The Chicago Bulls need to have realistic expectations for the #7 pick
By Luke Askew
The Chicago Bulls have the #7 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. After the success of their last first-round draft pick, it’s important that the expectations for the upcoming draft remain realistic.
Last year, the Chicago Bulls got a steal with Lauri Markkanen at #7 overall. It’s pretty rare that you get a player with All-NBA potential at the #7 spot. With that being said, it’s important that the organization and fan base have realistic expectations with their second consecutive 7th overall pick. It’s possible, but unlikely, that this pick will turn into the talent that Markkanen turned into.
History of the 7th pick
You guys have heard of Stephen Curry, right? He’s perhaps the most famous 7th pick of all time. In 2009, the Minnesota Timberwolves notably passed on Stephen Curry in favor of drafting two other point guards: Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn. That’s considered to be one of the greatest draft mistakes of all time. So hey, it’s possible. Maybe a team will pass on someone this year leaving the Bulls with a future MVP?
Probably not, though.
Out of the last 30, seventh overall picks, only three have been All-Stars at some point in their career. Those three being Steph Curry, Richard Hamilton, and long-time Bull, Luol Deng.
To be fair, Lauri Markkanen is probably going to be an All-Star someday and there’s still hope for former seventh overall picks like Harrison Barnes and Jamal Murray. But the history of the #7 pick isn’t exactly stellar. Many have gone on to have decent and lengthy NBA careers but few have made it to stardom.
Chicago Bulls likely prospects
Obviously, a lot can change come draft night. But as of right now, it’s hard to see the Bulls in a scenario where they take anyone outside of these five players: Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr., Trae Young, Mikal Bridges and Michael Porter Jr.
Like I said, with trades, individual workouts, and players falling lower than projected, a lot of this can change – but those are the safest bets for now.
Sure, some of those guys have the potential to be All-Stars. In fact, I’d say most of them do. If there’s going to be a draft with an All-Star caliber player falling to #7, it’s going to be this draft. It’s one of the deepest drafts in recent memory with seemingly limitless talent at every position.
But even with all that being said, it’s important to remember the history of the #7 overall pick and just how little success is typically found at that spot.
Next: Markkanen selected to NBA All-Rookie First Team
It’s good to have a glass-half-full mentality going into the draft, but it’s also important to keep your expectations realistic. Guys like Lauri Markkanen don’t come around often, especially outside of the top 5.