The Chicago Bulls should target Brandon McCoy with the 22nd Pick
Brandon McCoy is an interesting prospect for the Chicago Bulls with the 22nd pick. Here is an in-depth analysis of his 2018 NBA draft potential.
In Brandon McCoy’s first game against real competition, he showcased a wide array of potential. His opponent, Deandre Ayton was not ready for what was in store. McCoy dropped a surprising 33 points and 10 rebounds on the Wildcats. Ayton simply looked outmatched by the taller Mccoy, who drew fouls under the basket and had a few vicious slams. It was a throwback pound it in the paint battle.
The vital difference between the two players is one is a surefire top-2 pick and the other is a mid to late first round value. What separates the two players?
Brandon’s defense is a cause for concern, never settling in a low defensive stance. Nonetheless, he is a true 7-footer with a 7’2’’ wingspan, erasing shots 2.5 times per 40 minutes.
A faceup center who is obsessed with slipping after setting screens, he expects a 17 foot jump shot or a wide open lane to throw down a dunk.
He avoids contact, always looking for his Lamarcus Aldridge-esque fadeaway. McCoy thrives in isolation situations on the block and utilizes the backboard well. He needs to escape double teams better, often falling backward leading to a turnover or contested prayer. Although he is adept around the basket with either hand.
He really hasn’t grown into his body yet. He employs sloppy footwork and is vastly incompetent in using his large frame to dominate ample defenders in the restricted area.
McCoy thrives in isolation situations on the block and utilizes the backboard often. He has a certain fixation on scoring, avoiding passes to teammates when driving to the rim, averaging a paltry 0.7 assists per 40 minutes.
He is an absolute work horse on the glass, producing 14.4 rebounds per 40 minutes. His defensive and offensive rebound percentage ranked 2 and 3 respectively in the Mountain West.
Named 1 of the 25 on the Wooden Award watch list at midseason, expectations were sky high headed into conference play. But he didn’t step up as expected. It begs the question to whether Brandon McCoy is a potential choice for the 22nd overall pick.
Nevertheless, he put up an unbelievable 11 20-point games on the season.
Which Brandon McCoy are we drafting?
Alas, 3 out of those 11 games came in games against mid-majors; Florida A&M, Rice, and Pacific. Another one was against Illinois (who we may as well be a mid-major at this point).
His numbers dipped in conference play, producing 15.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in 29.2 minutes. He put up less than 10 points 5 times in the second half of the season against the likes of Air Force, New Mexico, Colorado State, Nevada, and San Diego State. Yikes.
While he blocked shots at about the same rate, he often took himself out of possession to do so. Entailing, his defensive rating jumped an absurd 7.7 points in the MWC. If the Bulls pick a perimeter player in the lottery, chances are they will target a rim protector later. Is McCoy a potent rim protector?
There are no days off in the NBA, especially for a rookie with something to prove. Teams will be concerned about his second half struggles thus he will be available by the 22nd selection. Will the Bulls take a chance on the 7-foot project? No doubt, McCoy needs to acquire a chip on his shoulder quick or he could find himself stacking up substantial time in the D-League.
The Chicago Bulls should keep an eye on him as the draft approaches.