One of the biggest misses and what-ifs in Bulls draft history 10 years later
By Alex Johnson
Reaction to the trade and the draft in 2014
The Bulls went with the proven college product that fit one of the glaring needs for the team. At the time, the pick made sense. ESPN Chad Ford graded the draft an A for the Bulls, but also highlighted the underlying question.
"He's a home run for the Bulls at No. 11. I'm not sure how Tom Thibodeau will feel about McDermott's defense, but offensively, he's perfect for the Bulls." -Chad Ford
However, Kevin Pelton with ESPN had a much different take on the trade and draft. Pelton gives the Bulls a grade of a D for the trade. Pelton Recognizes that they paid too much to move up for the 11th pick. He noted that it was likely the Bulls made the move to save money. Shocker.
Pelton gave the Nuggets an A for the trade as they acquired two players they were after. Jusuf Nurkic (#16) and Gary Harris (#16) have been solid NBA players. Throw in the fact they drafted Nikola Jokic with the 41st pick and that and the Nuggets had a draft that would change the trajectory of the franchise.
2014-2015 Season
McDermott was a non-factor as Tom Thibedou prioritized veterans and defense. The season was fairly successful even without notable production from McDermott. The Bulls were able to use the amnesty clause to rid themselves of the Boozer contract and turned that into signing Pau Gasol. They were also able to add shooting with European hideaway in Nikola Mirotic. They got 52 games out of Derrick Rose and the Bulls marched to a 50-win season.
They would face, arch-nemesis, LeBron James and the Cavaliers in the second round of the playoffs. A valiant effort by the club, but they would succomb to James and Co. in a tough six games series after being ahead 2-1. Surprisingly even after having a largely successful year, this would be the last game Tom Thibedou would coach for the the Chicago Bulls. The GarPax regime decided it was time to move in a different direction. Unfortunately, they did not know which way they wanted to head. The 2014-15 season was the last time the Bulls were truly relevant in the NBA.
But how does it look 10 years later?