The Chicago Bulls are stuck in mediocrity. They have made just one playoff appearance in the last seven seasons and were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament in two consecutive years. Ownership deserves the blame, but things are not changing there anytime soon.
Chicago has the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and must find a difference-maker. The Bulls have an eye for talent but have struggled to develop those players. Lauri Markkanen became an All-Star after leaving the Windy City, and fans hope restricted free agent Patrick Williams stays to break out on the Bulls.
This year’s draft does not feature the premier top-end talent but has depth. There is plenty of uncertainty about the order. The Bulls should be in prime position to add a key piece to their roster, but that means avoiding this prospect. Most mock drafts have him going higher. If he falls, Chicago must stay away for several reasons.
Bulls should not select Rob Dillingham in 2024 NBA Draft
Dillingham has dealt with an ankle injury throughout the pre-draft process, which has not helped his stock. It has also not allowed him to alleviate team's concerns about his game. The 6’2 guard had an outstanding lone season at Kentucky, but his draft stock is falling.
If he slips to 11, the Bulls must let him fall further. They do not need another score-first option. Chicago was 22nd in defensive rating last season and would likely slip further with Dillingham. The undersized guard will be hunted and must improve significantly to hold his own defensively.
The Bulls have Zach LaVine, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Alex Caruso in the backcourt. They signed Jevon Carter last summer, and he barely played. There are no available minutes, so why use a lottery selection on a strong offensive point guard with zero versatility? It just does not make sense for the Bulls.
Even if the Bulls create space, Coby White feels like their lead guard of the present and future. The 24-year-old is still years away from his prime and just breaking out. Playing White and Dillingham together would be difficult. Both are negatives on defense, and there is only one ball.
They cannot use the 11th overall pick on a 20-minute per-game reserve point guard. Chicago needs a difference-maker. Someone capable of blossoming into a starter and key contributor.
Rob Dillingham profiles best as a sixth-man bucket-getter on a contending team. He must vastly improve his defense to be more than that, which won’t be easy given his size. It is not just his height. Dillingham weighed just 164.2 lbs. at the combine, which was by far the lightest in this class.
The Chicago Bulls have options in the 2024 NBA Draft, but they cannot select Rob Dillingham. He does not fit and there are serious long-term concerns about his impact in the NBA. If Dillingham falls, Chicago should let him continue sliding. The Bulls should target a wing capable of impacting both ends of the floor, especially if the plan is to make the playoffs soon.
Several enticing options will be available, so Chicago’s front office must nail the selection.