Each day until the 2025 NBA Draft, Pippen Ain't Easy will profile one prospect who makes sense as a fit for the Bulls in either the first or second round. These players could fill a need, such as on-ball defense or rim protection, or could fit an archetype that Chicago lacks on its current roster, like an athletic big man or 3-and-D wing.
It's not a commonplace for the Chicago Bulls to draft collegiate seniors. The last time Chicago selected a senior, Fred Hoiberg was the head coach, and the Bulls finished 13th in the Eastern Conference. That was 2018, when the Bulls selected Boise State's Chandler Hutchison with the 22nd overall pick.
However, the times they are a-changin' and drafting seniors, even graduate seniors, is the new norm. Just last year, 18 seniors were selected in the NBA Draft, including 10 "super seniors," who played five seasons in the NCAA. Seven of the 10 super seniors were notably drafted in the second round.
The NBA has become increasingly reliant on second-rounders to make an early impact. Thus, the age of prioritizing collegiate veterans is upon us. Speaking of well-accomplished collegiate hoopers, look no further than Villanova's Eric Dixon, college basketball's leading scorer.
Eric Dixon's scouting report
Dixon averaged 23.3 points per game for the Wildcats in his fifth collegiate season. He finished his college career as Villanova's all-time leading scorer with 2,314 points. Dixon also suited up for the most contests in Wildcat history, appearing in 162 games.
The 24-year-old is well-traveled, having played for legendary Jay Wright, and alongside numerous NBA players such as Collin Gillespie, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Cam Whitmore. He's played against steep competition in the Big East while improving his game, year by year.
Offense
Dixon went from averaging 3.0 points in 8.2 minutes per game as a freshman to 23.3 points in 34.8 minutes per game as a graduate senior. His linear progression saw a year-to-year uptick in field goals, three-pointers, free throws, you name it. Dixon improved his game every season on campus.
The 6-foot-8 forward has morphed into a well-versed, three-level scorer. He shot 48.3 percent from the floor on twos, 40.7 percent on threes, and 81.3 percent on free throws. Dixon's volume wasn't light either. He attempted 9.8 two-pointers, 7.2 triples, and 6.1 freebies per contest. The super senior did it all, and did so with elite efficiency.
Working from the inside out, Dixon is a bruising, below-the-rim finisher with shades of Julius Randle to his game. At 6-foot-8 and 260 pounds, Dixon was an unstoppable force at the collegiate level. He'd routinely keep defenders at bay by bumping and bullying his way to the rim. Although he favors his dominant hand, he's no less comfortable finishing with his right or even shooting a righty hook.
While a bit undersized relative to his so-so athletic testing, Dixon is a smart finisher who's incredibly patient and utilizes the shot fake to his advantage. His understanding of timing and positioning is tremendous, and rightfully so, having perfected his craft for five years at Villanova.
In an era focused on dunks and threes, Dixon displayed a vast offensive repertoire, which included post-ups and mid-range jumpers. He's a rare triple-threat, face-up player who utilizes plenty of jab-steps, pump-fakes, and step-throughs to score. Dixon is comfortable shooting floaters, push-shots, turnarounds, and fadeaways in the mid-range.
Perhaps his most translatable skill is his spot-up three. As a potential second-rounder, Dixon won't be tasked with putting the ball on the deck and making something out of nothing quite often. He'll surely be tasked with standing pat and launching triples, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Dixon ranked in the 93rd percentile in catch-and-shoot effective field goal percentage. At the NBA Combine, he tied for the lead with 20 of 25 spot-up makes. With consistent mechanics, a high-release point, and deep range, Dixon is an ideal spot-up weapon in the NBA.
Where Dixon struggled offensively is as a playmaker. He averaged more turnovers than assists per game in all five seasons at Villanova. He's definitely more of an "out of necessity" passer rather than an anticipatory one. The 24-year-old is by no means a black-hole, but passing certainly isn't a strong suit, nor is creative ball-handling.
Defense
Dixon's offensive versatility is easily translatable to the NBA, but the same cannot be said of his defense. Although his athletic limitations are exaggerated, his defensive fit in the pros is a huge question mark.
Dixon never once averaged over a steal or block per game collegiately. The most steals he racked up in any season were 28, whereas blocks were merely 21. He's physical and understands positioning, yet isn't rangy or explosive enough to jump passing lanes or deter shots.
The Villanova product's best defensive skill will be his rebounding ability. His propensity to haul rebounds went by the wayside as he evolved into an alpha scorer, but he averaged 6.4 boards per game as a sophomore in right around 25 minutes per contest. Expect Dixon's glass-cleaning efforts to stand out in a less-taxing role in the NBA.
Still, there's reason to be concerned about Dixon's fit on defense in the switch-happy, perimeter-oriented NBA. He's not tall enough to defend the plodding centers. Neither is he laterally quick to defend opposing forwards. Dixon is a tried and true power forward whose defensive versatility is severely limited.
Eric Dixon's fit with the Chicago Bulls
Dixon doesn't fit the 3-and-D wing or athletic big man archetype. He's not a frenetic on-ball defender, and he doesn't deter shots near and around the rim. But unlike many of the Bulls' recent draftees, he's a well-rounded offensive threat capable of making an immediate impact.
At 24 years old, Dixon is older than Patrick Williams, who's seen nearly 7,500 minutes of action in his five-year career. There will forever be resistance to drafting super seniors who may have already hit their ceilings. On the flip side, there's not a long list of 6-foot-8 forwards to average 23 points per game in one of college basketball's better conferences.
Late in the second round, Dixon figures to be one of the safer bets. His offensive skill set will seamlessly translate, even if he doesn't get as many post-up or off-the-dribble reps in the NBA. Moreover, his weaknesses are well-established. Dixon's lack of defensive versatility won't suddenly bewilder any coaching staff one day.
That's what makes older prospects appealing, but at the same time off-putting. Their strengths and weaknesses are well known before they enter the NBA. As a more-than-capable catch-and-shoot marksman who can put the ball on the floor in a pinch, Dixon would fit right into Billy Donovan's space and pace offense.
Chicago wouldn't have to worry as much about Dixon's maturation, as he's already 260 pounds—he'd be the second-heaviest on the team. If the Bulls select a young guard or big with the 12th pick, Dixon would make for a reliable second-round selection at 45.
For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out Pippen Ain't Easy's Chicago Bulls draft page. A new prospect's scouting report will be added daily.