Our own Willie Lutz continues with his series of 2017 NBA Draft prospect breakdowns for the Bulls at No. 16 with Duke’s Luke Kennard, a sharpshooting guard who made huge strides from his freshman to sophomore seasons.
When it comes to Coach K’s NBA products from Duke University, there’s a lot of safe betting involved. Much like Kyle Singler and Rodney Hood before him, Luke Kennard grades out as a fine draft prospect. The shooting talent and competitiveness all appear to be there, it’s more a question of his ceiling.
During his sophomore season at Duke, Kennard fit the bill expected of him upon recruitment, when he became a true, knock-down shooter. Not only did the guard average 19.5 points per game, but he hit 49 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from deep.
Representing just one of the two Blue Devils who played in all 37 games last year, Kennard is a durable athlete. The value of his health is likely what will all but guarantee his mid-first round selection.
Before an unimpressive run int the NCAA Tournament, Kennard shot Duke to an ACC Tournament Championship. During the ACC Tournament run, Kennard earned the tournament’s MVP by scoring 20 points per game while grabbing 5.4 rebounds.
More from Bulls Draft
- Rebuilding incentivized for Bulls after Cooper Flagg reclassifies to 2024
- Bulls select Julian Phillips in 2023 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and analysis
- How to watch 2023 NBA Draft with and without cable: Full streaming guide
- NBA Draft Grades 2022: Re-grading Bulls’ 18th pick one year later
- Bulls work out All-ACC star guard ahead of 2023 NBA Draft
However, the NCAA Tournament run or lack thereof, threw up some red flags for the guard. During the Blue Devils’ two-game run, Kennard scored eight points against Troy in a narrow win and 11 in the loss to South Carolina. Hitting just 22.2 percent from the field and averaging nine points is a rough glare.
After losing their stroke in the last four games of the playoffs, GarPax and crew may have some reservations on Kennard. However, the Bulls may see Kennard as a guy who is capable of getting hot, thus swinging a series.
Despite the lack of tournament savoy, Kennard is likely to be a mid-first round draft selection. Dating back to his days at Franklin High School, Kennard has been highly regarded as an elite scorer.
With a 6-foot-5, 180-pound frame, Kennard has the look of an NBA shooting guard. However, his game will have to speed up during the lead to the NBA.
In his time at Duke, Kennard relied heavily on his craft as a scorer. The reliance on his game over speed and strength may haunt him in the early months of his rookie campaign.
Despite the lack of these tools, Kennard received plenty of praise from his former head coach. In a press release from Duke, Mike Krzyzewski said:
"“Luke’s skill set is such a perfect fit for the way the NBA game has evolved and we’re all excited to see him flourish at the next level. He is a wonderful person who will immediately be an asset to an NBA team.”"
Kennard could likely shake a little of the doubts from the Bulls with the similarities to the removed Doug McDermott. After trading the forward at the deadline, it would seem unlikely that the Bulls would select a volume scorer. However, a reinvestment in the two-guard may sway this factor.
Last season, Dwyane Wade appeared in just 60 games, averaged close to 30 minutes, and 18.3 points. Along with weighing Wade’s looming $23.8 million player option, Bulls’ fans aren’t wrong to wonder if there might be higher value in looking for outside talent.
Kennard will enter the league at 21 years of age with his best playing days likely ahead. On the other side is Wade, who at 35 years old, is getting towards the final seasons of his impressive career.
More from Pippen Ain't Easy
- The dream starting 5 for the Chicago Bulls 5 years from now
- Bulls’ Ayo Dosunmu inspires the future with new school program
- Chicago Bulls NBA 2K24 full roster ratings, risers, and fallers
- Bulls sign a pair of promising guards to Exhibit 10 contracts
- When does NBA Training Camp start? Dates Bulls fans need to know
Upon evaluation of the guard, it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be able to make leaps in his game. If he’s actually still raw talent, his ceiling is as high as any in the draft. When watching Duke, however, it seemed like Kennard was about done with development.
For positives, there is a low floor for the guard. However, the ceiling might not be that high. If the tape tells the whole story, it’s hard to deny Kennard’s fate as a role player. While taking a guaranteed sixth man is usually okay, Kennard might not even be that guy. He appears to model out as, maybe, a seventh or eighth guy off the bench. Early in the draft, teams like Chicago are more than likely on the prowl for starting talent.
Although Kennard may be young and fresh, he will not be an instant starter. Kennard will take some time to develop at the professional level.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft: Justin Jackson and his long-term value
For now, he appears to role be a better bench option early in the season. This may detract the support some fans who are simply ready to move on from Wade.