It’s report-card time for Bulls GM Gar Forman and his first-round drafts

Whether it’s a pump fake to get a defender airborne for a blow-by or a last-second jump-pass to find a better option, a good shooter always leaves himself an out.

Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson obviously still can shoot it. He spoke to individual media outlets 10 days ago and made more than a few headlines.

But buried in all the talk about coach Jim Boylen’s job security and the idea of staying the course with the roster was a somewhat vague quote: ‘‘What’s fair to say is if we stay consistent in how we’re working, Jim and the staff, and the players are working to get better, then I think it has to get better. If it doesn’t, then that allows me an opportunity to weigh a lot of different things.’’

There was the pump fake. There was Paxson’s out.

Yes, the ship still will sail, but any and all cargo is expendable if the Bulls continue taking on water.

The ongoing question is whether that includes general manager Gar Forman. From president and chief operating officer Michael Reinsdorf on down, the belief throughout the organization is that Forman’s biggest strength is how he has done on draft day.

But 32 games into the third season of the Bulls’ rebuild, what exactly has Forman done with the first-round picks still on the roster?

2016

Denzel Valentine

Swingman, 14th overall

Still a ’tweener, Valentine has found a role off the bench, giving the Bulls a three-point threat they sorely need. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, however, and there are serious questions about the Bulls keeping him. The 2016 draft was a relatively weak class overall, with more misses than hits for most of the league.

Key players drafted after Valentine: Caris LeVert (20th), Dejounte Murray (29th).

Forman’s grade: Considering where the Bulls were picking and the lack of impact players overall, give him a B-.

2017

Lauri Markkanen

Forward, seventh overall

The Bulls were supposed to have the 16th pick, but that changed when they traded Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves and grabbed Markkanen with the seventh pick they received in a package that also included Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn. Markkanen has been inconsistent this season but still has a chance to be a foundation piece for the rebuild.

Key players drafted after Markkanen: Donovan Mitchell (13th), Kyle Kuzma (27th).

Forman’s grade: Selecting Markkanen with the seventh pick was a no-brainer, but it still was a very good choice. Forman gets an A-.

2018

Wendell Carter Jr.

Center, seventh overall

Chandler Hutchison

Forward, 22nd overall

It’s hard to overlook that Luka Doncic and Trae Young went before Carter, especially knowing both could have solved the Bulls’ point-guard dilemma for the next decade. There were rumors that the Bulls and Mavericks were talking trade leading up to that draft, but it never happened.

Key players drafted after Carter: Collin Sexton (eighth) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11th).

Key players drafted after Hutchison: Aaron Holiday (23rd) and Landry Shamet (26th).

Forman’s grade: It’s hard to quibble much with Carter, but Hutchison is still a head-scratcher. Give Forman a B-.

2019

Coby White

Guard, seventh overall

‘‘Green Light’’ White has had some memorable rookie moments, but the Bulls sold him as a point guard on draft day. If he can’t make the transition to that spot, it might prove to be a major miscalculation.

Key players drafted after White: P.J. Washington (12th) and Tyler Herro (13th).

Forman’s grade: It’s early, but considering what some of the other rookies are doing, Forman gets a B.