The Chicago Bulls should trade down in the 2018 Draft
Lonnie Walker and Robert Williams would be nice additions for a Chicago team that lacks in young talent at the shooting guard and center positions.
The ping pong balls didn’t bounce our way as we ended up with the 7th for a consecutive year. I would not be against moving up in the draft if that means we can draft a potential star but otherwise I don’t like our position at 7. It comes down to 2 prospects; Mikal Bridges and Michael Porter. Mikal Bridges is a sure thing and Michael Porter Jr. possesses a bevy of potential. If Chicago doesn’t fall in love either prospect, they should consider trading down to draft two young talents.
Trade
Bulls’ Number 7 pick for Clippers’ number 12 and number 13 pick
Lonnie Walker
Lonnie Walker is an intriguing prospect that we can snag at number 12. A lot of people prefer making the Donovan Mitchell comparison, but that’s a lazy comparison for a guy who’s only similarity to Mitchell is his draft slot. Walker is way more raw and won’t come in and produce 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists like Mitchell has for Utah.
Nonetheless, I see a lot of Randy Foye offensively. The main ability he has to improve upon is his ability to play point guard. At 6’4’’, he’s not exactly an intimidating presence for a shooting guard. He has refined handles that should allow him to eventually slide down to the 1.
Yet he wasn’t a dynamic passer at Miami, dishing a weak 2.7 assists per 40 minutes. Given a point guard role in the Summer League, Walker should concentrate on his creativity in the pick and roll and feeding it to the post. He has a feel for the game, turning the ball over only 1.7 times.
He constantly maintains an aggressive mindset on offense. Always looking to attack the rim and with an explosive first step, he could beat virtually anyone off the dribble. Although he does has a 6’11’’ wingspan, his frame isn’t exactly built, only tipping the scales at 200 pounds.
He shows some promise as a shooter but definitely is a question mark from deep. Lonnie has a quirky form but still maintained a 34.6% shot from behind the arc. He may have to fix his form as its a tad mechanical and slow moving.
Even though his arms are freakishly long, he doesn’t use them to his advantage enough. He still has a lot to learn defensively. Often, he is caught sleeping on help-side knowing that his wingspan can make up for lack of effort. If he puts in 100% effort he can be all defensive first-teamer, garnering an abundance of blocks and steals.
Take into consideration he only started 18 out of 32 games. Stepping into a larger role since Bruce Brown’s foot injury, Walker averaged 12.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 12 games. He shot an abysmal 39% from the field and 31.6% but that was expected with a Miami team desperate for a go-to scorer.
Hoopshype Alex Kennedy interviewed Walker, who seems ready to fulfill expectations, “I feel that I can be a franchise player. I feel that I have what it takes, whether it’s offensively or defensively. I can score with the best of them and I can guard the best players in my respective area.”
He’s not exactly ready to be a go-to scorer like Donovan Mitchell but give him time and he could be a solid impact player on both ends of the floor.
Robert Williams
Robert Williams is a master rim protector. He swatted shots at a rate of 5.7 times per 40 minutes, more than Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mo Bamba. Williams’ Defensive rating was insane last year at 90.2. And with a 7’6’’ wingspan, he will have the third longest arms in the draft.
One of the most efficient players last year which reminds of Clint Capela. Given a limited role, he can produce a ton.
He didn’t improve on the offensive end as much as expected, producing less points, offensive rebounds, and free throw shooting. His post moves aren’t especially refined, getting most his points off pick and rolls and alley-oops. Not to mention, he dropped in offensive win shares by 0.5. Will he ever be a dynamic center or will he have an energetic center, Javale Mcgee-type role off the bench?
Look at him rock the rim with this vicious windmill against North Carolina.
Has a knack for defending guards, deftly switching onto them in pick and roll situations.
Robert would ultimately fit well next to offensively inclined Markkanen, manning the post while Lauri runs around the outside looking for a deep shot.
Lonnie Walker and Robert Williams would be nice additions for a Chicago team that lacks in young talent at the shooting guard and center positions. Even if we don’t trade down Chicago should take a look at these two players.