3 dynamic prospects Bulls should trade up for in 2022 NBA Draft

Jeremy Sochan has been likened to many as a Draymond Green-esque presence on the defensive side of things. While that’s certainly hard praise to live up to, it’s not entirely unfounded. Sochan has the makings of a defensive genius with his ability to disrupt offensive schemes and create opportunities through stout defense and turnovers.

Not only is Sochan a terrific on-ball defender who has the strength to fight through screens, but he’s elite off-ball as well. Sochan’s lateral quickness is impressive for his build, allowing him to read defenses and intercept passing lanes with ease. He looks like he’ll be a fantastic help defender in the NBA as well, something the Bulls are sorely lacking on the interior.

With the ability to play either forward position or serve as a small-ball 5, his versatility is something many teams will value as they get a closer look in private workouts. Consistently mocked in the late lottery over the past few months, it would not shock me to see Sochan rocket up big boards everywhere leading up to the draft.

Perhaps the Draymond comparisons are adequate after all, considering Sochan struggled from 3-point range as a freshman at Baylor. Sochan shot 29.6% from deep and 58.9% from the free throw line in college. These splits certainly don’t inspire much confidence, and may ultimately prevent Sochan from receiving any consideration in the top half of the lottery.

That being said, Sochan displayed a propensity for making the right play more often than not, and I believe he has the work ethic to become at least an adequate floor spacer. He could immediately join a new team and provide value in a role similar to what Javonte Green did for the Bulls this year. Though if he reaches his full potential, Sochan could be a dynamic game-changer for any championship contender.

If the reports are true that the Bulls are attempting to make a trade for a defensive wing such as Matisse Thybulle, perhaps targeting someone like Sochan may be a better and more cost-controlled option to pursue.