 center from Maryland. Kind of has a Zach Randolph type offensive game, but is supposedly much more athletic. Did enough defensively in college to average over a block and a steal per game, but some scouting reports say his defense is inconsistent and better as a weak side help defender than a defensive anchor. Also does not appear to have a consistent 3pt shot, though is decent from midrange. Supposedly has some decent passing skills, but is a high turnover player.

Pros for the Bulls: at worst seems like a high motor guy who can consistently grab rebounds and score in the paint. Energy and effort will be there. Could probably pass well enough to do the high top of the key reads that Billy likes having his centers do. Hopefully would do well in paint protection as a weak side help man

Cons: not a defensive anchor, so likely would still get manhandled guarding 1:1 against the proficient bigs of the league, though there's not a ton of those. May struggle against taller bigs. Lack of 3pt shooting may hinder him in Billy's scheme.

 

[knoxville7]

Since I created this thread, it now seems like the Bulls will finish either outside the lotto at 15 (if their hot play keeps up and they end up winning the play in) or somewhere in the 10-12 range. As such, might as well have a look at players projected in the 10-15 range.

Technically you could say there is not much difference between 8 and 10, but definitely there is a difference between say, 8 and 15. In both cases though, I still argue you are mostly looking at a high level role player. As with any pick, and especially outside the top 5, getting an all star caliber player at this range is a crap shoot.

I have seek Darik Queen projected consistently in the 10-15 range. 6'10 250 center from Maryland. Kind of has a Zach Randolph type offensive game, but is supposedly much more athletic. Did enough defensively in college to average over a block and a steal per game, but some scouting reports say his defense is inconsistent and better as a weak side help defender than a defensive anchor. Also does not appear to have a consistent 3pt shot, though is decent from midrange. Supposedly has some decent passing skills, but is a high turnover player.

Pros for the Bulls: at worst seems like a high motor guy who can consistently grab rebounds and score in the paint. Energy and effort will be there. Could probably pass well enough to do the high top of the key reads that Billy likes having his centers do. Hopefully would do well in paint protection as a weak side help man

Cons: not a defensive anchor, so likely would still get manhandled guarding 1:1 against the proficient bigs of the league, though there's not a ton of those. May struggle against taller bigs. Lack of 3pt shooting may hinder him in Billy's scheme.

watched him play last night. heard the announcer say his name and it sounded like he said "Dairy Queen." that alone makes me "cool" with drafting him lol

he did ball out last night, but like your report...i got some major defensive concerns with him.

it really will be interesting to see what direction the bulls go. right now, it seems like they need to be focusing on big men for sure

 

[clonetrooper264]

Another option as a big is Asa Newell from Georgia. 6'11 220 PF

Draftnet's player comp for him is weirdly Vucevic/Walker Kessler. So maybe he's like Vuc, but can play defense? Sounds good in theory. Also left handed, which doesn't really mean anything for how good they are, but does add a different dimension to things. I've seen him projected usually in the 6-10 range.

Strengths include a soft touch around the basket, good mobility and athleticism (not something I'd associate with either player comp), has good lateral quickness on defense, is able to keep his man in front of him on the perimeter. Weaknesses include inconsistent outside shooting, doesn't have much post game (scores mostly on lobs/rim runs/putbacks), not very physical.

Pros for the Bulls: a theoretically switchable big on defense, might enable a double big lineup if he can get his outside shot consistent enough, if Billy is even willing to try it. Someone who doesn't demand the ball all the time to be effective, which could be good assuming Bulls will continue with Coby and Giddey as primary offensive options. Giddey will probably be able to get him in the right spot to score. Seems like a willing passer, which fits Billy's schemes.

Cons: Based on what I can see, I'm not sure what to think of him defensively. Doesn't seem like a rim protector despite the size and athleticism, but still averaged a block and a steal in college so some potential is there defensively. Might be scheme dependent. Lack of shooting consistency will obviously need to be improved for him to work in this offense.

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Another option as a big is Asa Newell from Georgia. 6'11 220 PF

Draftnet's player comp for him is weirdly Vucevic/Walker Kessler. So maybe he's like Vuc, but can play defense? Sounds good in theory. Also left handed, which doesn't really mean anything for how good they are, but does add a different dimension to things. I've seen him projected usually in the 6-10 range.

Strengths include a soft touch around the basket, good mobility and athleticism (not something I'd associate with either player comp), has good lateral quickness on defense, is able to keep his man in front of him on the perimeter. Weaknesses include inconsistent outside shooting, doesn't have much post game (scores mostly on lobs/rim runs/putbacks), not very physical.

Pros for the Bulls: a theoretically switchable big on defense, might enable a double big lineup if he can get his outside shot consistent enough, if Billy is even willing to try it. Someone who doesn't demand the ball all the time to be effective, which could be good assuming Bulls will continue with Coby and Giddey as primary offensive options. Giddey will probably be able to get him in the right spot to score. Seems like a willing passer, which fits Billy's schemes.

Cons: Based on what I can see, I'm not sure what to think of him defensively. Doesn't seem like a rim protector despite the size and athleticism, but still averaged a block and a steal in college so some potential is there defensively. Might be scheme dependent. Lack of shooting consistency will obviously need to be improved for him to work in this offense.

I’m a big fan of draft.net, and this guy is intriguing. You’ll get to see him tomorrow night.

JT Toppin - NBADraft.net

www.nbadraft.net

 

[clonetrooper264]

I’m a big fan of draft.net, and this guy is intriguing. You’ll get to see him tomorrow night.

JT Toppin - NBADraft.net

www.nbadraft.net

He was gonna be my next post lol

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

He was gonna be my next post lol

Defense first, but hopefully can develop an offensive game.

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Side note: has Asa Newell declared?

 

[knoxville7]

I’m a big fan of draft.net, and this guy is intriguing. You’ll get to see him tomorrow night.

JT Toppin - NBADraft.net

www.nbadraft.net

saw him play last night, too. he looks like a solid player. great defensively and offensively hes really good in the paint. he was bullying a larger jonas aidoo last night

definitely needs to develop an outside game

 

[clonetrooper264]

Side note: has Asa Newell declared?

Not yet

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Not yet

I imagine it’s coming, I just haven’t seen it yet.

 

[clonetrooper264]

As advertised, JT Toppin next. 6'8 225 PF from Texas Tech. Not related to Obi and Jacob Toppin, but shares a lot of the same attributes. Draftnet comp: Larry Nance Jr. Projected anywhere from the mid 1st to early 2nd depending on where you look

Strengths: Super high motor, long wingspan at 7', excellent rebounder, good quickness, can defend the perimeter, athletic
Weaknesses: Raw offensive game, inconsistent shooting, maybe has a defensive IQ issue (from what I am reading it seems like his blocks are a result of just motor and athletic ability rather than high IQ weak side help)

Pros for Bulls: defensive minded player with high motor, could be useful as an energy/cleanup guy in the near future. Doesn't need the ball to be effective. Would likely be a fan favorite because Chicago loves blue collar type players. Probably fits as a small ball center since he's quick and can play bigger than his height
Cons: Lack of outside game, probably couldn't be that hub player at the top of the key that Billy likes to use his bigs as. Is the defensive IQ thing gonna make him like a Tyrus Thomas in the league?

As with most of these, I have not actually watched him play, so some of my concerns may be invalid