The word out of the workouts in New Jersey was that Ohio State's B.J. Mullens skipped the workout because he had been promised to be picked in the top 16.
The top 16 probably means No. 16, which is the Chicago Bulls. Mullens would be a really good fit for Chicago, as he has huge upside and plays a position of need. He's a long ways away, but the Bulls probably could afford to gamble at this point in the draft.
A few other teams, including the Knicks, Bobcats and Suns, also are considering Mullens, but it is most likely that he'll be on the board at No. 16 when the Bulls pick.
If Mullens does go to Chicago, that could be really bad news for Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair, who is slipping a bit after the medical report from Chicago red-flagged his knees. Although teams have varying degrees of concern, a number of the teams in his sweet spot in the draft -- 10 to 15 -- sound worried that a couple of previous ACL tears could cause problems for him later in his career.
If they are concerned and pass on him -- and Chicago takes Mullens at No. 16 -- Blair could be in for a draft night slide. The Sixers (No. 17), Wolves (No. 18) and Hawks (No. 19) don't really need a 4 like Blair. And although the Jazz (No. 20) could use another big if they lose Carlos Boozer, Blair probably is too similar to Paul Millsap.
I wouldn't be shocked to see Portland GM Kevin Pritchard, always the opportunist, try to find a way to move up into the middle of the first round to grab him. The Blazers want more toughness up front, and Blair certainly would provide that.
