Oct 31, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson (left) and general manager Gar Forman (right) chat prior to a game against the Sacramento Kings at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Pippen Peoples, NBA fans, friends and family. Are you confused about what is going to happen with this year’s draft? Do you know what the Chicago Bulls really need? Does John Paxson and Gar Forman REALLY know what they are doing? Well Pippen Peoples, we’re here to fill in the gap. Pippen Ain’t Easy is TAKING OVER the Bulls front office and offering what WE think the Bulls should do on Thursday. This is Pippen Ain’t Easy’s NBA Mock Draft 2014! Enjoy!
Well Pippen Peoples, we are almost to the main event. The 2014 NBA Draft is almost upon us. The NBA Draft is this Thursday at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn starting at 7:00. If you can’t make it in the building, you can always check the NBA Draft in its entirety on ESPN. But they are not the only source you can use. Pippen Ain’t Easy will be there every step of the way to give you coverage of the NBA Draft with the alternative, in your face, keeping it real way of analysis that you have grown to love…or hate.
It is important for everyone to realize right now is that all of this coverage leading up to Thursday is speculation and very fluid at this time. There are a lot of things going on in the Bulls front office and we do not know what may happen going into draft night. As of right now, the Chicago Bulls have two first round picks (16 and 19) and a second round pick (49). As we all know the Bulls are trying to land either a huge free agent (Kevin Love and/or Carmelo Anthony) or a veteran scorer (Arron Afflalo.) If the Bulls make any trades, you’d best believe one or two of these picks will be gone with the quickness. This column is based on IF the Bulls keep the picks.
This works out perfect. The Chicago Bulls have two executives. Pippen Ain’t Easy has two staff members collaborating. We’ll let Michael Rosenfeld play the role of Gar Forman. I’ll play the role of John Paxson.
Let’s get started Pippen Peoples. Pippen Ain’t Easy will present a wish list for players at the number 16 slot.
Michael Rosenfeld playing Gar Forman.
No. 16 selection
Dario Saric – The 20-year-old Croatian basketball player is my favorite pick here. He’s got top 10 talent, but is unlikely to come over for at least two years. This has moved him down the draft board as most teams are looking for an immediate impact. With a talent like Saric available, I would preach patience to Bulls fans.
After waiting three years (and counting) for Nikola Mirotic (acquired by the Bulls in 2011) I understand that patience may not be what you want to hear, but Saric is worth the wait.
At just 20 years old, Dario Saric was awarded the MVP of the Adriatic League in the regular season and led the team to the league championship while earning Finals MVP honors as well. This is a huge accomplishment for a player who’s only 20years old. He may be a great investment the Bulls need to make.
On the court, Saric is a versatile forward capable of playing the 3 and 4 positions and can run an offense. Dario posted an impressive line of 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in league play in the regular season. In the championship game, he posted a line of 23 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks. Huge numbers.
Again, Dario Saric would not immediately come over if drafted. It’s serves a couple of things. One, he can work on his game overseas and get stronger physically. Two, the Bulls save money.
Other players Michael likes at 16:
Rodney Hood out of Duke.
Adreian Payne out of Michigan State.
Ronald Agers playing John Paxson.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and draft Rodney Hood. I know it seems like some of you are thinking…yeah sure. But roll with me for a second. I did a piece on Rodney Hood a month ago and was not very comfortable with drafting yet another player out of Duke for this squad. Looking back, the Chicago Bulls have a certain thing for Duke players. They are…
Elton Brand, Jay Williams, and Chris Duhon who were drafted by the Bulls in past drafts.
Carlos Boozer and Mike Dunleavy who were signed as free agents.
I ask everyone. Does anyone remember anything special about the careers of these players in a Chicago Bulls uniform? Exactly. That’s what has me worried and gambling.
Rodney Hood averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in his one season at Duke. These are solid numbers but let’s take a closer look.
First off, let’s take a look at his teammate. Potential number one pick Jabari Parker. A month ago, It looked like Rodney Hood was Robin to Jabari Parker’s Batman. Duke runs a specific system that drives me insane. Because of their lack of a post game, the Blue Devils use a perimeter offense that is comically dependent on three-point shots.
Duke would Jabari Parker to draw the defense in and park three-point shooter all over the floor. Rodney Hood was easily the best shooter on the squad. The question is…does Rodney Hood have the talent to warrant this pick or is Jabari Parker THAT GOOD! When Duke lost in the first round of the NCAA’s to Mercer, Jabari Parker had an awful game. Rodney Hood disappeared as well. Coincidence? For the sake of this draft pick, I hope not.
The thing that’s got me confused is that Hood has picked up steam over the pre draft camps and starting to command some attention. Maybe the intrigue of being left-handed is a major plus. As we all know it seems to be difficult and unorthodox to defend left hand players. Another thing Hood has going for him is that he does have a smooth jumper.
With the Bulls needing anyone that can shoot, coupled with the fact that Nik Stauskas will be gone possibly in the top ten, Rodney Hood maybe the guy that has to be taken with this pick.
Other players Ronald likes at 16.
Tyler Ennis out of Syracuse
Adreian Payne out of Michigan State.
Well Pippen Peoples, these are our picks at number 16. Number 19 is next up. Keep it locked to Pippen Ain’t Easy for all of your complete 2014 NBA Draft coverage leading up to Thursday night and beyond.