NBA Draft Prep: Potential second-round flyers for the Bulls
Here at Bulls Confidential, we’ve been taking a look at the players projected to be selected around No. 16, where the Bulls are currently slated to pick. But the Bulls do have another pick in the draft, sitting at 38th overall. While second-rounders don’t often turn into contributors, there are a few every year, and in a draft class as deep as this one, that’s sure to continue. Here’s a look at some guys who should be available in the final round.
Sindarius Thornwell, G, South Carolina
I wrote about Thornwell while previewing the Sweet 16 and said that he had played his way into first round consideration. Despite leading the Gamecocks all the way to the Final Four, he still sits on the back end of most draft boards.
It’s hard to pinpoint what, outside of his status as a four-year college player, is holding him back. One guess would be his per-game averages, which are good but not outstanding. However, South Carolina played at an anemic pace, and his adjusted numbers paint a much better picture of the player. Per sports-reference.com, he averaged 36 points per 100 possessions, which is among the best rates in the country, while he lead the nation with a 9.5 Box Plus/Minus. His biggest weakness is his average athleticism, which will likely prevent him from ever becoming a go-to scorer. However, he’s shown a good ability to use his ball-handling skills to get to the rim, and he showed consistent improvement from 3-point range, with a good free throw percentage that backs up his reputation as a reliable shooter. He’s also a smart, effective perimeter defender. He’s my pick to be this draft’s Malcolm Brogdon.
Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU
Ojeleye may wind up being selected in the back end of the first round, but if he does indeed fall to the second round, the Bulls would be wise to give him a long look. The Duke transfer is a phenomenal athlete with a strong frame and the perimeter skills that are becoming mandatory for power forwards in the modern NBA.
He shot 42.4 percent from deep, with the ability to do so both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. He’s proven that he can create offense, and he’s shown flashes of defensive ability, though he was inconsistent in that area. Some would attribute that to a lack of focus against weak competition in the AAC, and his terrific testing numbers at the combine suggest he has the athleticism to be average, if not better on that end of the floor.
Jordan Bell, F, Oregon
Dillon Brooks is the Duck that I wrote about during the NCAA Tournament, but it was Bell who improved his stock the most in March. The 6-foot-9 Bell isn’t huge, though his 6-foot-11 wingspan helps a bit in that regard. However, he has shown a lot of the skills that make up many modern big men. His effort can’t be questioned on either end of the floor. He isn’t the best post scorer, but thanks to his athleticism, he’s great in transition and as the roll man in pick-and-roll plays.
Defensively, he was a shot-blocking menace and won the Pac-12’s Defensive Player of the Year award. His rebounding skills are his biggest question mark, as he doesn’t have the best technique and can get bullied by stronger bigs. This was unfortunately on display when he missed a pair of rebounds as his team tried to finish off a comeback in the Final Four against North Carolina. Despite that blunder, Bell has the potential to be a solid starter for years.
The second round features a host of guys with a lot of upside, including names like Brooks, Caleb Swanigan, Jonathan Motley and Devin Robinson, all of whom I wrote about on this site back in March. Dwayne Bacon, Thomas Bryant, Cameron Oliver and Frank Jackson, among others, all have a serious chance of turning into contributors.
In the end, most second-rounders will likely never play more than a handful of serious minutes with the teams that draft them. But, in a class this deep, don’t be surprised if it yields a few legitimate NBA players.
Sign-up for our Newsletter! Bulls Confidential in your inbox every Friday!!
