2. Athletic Wing Player
Mar 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) during the second half against the Belmont Bruins in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
This is probably the way Chicago would go if it were still coached under Thibodeau. They did this in 2011 and 2013 with the selections of Butler and Snell. The Bulls like to take these guys because they already have the defense, and, if they turn out to be good, can be a valuable asset in a league that has a huge demand for wing players.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: The only bad thing anyone is going to say about Hollis-Jefferson is that he can’t shoot. He can do everything else very well and is an amazing competitor, but not being able to shoot means dropping to the middle to late first round in 2015.
I actually like Hollis-Jefferson more because of his mental abilities than his physical ones. He has been terrific on an elite team both years he was in college. Each season however, he was overlooked by his teammates. His freshman season it was Aaron Gordon and this past year it was Stanley Johnson. Both years in college he was overlooked, and I think he has a chip on his shoulder because of it. He, unlike many prospects in this draft, knows exactly what he needs to be to have a long NBA career: a role player. Almost every team drafting 16 and above are looking for a role-player that can contribute now as much as a star.
He is an amazing athlete with a great demeanor and motor. Even if he is not a great shooter right now, the rest of his attributes will keep him in the NBA. If you want an NBA comparison to Hollis-Jefferson, look at Jimmy Butler.
Justin Anderson: Remember when Justin Anderson was the best player on arguably the best team in college basketball? That was in December when Anderson was healthy and Virginia was looking just as good as Kentucky. Since then, injuries derailed Anderson and Virginia’s season.
Anderson is two things the Bulls love to have: smart and athletic. You can’t play for Virginia unless you have a high basketball IQ, which Anderson has developed during his three years with UVA. He has always been an amazing athlete, and he will have no problem fitting in with that part of the NBA. He is also pretty much developed physically at this point and doesn’t need to add weight like many of his peers.
Anderson was a marginal shooter before his senior season, where he made 45 percent of his threes. Because he was injured and didn’t have an entire season of attempts under his belt, teams are dubious to whether this is a fluke or not.
If I were the Bulls, I would have a hard look at Anderson. He has been on great teams and knows how to make his teammates better. His first couple of years he may just be a marginal three-and-D guy before he really develops an offensive game, but the Bulls don’t really need someone that proficient on offense with the core they have now.
Final Thoughts: I would support the Bulls if they go this way because I am of the notion the wing player in basketball has become the pitcher in baseball: just get as many as you can. Who knows about Butler’s situation and Snell’s basketball ability. Both of these guys have great size and tremendous athleticism. Chicago can’t go wrong getting a player that can help in every part of offense and defense.
If I had to take one of these two, it would probably be Anderson.
Next: 3. A shooter