Chicago Bulls Draft Options
Breaking down who the Bulls met with at the NBA Combine
The NBA draft is always a crucial time for teams, especially a team searching for an identity like the Chicago Bulls. Teams try to find that player that fits perfectly into their system and plays consistently. That’s why these recruits try to show off their valuable skills to make a name for themselves at the NBA Combine.
The Bulls were very active this year during the NBA Combine, meeting with almost seven recruits in a busy five days. However, they did not commit to focusing on a certain kind of player, meeting with both back-to-the-basket big men and small, young sharpshooters as well. This variety showcases their lack of direction and idea of where to go from here. Here is a description of each player in which the Bulls have showed interest and met during the combine:
Zach Collins (C, Gonzaga) 7-foot-0, 232 pounds:
Coming off a freshman year averaging 10 points and six rebounds per game, Collins proved he can be a dominant post-up scorer and a great defender. Many experts also classify Collins as a lock to be a lottery pick. However, he did not participate in every drill in the combine, and therefore, some measurements and skills have not been tested or seen yet. If GarPax want to build up their front court instead of finding young shooters and Collins is still on the board, they will definitely be upgrading and improving their young front court. The Bulls have even been rumored to be exploring trades to move up specifically for Zach Collins.
Comparison: Cody Zeller
De’Aaron Fox (PG, Kentucky) 6-foot-2, 170 pounds:
It is reported that the Chicago Bulls met with the SEC tournament MVP and top-five projected pick at the NBA Combine on Friday. In a guard-loaded draft, Fox is being overlooked. This year, he averaged 16.7 points and 4.6 assists per game to lead Kentucky’s fiery offense. One stat that stands out in his averages is his foul shooting. Fox made it to the free throw line 5.9 times per game, showcasing how relentlessly Fox drove to the basket. That’s exactly what the Bulls need in a point guard. Fox also showed off his consistency, shooting 47 percent from the field his freshman season. If they do not trade up, there is no way the Bulls will be able to steal Fox. However, if they decide to pull the trigger on a trade, De’Aaron Fox would become the sixth and best point guard on a confusing roster.
Comparison: Eric Bledsoe without a shot
Jarrett Allen (C, Texas) 6-foot-10, 234 pounds:
If the Bulls want to get bigger and improve their front court, the best and most realistic option is Jarrett Allen from Texas. Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress said he thinks Jarrett Allen might be, “the most physically intriguing” player in this draft. The freshman rim protector blocked 1.5 blocks per game this year while also grabbing 8.4 rebounds per game, which showed his defensive capability. Allen has all the physical tools and defensive upside to succeed in this league, and it will come down to if he is there for the 16th pick in the draft.
Comparison: Poor man’s Myles Turner
Edmond Sumner (PG, Xavier) 6-foot-5, 176 pounds:
After coming off a torn ACL in the middle of Xavier’s season, Sumner came to the NBA Combine to turn some heads because he is projected as a low second round pick. In the Xavier sophomore’s short season, Sumner averaged 15 points per game, but shot only 27 percent from 3-point range. The bad 3-point percentage is concerning for a team lacking long-range success. Sumner also averaged 2.8 turnovers a game when he played, which puts his production in question and must be problematic for the Bulls. Coming off an ACL tear is a very hard thing to do because it affects one’s whole mobility on the court. The injury is surely a factor in why Sumner is not highly ranked. Sumner is also not projected to come back until late November, a big concern. The Bulls interviewed Sumner because they are most likely looking at him for a second round snag at No. 41.
Comparison- Sean Kilpatrick
Justin Jackson (Forward, North Carolina) 6-foot-8, 201 pounds:
If the Bulls stick to their normal draft process, the obvious pick is Justin Jackson. GarPax have showed their love for players that have long college careers and have a reputation of being hard workers (e.g. Joakim Noah, Doug Mcdermott, Taj Gibson, and many more). These guys were not one-and-done players and neither is Jackson. Not only does Justin Jackson fit the Chicago Bulls draft mold, but he is also one of the best 3-point shooters in the draft, which is a huge need for the Bulls. The sharpshooter from UNC had a monster year averaging 18.3 points per game and 2.6 3s a game. Also, since his freshman season, he has improved his 3-point percentage, free throw percentage, rebounds and points. This upward scale of production is very promising to an identity-lacking team like the Bulls. Many mock drafts believe Jackson will fall into the Bulls lap, and if they pass on him, it will come as a huge surprise.
Comparison: Kris Middleton
Terrance Ferguson (G, Adelaide, AUS) 6-foot-7, 184 pounds:
If the Bulls want an athletic 3-and-D wing player, one of the most athletic and skillful, but most questionable prospects is Terrance Ferguson. Late last year, Ferguson decommitted from Arizona to play in Australia because, as he says, “I knew I couldn’t sit inside a classroom all day long.” Even if his questionable move from Arizona puzzles NBA teams, he is still a raw, freakish talent that cannot go unnoticed. After a season in Australia where he didn’t play much, he averaged 4.6 points per game and shot 31.3 percent from 3-point range. He also only averaged 0.67 free throw attempts per game, which shows he was not attacking the basket as much as a relentless scorer should. Ferguson is an athlete that can succeed on the next level because of his defensive potential and explosiveness off the dribble. Although Terrance Ferguson is projected to be a mid to late first-round pick, the Bulls should take a second look at him.
Comparison: Terrence Ross
On draft day, the Bulls will have many options to help advance their production and consistency next year. Many of these guys listed above will improve the Bull’s lackluster roster, but it will come down to June 22 to see who they decide will make the biggest impact.
All Stats from ESPN, and RealGM
