Pippen Ain't Easy
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Pippen Ain’t Easy roundtable: The Pre-2017 NBA Draft Edition

By Michael Whitlow

Jan 4, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Jackson, 2017 NBA Draft prospect.
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) reacts against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

MW: It’s not that I think Fred Hoiberg is a bad guy. I just think he’s not the guy for this job, plus the hand he’s been dealt by the front office has been unfair to what he actually wants to do. He’s a little out of his league, but I’m not walking away from five years and $25 million until someone kicks me out either.

Alright, boys … last question. You’re Gar Forman. You have the 16th overall pick. Who are you taking and why?

DC: So much for Donovan Mitchell being available, I suppose. If I’m actually trying to think like Gar, I’m giddy about Justin Jackson. He’s got college “pedigree” (North Carolina) and is “polished” (not a freshman, actually was a junior). Of course, if they’re moving on from Nikola Mirotic it would be time to ride the Bobby Portis train and that means a need at power forward, so T.J. Leaf feels like a really good candidate for Gar.

DB: I like Luke Kennard, but I’m taking Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson can jump out the gym, although his shot is concerning. Ferguson shot 31 percent from 3 and 60 percent from the free-throw line for the Adelaide 36ers last season, but Chicago needs to take a risk on someone with a higher upside and Ferguson represents that.

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WL: Justin Jackson, assuming he’s still on the board. I love the idea of drafting another National Champion from North Carolina. If nothing else, it’s worth the sentimental value. However, there are things in his game that remind me of a slightly less-effective Kevin Durant. He’s got to make strides in his jump shot, but he plays both sides of the ball very well.

PS: If I’m Gar I want someone with a high upside. I really wouldn’t mind shooting for the stars, some one who has shown flashes but still clearly has room to grow. If guys like Donovan Mitchell or OG Anunoby fall to the Bulls, I’d swoop one of them up ASAP.

Next: CSN Chicago report: Dwyane Wade still weighing decision on player option

BF: Justin Jackson. The kid has incredible upside. Definitely think if he’s there, the Bulls have to grab him. If he’s gone, I honestly also like Luke Kennard. He could bloom into a great NBA shooter and also has underrated playmaking abilities.

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