Chicago Bulls: 2019 NBA Draft big board
24. Bruno Fernando, F/C, Maryland
Bruno Fernando is possibly the top rebounding prospect in this draft and would be a great find for Chicago at the backup center. Although likely out of GarPax’s grasp in the second round, crazier things have happened. Fernando is very similar to Gafford – a grind it out, back to the bucket big man who plays defense and rebounds the basketball. A physical specimen, a team will more than likely scoop up Fernando with a mid to late first-round selection.
25. Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky
Charles Bassey is the Mitchell Robinson of the 2019 NBA Draft. After reclassifying to the class of 2019 and taking his talents to the small Western Kentucky University, Bassey had quite a great season without drawing much mainstream attention. Of the above-listed prospects, Bassey has the most realistic shot to land in the second round and should be considered the best realistic possibility with the Bulls’ second-round pick. His ability to score and rebound along with his high ceiling would be ideal for the rebuilding team in need of a backup center.
26. Cameron Johnson, F, North Carolina
After playing second fiddle to Coby White, Cameron Johnson still had a nice senior season as a Tar Heel. Five years of collegiate basketball could draw red flags for Chicago, however, this could also be very beneficial as it pertains to leadership and a winning attitude developed in his time under Roy Williams. A prolific scorer and three-point shooter, Johnson could be a huge pickup for the Bulls if he slips to round two.
27. Tyler Herro, G, Kentucky
Shooters are players who are always welcomed with open arms in the NBA. Combining this ability with great high school promise, Tyler Herro is a viable option for almost any team in the late first and early second rounds. Despite the fact that Chicago could use a sharpshooter off the bench, his elite ability to knock down the money ball will keep Chicago from selecting him in the second round.
28. Naz Reid, C, Louisiana State
Naz Reid is one of the most exciting prospects in the late first and early second round. As a five-star recruit in the high school class of 2018, Reid had a solid year at LSU as a paint protector and rebounder. Although he does not fit the mold of a modern NBA player.
29. Luguentz Dort, G, Arizona State
Luguentz Dort has been projected to go anywhere from pick twenty to twenty-five, and although his college numbers are nice, he does not fit the modern NBA mold. He is an inefficient scorer in general and at 6’4″ he does not possess great size at the shooting guard position. Dort is a top-thirty prospect simply because of his statistics, but Chicago shouldn’t have to worry about taking him, as he should be off the board by the time the Bulls’ name is called for the second time.
30. Carsen Edwards, G, Purdue
For most teams, Carsen Edwards will not be this high on the draft board. However, the Bulls are not most teams. Edwards’ stock exploded after the NCAA tournament, although he has been a very solid player for Purdue in both his sophomore and junior seasons. Edwards has range and is a volume scorer, however, this volume scoring comes at a very inefficient rate. If the Bulls do not take a point guard in the first round, Edwards should be heavily considered in the second for his high ceiling.