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Chicago Bulls: Plenty of mystery surrounding the draft

By James Gilmore

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Michael Porter Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Michael Porter Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It’s draft week and the Chicago Bulls will be on the clock at picks No. 7 and No. 22. Will the Bulls take a major stride towards playoff contention?

Thursday’s draft is nearly upon us and there remains a great deal of mystery regarding what the Chicago Bulls will do. Armed with two first round picks, the Bulls have the ammunition to make moves on draft night. Should they move into the top 5 and secure a potential superstar? Is there even a franchise-changing talent in this draft? Maybe the Bulls slide back a few slots and add picks to their reservoir. Whatever happens, the reactions from fans will be swift and loud.

There are plenty of questions entering draft week. The Bulls have a huge hole on the wing, where drafting Michael Porter, Jr. could make an immediate impact. Could Mo Bamba slip to the 7th pick and be the steal of the draft? If not, could Wendell Carter, Jr answer the needs they have in the frontcourt? Of course, the most tantalizing prospect is Oklahoma’s Trae Young. Could Young supplant Kris Dunn in the Bulls’ backcourt? How would a Young-LaVine backcourt function on the court?

The Bulls must come away with a solid contributor at No. 22. They should be able to find talent at No. 22 or package that pick with Justin Holiday, Robin Lopez or Bobby Portis to move up. While the Bulls seem to be higher on Denzel Valentine than I am, I’d love to see him in a trade package here. If they don’t draft Trae Young, maybe Aaron Holiday (Justin’s brother) makes sense here. As a career 42 percent 3-point shooter, he’d be a perfect component to Fred Hoiberg‘s offense. Otherwise, if the Bulls stay at No. 22, I’d love to see Maryland’s Kevin Huerter don a Bulls draft hat. Huerter could fill a need as a shooter off the bench who could play for 12 seasons in the league.

Bulls need to finish Thursday night with a star

After trading Jimmy Butler, the Bulls began the rebuild centered around Lauri Markkanen. Chicago, after a 55 loss season, was aiming to land a top 3 talent in this year’s draft. Instead, unless they trade up,  the Bulls will be hoping that a star falls to them at No. 7. There are scenarios where this could happen, depending on which mock draft you follow. If Bamba is available, the Bulls should leap to grab him. His ceiling is sky high, as is his wingspan. Watching Bamba, he reminds me of Clint Capela with 3-point ability. The Bulls would have their defensive anchor and the perfect compliment to Markkanen on offense. However, it seems that they will most likely need to trade into the top 5 if they want to pair these two together.

If the Bulls knew at this time last year, regardless of pick selection, that they might be in position to draft Porter Jr., they’d be ecstatic. Porter might be the biggest talent in this draft. He’s huge, 6’10” and still growing, and could bring the star power that Chicago fans crave. While a major back injury shouldn’t be ignored, Porter could pair with Markkanen to bring the Bulls into playoff contention sooner rather than later.

Stay away from Trae Young

It’s not that I don’t think Young will be a great scorer in this league, because I do, I’m just not sure of his fit in Chicago. From a basketball standpoint, Young scares me. The Bulls were one of the worst defensive teams last season and a full season of LaVine and Young could be nightmarish. On top of that, there were many nights when Markkanen would barely see the ball. That could become a regular occurrence with Young and LaVine both being ball dominant guards.

While the Bulls may or may not be happy with Dunn, it seems silly to give up on him this soon. I’m not certain he is a championship level point guard, but I’m not sure Young is either. The Bulls have other needs to fill and drafting Young could be a major mistake for this franchise.

Bulls should take a risk at some point in the draft

While I’m not sure there are many transcendent talents in this draft, I do believe there is as much top to bottom talent as there has been in years. I’m not usually a fan of giving up draft picks, but if the Bulls have the ability to package No. 22 with Portis (or even Dunn if they draft Young) they need to do it. I have my eye on two players who will not be available at No. 22, Lonnie Walker and Kevin Knox. I love their athleticism and both can knock down shots. Walker could end up being a strong two-way player in the mold of Jimmy Butler. Knox is one of the most intriguing players in the entire draft. He’s 6’9″ and has some huge upside to his game. There are rumors the Bulls might reach for him at No. 7. I believe that’s too high, but he is trending upward.

The bottom line for the Bulls is this: The tank season didn’t go as planned.

Next: Paul Zipser is unhappy with the Chicago Bulls

There’s no question that the unexpected emergence of Nikola Mirotic sabotaged a few ping pong balls in the lottery. However, the Bulls are still in good position to be successful Thursday night. While the Bulls won’t be bringing in the top overall pick, they still have the opportunity to jump-start this roster. With two first rounders, they have flexibility to maneuver around the board. Let’s see if Bulls fans will be cheering for the picks or igniting a new “Fire GarPax” chant after the draft.

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