Chicago Bulls: 2019 NBA Draft big board
15. Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
Another weak position in this draft, alongside point guard, is center. Chicago should feel lucky that it snagged its big man of the future in last year’s draft. Jaxson Hayes is very similar to other former Texas center Jarrett Allen, who has turned out to be a great mid-first round pick for Brooklyn. Hayes is purely a defensive player at this moment, and will look to improve his offensive game if he wishes to make an impact at the professional level. As the best healthy center available, he is likely to be a top-ten selection in June. He would serve as a great backup center for the long-term in Chicago, but although far from impossible, it is unlikely that Chicago takes centers top ten in back-to-back drafts.
16. P.J. Washington, F, Kentucky
P.J. Washington has an extremely high ceiling at the power forward position and could turn out to be a great value in the 15-25 range, which appears out of Chicago’s area in both the first and second rounds. A top recruit in the high school class of 2017, Washington opted to stay in Lexington for a second season, which turned out to be a great decision for the big man. With a three-point shot added to his game, Washington is a great mix of a modern and traditional power forward.
17. Kevin Porter Jr., G, Southern California
At one time, Kevin Porter was projected to be a top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and drew comparisons to James Harden with his elite scoring ability. A bad first half of the season and a bounce-back second half ruined his chances of being a top-ten pick, but some team is going to get some serious value in Porter. The guard would be an ideal addition to the Bulls’ bench repertoire, although taking him top-five or him being available in the second round is unlikely.
18. Sekou Doumbouya, F, France
As the top international prospect in the class, Doumbouya’s potential is unreal. His physical build and skill set as a modern power forward are enticing, however, he is a massive risk to take with a first round pick. Doumbouya will likely spend his entire rookie season in the G-League and maybe even his sophomore year. This risk may be too great to take for Chicago in the lottery, but if he were to somehow slide to the second round (highly unlikely) he could be a great project.
19. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Virginia Tech
As a combo guard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker could find a role in just about NBA organization, with Chicago as no exception. His ability to score and distribute is very underrated, while he also plays very well on the defensive side of the floor. Alexander-Walker figures to be a top-twenty selection in June and is a safe pick for a solid role player in the NBA.
20. Daniel Gafford, F/C, Arkansas
As one of the best high school recruits to take his talents to the University of Arkansas in some time, Daniel Gafford did not disappoint. As a very traditional grit-and-grind big man, Gafford’s type seems to be diminishing in today’s game, but this is not to say there is no place for players such as him. Gafford would be a very welcomed bench piece in Chicago if he were to fall to the early second round, as his ability to play both frontcourt positions would solve multiple problems in Chicago long-term.
21. K.Z. Okpala, F, Stanford
K.Z. Okpala is another prospect who could turn out to be a huge steal. At 6’9″ and the ability to shoot the basketball at a high level, Okpala is in the mold of Kevin Durant. Although not nearly the prospect Durant was, their similarities are similar. It is unlikely, but possible that Okpala falls to round two. If he does, Chicago needs to jump on him.
23. Grant Williams, F, Tennessee
As a consensus All-American, Grant Williams was a top player in the nation last season on one of the best teams in basketball. Williams is a bit too undersized to play power forward at the NBA level and does not possess nearly the athleticism that fellow undersized four Zion Williamson does. Nonetheless, Williams’ resume speaks for itself and he is able to do just about everything on the basketball court at a high level. Ranging anywhere from a top-25 pick to the second round, Williams could be a value find for the Bulls with the Memphis pick.