The NBA Draft is on Thursday, and the Bulls have been linked to 10 players, who could possibly hear their named called at the No. 22 pick.
NBA.com Bulls beat writer Sam Smith thinks Chicago will draft either a point guard, shooting guard or swing-forward.
Jerian Grant, PG, Notre Dame:
The swing guard who’ll be an NBA point guard is probably a dream pick because he’s ready to play and a playmaker. It’s unlikely he slips as far as No. 22, though after the top 15 there’s always plenty of uncertainty.
Rashad Vaughn, SG, UNLV:
The shooting guard is a favorite of many mock drafts for the Bulls under the theory the Bulls need shooting (though McDermott is better). But as young as he is and already with meniscus surgery doesn’t sound promising to me.
R.J. Hunter, SG, Georgia State:
Most scouts believe he’ll be taken before No. 22, but because he shot poorly from three last season and is thin and wiry from a small school there are some questions. But coach’s son, good shooter, big shot maker. He’d be a nice pickup and could well be there when the Bulls pick. And as it’s said more and more in this NBA as it always has been, you always can use shooting.
Delon Wright, PG, Utah:
He is the mock draft consensus pick for the Bulls (see below) and even my guess for the Bulls back in May on lottery night. He’s a big point guard who can defend, older and mature and who can run a team. There’s a strong chance if he’s there and no one major slips he could be the pick as he makes sense even despite the mock draft experts thinking so as you know we don’t get many correct.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, SF, Arizona:
Not the sort of player you’d figure the Bulls would want, a wing player with a Ronnie Brewer shot. But physical and a heck of an athlete who generally has been slotted by talent in the teens. But because of lack of shooting range could fall into the 20s and then probably tough to pass up with defense and athleticism.
Tyus Jones, PG, Duke:
Probably won’t get to the Bulls given teams just ahead like Houston and Dallas are looking for point guards. But he’s a bit small and just an OK shooter, so he could slip. More the true point guard and floor leader type, poised and with success in big games. He’d be a nice fit to bring along as a solid backup.
Justin Anderson, SF, Virginia:
Another mock draft favorite for the Bulls given his strong shooting ability from long range, good defensive ability on a defensive team and likelihood he will be there. Excellent size for a shooting guard, though considered also a small forward prospect. A lot of the speculation about the Bulls assumes Butler will leave and thus the need for another shooting guard or small forward. But Butler probably will sign at least a sort term deal.
Kelly Oubre, SG, Kansas:
The kind of guy who also might slip given he didn’t play that much, only about 20 minutes per game. If teams with needs like point guards are trying to fill, a swingman like him can fall and would be a fortunate addition as unlikely as it seems with some speculation he could go as high as late lottery. Good size for a small forward with length and a decent shot.
Terry Rozier, PG, Louisville:
One of those typical Rick Pitino players with no certain position, but a great athlete and scoring type. Came in as a smallish shooting guard developing into a point guard, and it’s rare when those guys become actual point guards. Though this is a scoring point guard era. Didn’t help him coming up very small in the tournament and thus perhaps more of a project.
Jarell Martin, PF, LSU:
Some scouts rate him higher than his general bottom of the first round consensus. A prototype power forward unless now that means a stretch four. Just an OK long distance shooter, but strong and quick but short armed which limits shot blocking.
