Three more prospects the Chicago Bulls should target in the draft
This is an in-depth analysis of three prospects the Chicago Bulls should target if our pick falls later in the lottery. Entailing upsides, downsides, and fit.
To clarify, these are 3 additional guys I think most fit on our team as viable lottery options.
The player comparisons represent my opinion on the ceiling and floor of the specified prospect.
6. Michael Porter Jr.
Player Comparison
Paul George/Caron Butler
The number 2 prospect in the 2017 recruiting class according to ESPN has a plethora of potential. You may have read my scouting report of Michael Porter Jr. at the McDonald’s All-American Game. Porter Jr. sat out all but 3 games in his freshman season.
Upsides
Porter Jr. is a natural-born scorer, with the tenacity to take over games all by himself. He runs off screens with determination, knowing when to curl and when to fade for a three-pointer.
Michael has otherworldly athleticism, with the ability to jump an insane 44 inches off the ground. He uses this athleticism to twist and turn in the air as to avoid bigger defenders. Porter Jr. is special in transition, cutting to the basket with persistence.
He is extremely quick for a lanky forward, able to beat almost anyone off the dribble. I would like to see him play the 4 because he can get to the rim against 4’s on practically any possession.
Downsides
Porter Jr. can be lethargic on defense, constantly allowing opponents beat him off the dribble. He is not necessarily filled out, weighing in at a slender 215 pounds.
Porter Jr. really struggles at putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball which top small forwards in the league excel at.
Fit with the Bulls
Porter Jr. would fit well with Markkanen offensively but his defense would provide little to the 28th ranked defensive team in the league. Also, Porter Jr.’s back injury could be a cause for concern, as he stated “I knew coming in I wasn’t 100 percent, more 65-70,” in his debut with Missouri.
By combine workouts hopefully scouts will be able to ascertain whether he is a future Bull. His exceedingly high ceiling certainly has fans chomping at the bit to see Porter Jr. on the back of a Chicago jersey.
7. Marvin Bagley
Player Comparison
Amar’e Stoudemire/Kenneth Faried
Marvin Bagley is a name you have heard before, having been a highly touted prospect for years now. His build reminds many of Chris Bosh but his game is on a whole other spectrum. While Bosh was a shooter, Bagley’s game mostly consists of hustle and rebounding.
Upsides
Bagley produces highlights every game worthy for the Sportscenter Top 10. Throw a lob near the rim and Bagley will appear out of thin air and explode to the rim. He makes fans stand out of their seats with his vintage two handed back-scratching slam.
He runs akin to a gazelle in the open court. Bagley also comprises special open-court dribbling, often tricking defenders by dumping it off to a teammate at the last moment.
He does have a natural stroke though and with three point specialist Hoiberg at the helm, maybe he can teach Bagley a thing or two about knocking down shots.
Downsides
What is Bagley great at? He seems to check each box but not necessarily dominate in one.
Marvin is a thin 235 pounds, often getting bullied on the block. He will not be setting brick wall screens for his teammates, which all 4’s and 5’s must be able to do.
He isn’t an offensive wizard quite yet, lacking post moves to control the paint and handles that would allow him to slide down to the 3.
Fit with the Bulls
He would work wonders for Kris Dunn in the pick and roll but I don’t really see him as a center thus would not be a great fit adjoining Markkanen. Nonetheless, Bagley has that ‘it factor’, he walks in the gym and there is a certain presence felt. The Bulls really have not had that guy since Derrick Rose. For that reason, Bagley may be donning a Bulls hat come June 21st.
8. Trae Young
Player Comparison
Mohamed Abdul Rauf/D’Angelo Russell
The supposed second coming of Stephen Curry is by far the most polarizing prospect in this draft. As a dominating college player, the essential question remains; Will he make a Jimmer or Kemba-type impact at the next level? What really scares away many scouts is his declining play in the second half of the season.
Upsides
Undeniably, Trae Young fits the billing of the modern NBA point guard. He really is a relentless scorer and able passer who is creative in the pick and roll. Off a screen, he either threads the needle or utilizes a hesitation to a step back three-pointer.
With a 6’4’’ wingspan, he doesn’t have long arms but still shows some defensive awareness, producing 1.9 steals per 40 minutes.
Certainly, Young will easily carry over his three point shooting skills to the NBA. Everyone has seen him hitting ridiculous threes but what are his struggles?
Downsides
Once teams started to run him off the line, Young looked like a deer in the headlights. Curry, Kyrie, Russ, have a unified ability to finish at the rim which Young does not possess. He often is stifled by taller or more athletic competition.
Defensively, he let up 108.1 points per 100 possessions, which is not good at the college level and will prove atrocious at the next level.
Trae shot under 33% from behind the arc in conference play, but still found other ways to score, albeit at an inefficient rate. He possessed a substantial turnover problem losing the ball 6.1 times per game in conference play. When doubled, he chose contested shots over passing to an open teammate. Plays like this simply will not translate to an NBA offense where turnovers often mean points for the other team.
Next: 5 prospects the Bulls should target in the draft
Young will not be able to play the 2. He has a low release point so he will struggle getting the ball over longer defenders.
3. If the Bulls think Kris Dunn really can’t fix his jump shot, then Trae Young can be a consummate fit for a fast paced offense. Whilst the Bulls hit the 10th most threes, we ranked 20th in three point percentage. Adding a knockdown shooter will only increase dexterity from behind the arc. Young will need to demonstrate offensive control and hit the gym for the Bulls to take a chance on him. In the end, this would definitely prove a talent-based pick and not a fit-based one.