As the tank race continues, it seems like the Bulls are on the outside looking in.
While Chicago’s tanking effort has gone well, other teams have been even better at being bad. This leaves the Bulls projected with the 8th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. This is not a terrible pick, but in such a lean draft class, it feels like it won’t suffice Chicago’s rebuilding process.
One plus for the Bulls is they have another first round pick along with their own. They acquired the Pelicans first-rounder in the Nikola Mirotic trade. That pick is currently projected 21st overall, well past where Chicago would like it to be. However, having two first-round picks, but wanting a better one, may not be such a bad situation. Is there any scenario (or reason to) for the Bulls to try to use those picks to trade up in the 2018 draft?
Are their current picks good enough for the Bulls?
Having draft selections 8th and 17th overall definitely is not a bad thing. The Bulls are in full rebuild mode, and getting young assets from these picks would be good for Chicago. With that being said, are those two picks strong enough to head into the draft with?
If they end up with the 8th overall pick, there is a chance there will still be some great talent left. They are currently projected to draft Texas freshman Mohamed Bamba. Bamba is averaging 13 points, 10 assists, and 4 blocks per game, and could instantly become the rim protector Chicago needs.
If the Bulls decide to add offensive firepower instead, it looks like Miles Bridges and Mikal Bridges will still be on the board. Adding scoring wing-threats is chore Chicago needs to address, and both these players would be strong additions.
On the flip side, New Orleans’ pick is not looking too hot. It is already 21st overall, and is climbing due to Anthony Davis’ incredible play as of late. The draft is not very deep, and by the 21st pick, the talent is considerably lower. While the 8th pick may still yield a quality player, the 17th pick suggest the Bulls should be looking to move up in the draft.
Who would be willing to trade back and allow the Bulls to move up in the draft?
One problem with this hypothetical situation are those other tanking teams. Almost every other team ahead of them in the draft is looking to rebuild as well. So, who would even be willing to trade picks with Chicago, and move back in the draft?
If they have indication LeBron is staying in Cleveland, maybe the Cavaliers would be. They would be able to acquire the Bulls two picks, and would only have to add role players to surround LeBron. The current problem is that Cleveland’s pick is only one spot better than the Bulls 8th overall pick. This trade would only be plausible if the Nets (whose pick the Cavs own) gain ground and get a much better pick.
It is hard to see any other team ahead of Chicago in the draft trading back. The Suns, Hawks, Mavs, Kings, Magic, and Grizzlies all need a star player out of this draft as well. Maybe there is some 3-team trade that could benefit all teams, but at this point, that is unlikely.
If somehow the Bulls do move up, how high should they be willing to go, and whom do they draft?
Let’s play along and act as if Chicago does have the choice to move up a few slots in the draft order. Who do they select? Well, as of now, I believe the only way trading up will be worth it is if they are able to select Michael Porter Jr. Porter was one highest touted player coming out of high school this year, and was projected to be the top pick before he ever played in college.
Next: Fred Hoiberg has two more years left on his contract. What does the future hold for him?
However, after a back injury that kept him all year, his stock fell (just barely). Now, projected as the 3rd overall pick, teams will be cautious to select him due to his injury and time off. Regardless, the Bulls should do all they can to select the 6’10 forward. MPJ is thought to be one of the best pure scorers in recent draft history. That is exactly what the Bulls need.