NBA Draft: Who makes sense for Bulls?

Considering the Bulls’ depth in the front court, most draft experts have them going small in the 2015 NBA Draft on Thursday. It’s kinda the trend, you know.

The thinking is the Bulls will look to get a point guard as insurance for the oft-injured Derrick Rose, or a wing player as insurance for free agent Jimmy Butler.

Either way, it would be a surprise if the Bulls drafted big with their selection at No. 22. They have no second-round pick.

As it happens, the draft is deep in guards, so the Bulls may end up filling a need and getting the best player available. Even better news is only a handful of guards are projected to go in the Top 15. The Bulls stand a pretty good chance of getting a solid guard deep in the draft.

However, the 22nd spot hasn’t exactly been a goldmine for prospects. Here are some of the best players taken at No. 22 over the years: Kenneth Faried, Denver, 2011; Jared Dudley, Charlotte, 2007; Jarrett Jack, Denver, 2005; Reggie Lewis, Boston, 1987; and, Scott Skiles, Milwaukee, 1986.

Recognize any of these other 22s? Victor Krhyapa, Zoran Planinic, Casey Jacobsen, Brian Skinner, Ed Gray, George Zidek and Tate George.

Point is, whomever the Bulls take at No. 22 will be hard-pressed to crack the starting lineup, much less contribute on this veteran team.

Of the players that could fall to the Bulls, I see one who can make an immediate impact in the league—Jerian Grant. It’s likely, the four-year player from Notre Dame will be gone by the time the Bulls draft, but if he isn’t, the Bulls should snap him up.

At 6-5, 198, Grant is best suited for the point but can slide over to a wing. He gets out on the break well and shoots above average. He reminds me a lot of Dwyane Wade when he came out of Marquette in that he’s elusive and gets to any spot on the floor. Few in the draft have as good a basketball pedigree; his dad (Harvey), uncle (Horace) and brother (Jerami) all played in the NBA.

From DraftExpress:

At 6-5, Grant has tremendous size for a point guard, which allows him to see over the top of defenses and get his shot off almost whenever he pleases. He’s an underrated athlete, showing a very quick first step and the ability to change speeds fluidly, even if he possesses just an average frame and isn’t terribly explosive from a vertical standpoint.

Delon Wright, Tyus Jones, Rashad Vaughn, R.J. Hunter and Grant could be on the board when the Bulls pick, but Grant is the most NBA complete of the group.

Wright, 6-5, would be most similar to Grant in size and skill and is more likely to be available.

If the Bulls are looking for a true point guard, then the 6-2 Jones would fit that role. And, if new coach Fred Hoiberg is looking for a shooter, Hunter is the one. Vaughn, 18, has the most upside but it might take some time.

Even if the Bulls have to trade up a few spots, for my money Grant is the guy.

Please enable Javascript to watch this videoHere’s who others have the Bulls drafting:

Chicago Sun-Times: Delon Wright

Sam Smith, Bulls.com: R.J. Hunter

N.Y. Post: Delon Wright

Sporting News: Delon Wright

Sports Illustrated: Delon Wright

L.A. Times: Justin Anderson

Yahoo! Sports: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

ESPN: Delon Wright

NBA Draftnet: Justin Anderson

DraftExpress: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson