He was a darling of the media. But he also brought it every game. And now, some GMs are changing their minds about the power forward from North Carolina. Chad Ford on Hansbrough, via Rip City Project:

“I think it’s time to declare Hansbrough the big winner of the 2009 NBA draft combine.

He basically measured the same size as Kevin Love, Drew Gooden, Paul Millsap and David Lee.

His vertical-jump numbers weren’t terrible, either. At 34 inches, he matches up with the combine scores of Emeka Okafor, LaMarcus Aldridge and Nene. And better than Chris Bosh.

His no-step vertical was a little more troubling at just 27½ inches, but that equaled or bettered Carlos Boozer, Aldridge and Charlie Villanueva.”

“I think we have to re-evaluate him,” one lottery-team GM told me. “You get used to seeing a guy through a certain set of glasses. This forces you to rethink and ask yourself whether you misjudged him. I think if you need a big, you have to consider him.”

Some have thought that Hansbrough would be an option at 26 for the Bulls, but now it’s doubtful he’ll still be on the board at that time. But he should be there at 16.

So what do you say Bulls fans? Would you want him as a Bull?

• NBADraft.net: #16- BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State. #26- Tyler Smith, SF, Tennessee

Mullens may not have developed into “The Man” as some would have hoped, but he played just the one year at Ohio State. It’s also why he might still be on the board when the Bulls pick at #16, and he has already worked out with the Bulls. The Bulls will likely be able to draft someone at 16 that might help them more in the immediate future (Hansbrough, Lawson, Holliday), but Mullens could be a solid pro in the post.

He has a great skill set and he’s very athletic. He needs size but has a ton of potential. He was the #1 recruit before his freshman season and he was a 2008 McDonald’s All-American.