We have profiled a few potential sleeper picks for the Chicago Bulls in the 2016 NBA Draft. In this profile, we’ll look at the 2016 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year: Saint Joseph’s DeAndre Bembry.
Over the last few weeks we have profiled potential second-round sleepers who the Bulls should consider drafting with the 48th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Today, we’ll look at a potential steal: DeAndre Bembry.
Most of the speculation regarding the Bulls’ and their draft strategy focuses on finding a point guard or a center. Both options are worth considering if the right players are still available. But if they are not, why draft someone who you don’t covet, for positions of relative strength?
This is where Bembry comes into play.
Bembry declared for the NBA draft after his junior year at Saint Joseph’s University. He will turn 22 on July 4th, which has become very old for draft prospects these days. But, the 6’6″ small forward, could prove to be the perfect combination of versatility and NBA readiness the Bulls need next season.
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During his time at Saint Joseph’s, Bembry developed into their unquestioned leader and best player. The man with the old-school afro and the smooth game to match could fit into a reserve role right away.
DraftExpress has the Los Angeles Clippers taking Bembry with the 25th pick. The difference between a late first-round pick and a late lottery pick is often very marginal. The recent history of the No.14 pick translating into a solid NBA player, is not great.
The 2016-17 season has the potential to be a make-or-break one for the entire Bulls organization. This leaves little room for first-round projects.
The Bulls should consider one thing if all of the Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose trade rumors turn out to be just that: who can help us win now?
Bembry could fill a vital role for the Bulls off the bench next season. He is a lengthy defender. He can make plays with the ball and away from it.
And maybe most importantly, he would bring much needed versatility to both ends of the floor.
Defense
Bembry earned Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team honors in 2016. He is slightly undersized, but has the ability to do what has become so vogue in the NBA: switch and switch a lot. During his three years of college, he routinely guarded point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.
He played outstanding team defense, but he also utilized his individual skills and athleticism to make winning plays. He has the ability to jump the passing lanes and closeout quickly on three-point shooters. (Bembry was also the second leading shot blocker on Saint Joseph’s roster.)
Defense was a glaring weakness for the Bulls last season. Bembry’s size and versatility could help turn that around, especially in the second unit.
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Offense
Bembry was a star during his last year at Saint Joseph’s. He led the Hawks to the NCAA Tournament, coming up just short of a second-round upset over No. 1 seeded Oregon. He averaged 17.4 points, 4.5 assists and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 48 percent.
He has has the ability to play the one, two or three on the floor.
His ability to run the offense and play the pick-and-roll at his size is something the Bulls need in their second unit. At 6’6″, Bembry handles the ball well and has the skill to slip screens. He sees the floor well and can push the pace after a made basket; which is exactly what Hoiball is supposed to predicated on.
During his last season in college, he had a 2.21 Ast/TO ratio, which is pretty good.
Offensive stagnation was a common theme for the Bulls last season. Bembry’s skill set could prove to be very helpful. He makes quick decisions with or without the ball. Cutting to the rim is a big part of his game and he plays far above the rim in transition.
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Concerns?
The biggest knock on Bembry is his three-point shooting. He shot an abysmal 27 percent during his junior year. That number might scare teams away from taking him in the middle of the first-round. It might also not the be best indication of his three-point shooting ability. As a freshmen, he shot a very respectable 35 percent on 3.1 attempts per game.
His digression as a three-point shooter is not good and his shooting motion has come under scrutiny, mainly for its inconsistency. He will be 22 at the start of his rookie season and digressing as a shooter at his age is rarely good. Bembry has also caught some heat for his perceived laid-back nature on the court.
All of these things concern NBA teams, rightfully so, but the Bulls shouldn’t be too scared.
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Why the Bulls should consider taking Bembry at No. 14
The Bulls will be in win-now mode next season and their core will most likely be back. Therefore, drafting versatility for the second unit, could prove to be the best option.
With E’Twaun Moore proving to be much more than a viable backup and their young big men flashing brilliance, why not draft a do-it-all type of player?
Next: Rumor: Minnesota is willing to give up the No. 5 pick for Jimmy Butler
Bembry is ready to help the Bulls win now. He is a long defender who can switch pick-and-rolls. He can score in a lot of ways, making plays for himself and his teammates. His smooth all-around game would be very helpful next season, and for years to come.