NBA Draft is Thursday. I don't know squat but here's my shot at a what they'll do with #20.
Drafting #20 is high for a team like the Bulls. Even in weak drafts, a player here is expected to make the team and contribute. Whoever is selected, that player will work hard and have some dependable skill, be it defense, a post-up shot, length and etc.
The past may predict the present. The Bulls' recent draft history from Wikipedia has a stand out, James Johnson. James was a rare miss among some very good, in hindsight, picks.
James was a high risk pick. The pre-draft knock was 1) tweener with physical skills and a tantalizing upside, 2) questionable motivation and focus. He was a known risk/high payoff selection that didn't work. So was Tyrus Thomas for that matter.
James' Classmate Taj Gibson at #26 was described as an older player with less upside and a hard worker. A unexciting selection who is now a considered a late round gem. Maybe a top 10 selection in hindsight.
For the 2013 draft CNNSI suggests PF Tony Mitchell, an athletic multi-position player with questionable circumstances. I am skeptical they'll risk another "James Johnson" pick at 20 unless Mitchell is very special with special circumstances. Jimmy Butler is an example of a that special circumstances guy. Bulls did their homework and he's a great pick.
Someone will fall to 20. In a weak draft, GMs error for a pick with size. It's possible a SG/SF with a good shot and defensive length will be there. In the CNNSI mock draft, that guy could be C.J. McCollum. He's supposed to go to the Bucks at #15 to replace 6'3" Monta Ellis, however I think the Bucks want size at SG. Swapping a small SG with a less expensive 6'3" SG doesn't shakeup the Bucks back court.
Drafting #20 is high for a team like the Bulls. Even in weak drafts, a player here is expected to make the team and contribute. Whoever is selected, that player will work hard and have some dependable skill, be it defense, a post-up shot, length and etc.
The past may predict the present. The Bulls' recent draft history from Wikipedia has a stand out, James Johnson. James was a rare miss among some very good, in hindsight, picks.
James was a high risk pick. The pre-draft knock was 1) tweener with physical skills and a tantalizing upside, 2) questionable motivation and focus. He was a known risk/high payoff selection that didn't work. So was Tyrus Thomas for that matter.
James' Classmate Taj Gibson at #26 was described as an older player with less upside and a hard worker. A unexciting selection who is now a considered a late round gem. Maybe a top 10 selection in hindsight.
For the 2013 draft CNNSI suggests PF Tony Mitchell, an athletic multi-position player with questionable circumstances. I am skeptical they'll risk another "James Johnson" pick at 20 unless Mitchell is very special with special circumstances. Jimmy Butler is an example of a that special circumstances guy. Bulls did their homework and he's a great pick.
Someone will fall to 20. In a weak draft, GMs error for a pick with size. It's possible a SG/SF with a good shot and defensive length will be there. In the CNNSI mock draft, that guy could be C.J. McCollum. He's supposed to go to the Bucks at #15 to replace 6'3" Monta Ellis, however I think the Bucks want size at SG. Swapping a small SG with a less expensive 6'3" SG doesn't shakeup the Bucks back court.
CNNSI sez: "McCollum has shown during workouts that he is an NBA shooter."
and USATODAY "C.J. McCollum is serious about his college degree — the one he went back to Lehigh to get, the reason he passed up the potential for millions of dollars last summer."
That's what the Bulls need, character and shooting, on the cheap.
UPDATE
Apparently the ESPN's Chad Ford now thinks McCollum will go at #7 to the Kings. Wow. That makes sense for this reason. Steph Curry GSW a 6'3" hybrid SG/PG also went #7. The new Sac Coach is former Assistant Malone from GSW and he would know how to use a player like McCollum who looks like a "Steph Curry" on paper.
So to updated: McColumn if available or Tim Harway Jr.
The wildcard is when some F/C drops in the draft. I doubt that will happen since confused GMs pick for height in the absence of a clear choice. I expect the bigs will be selected before 20. If Bulls grab some falling big man - the Bulls front office may be just as confused as I.
UPDATE
Apparently the ESPN's Chad Ford now thinks McCollum will go at #7 to the Kings. Wow. That makes sense for this reason. Steph Curry GSW a 6'3" hybrid SG/PG also went #7. The new Sac Coach is former Assistant Malone from GSW and he would know how to use a player like McCollum who looks like a "Steph Curry" on paper.
So to updated: McColumn if available or Tim Harway Jr.
The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has earned a firm first round projection from just about every reputable NBA draft analyst in the business, and has drawn rave reviews from general managers for his work ethic, 3-point shot and approach to the game. - MLIVE.COMThen in order: Reggie Bullock for his perimeter shooting and defense or Tony Snell.
The wildcard is when some F/C drops in the draft. I doubt that will happen since confused GMs pick for height in the absence of a clear choice. I expect the bigs will be selected before 20. If Bulls grab some falling big man - the Bulls front office may be just as confused as I.
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