9
Tyrese Haliburton Guard, Iowa State
15.5 points, 6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.6 steals, 0.7 blocks,50% fg, 42% 3pt, 37 mpg
As previously stated, the Chicago Bulls decided to stay put at the trade deadline, meaning that there is still no telling how the Bulls will use this pick. Packaging this with some other asset for an established star could be in play for the Chicago front office, but assuming the team keeps the pick, they will draft a floor general to complete the offense.
Chicago has had serious trouble with their offensive unit, but drafting an elite distributor such as Haliburton could remedy this. The sophomore guard is also one of the better perimeter defenders in the NCAA, which fits perfectly into the Bulls defensive scheme.
After drafting Coby White 7th overall just one year ago, many may be weary of taking another point guard this year. White appears to be more of a scorer than a distributor, leading me to believe that he would be better suited as an off guard.
Perhaps keeping White on the bench and starting Haliburton can help balance the starting and reserve units out more and get Chicago into the playoffs.
Draft Stock Trend: -1
10
Isaac Okoro Forward, Auburn
13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks, 52% fg, 29% 3pt, 32 mpg
Much like Chicago, Sacramento is on the verge of going from one of the great rebuild stories to a complete and utter failure. Although being in the highly-competitive Western Conference does make things more difficult for the Kings, they are clearly missing some kind of star power.
Trading this selection is a very realistic possibility down the road, but for the time being Sacramento will find their small forward of the future in Isaac Okoro. Okoro is a good option for the Kings in that he thrives in transition offense, which the Kings rely on heavily at their best.
As a project player, Okoro will take some time to get adjusted to NBA basketball and to develop his offensive game, but he does have the athleticism and talent to become a high-level NBA player that the Kings so desperately need. Until then, Okoro will serve well as a defensive anchor and hyper-athletic wing to run with De’Aaron Fox.