Chicago Bulls
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If fantasy could become reality, the Chicago Bulls would watch these top prospects fall into their laps during the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.
Based on what we saw during the 2016-17 season, the Chicago Bulls could use a fresh start. Inner turmoil and locker room squabbles seemed to characterize this past season in the Windy City. If that's going to change, this roster may need to undergo a facelift of sorts.
That'll start this offseason, as several pieces could be moved in the coming months. It's unclear what the future holds for players like Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. Then the Bulls will have to figure out what to do with pending free agents such as Nikola Mirotic and Michael Carter-Williams. Oh, and there's also the 2017 NBA Draft.
Speaking of the draft, the Bulls currently own the No. 16 selection. It's not the worst pick to have, but it certainly limits their ability to add a dynamic talent. While that may be the case, we shouldn't limit our imaginations as we eagerly await June 22.
That's why we're here today–to discuss some "dream targets" for the Bulls during the draft. Chances are these players won't make it anywhere near No. 16 overall, but that doesn't mean we can't speculate on how they'd fit as the future of this storied franchise.
With that in mind, let's take a trip to a dream world where these future NBA stars are actually available for the Bulls to select during the 2017 NBA Draft.
Chicago Bulls
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
It's unclear what the Bulls' plan at point guard is right now. The general consensus is that Rajon Rondo will stay, but his contract is non-guaranteed for 2017-18. There's plenty of depth at the position, but there are not a lot of exciting options off the bench.
That's why drafting a point guard wouldn't be the worst idea for Chicago. It's a real possibility they move on from Rondo. Or he could be kept around for a year while a prospect point guard develops into a capable starter. Either way, Dennis Smith Jr. would be a tremendous get in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
An explosive athlete with lightning-fast agility and ball handling, Smith has everything you're looking for in today's star point guard. He can score at will, using his quickness to get into the paint and finish above the rim. His defense is a work in progress and his jump shot needs refinement, but there's no denying the natural tools are there.
Assuming teams feel confident he can be a leader at the next level, Smith seems like a sure-fire star in the making. So you can understand why Chicago would see him as a tremendous building block, right? It's not like they'd pass on the opportunity to add some more scoring options.
Obviously, it's highly unlikely Smith falls all the way to No. 16. There's a very good chance he doesn't even make it out of the top 10 considering his sky-high upside. But in the dream world we're currently existing in, the Bulls would trip over themselves trying to turn in the ticket if he was available in the middle of the first round.
Chicago Bulls
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
As I previously hinted at, the Bulls need a boost in the scoring department heading into 2017. They boasted one of the worst scoring offenses in the NBA last season, which simply can't continue to be the case moving forward.
If Malik Monk were to bring his talents to the Windy City, it would be a different story in 2017-18. The Kentucky product proved in his one collegiate season that he's a scoring dynamo, using absurd athleticism and a sweet stroke to put points on the board in a hurry.
Especially with Wade not being a lock to return and Butler's future uncertain, Monk would be an exciting addition to this Chicago lineup. He offers reliable firepower from anywhere on the court, and knows how to create his own opportunities. While he's still working on some of the finer points of his game, all of the necessary tools are there for him to be a scoring machine.
At this moment, though, most don't see him falling out of the top 10 for those reasons. Chances are he comes off the board well before the Bulls pick at No. 16 overall. For the sake of this exercise, that doesn't matter.
In a dream world where anything is possible, Monk seems like a great fit for this franchise. He helps get their offense back on track while giving fans something to be excited about. Regardless of what happens with Wade and Butler, Monk would be welcomed to Chicago with open arms.
Chicago Bulls
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Tatum, SF, Duke
We all know there's no guarantee Butler returns in 2017-18. The Bulls have been considering unloading him since this time last season. What's to keep them from continuing their pursuit of a trade partner for their star player this offseason?
Nothing.
That's why finding a capable replacement during the 2017 NBA Draft seems ideal. While there are a number of wings who could be available at No. 16, none offer the type of upside that Jayson Tatum seems to carry. Put simply, the former Blue Devil would be a home run if the Bulls managed to land him on draft day.
Tatum particularly excels in isolation, using his unique mix of size, athleticism and ball handling to keep defenders on their heels. When he's forced to score in other ways, he wins with his improving jump shot and ever-expanding range. See the below video if you're not convinced.
Potential Top-5 pick Jayson Tatum can't miss from 3 (via @DrewHanlen) pic.twitter.com/mWsx0i4Jgh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2017
Tatum has the potential to develop into a two-way superstar at the next level. While it's highly unlikely he comes anywhere near the Bulls at No. 16, general manager Gar Forman can certainly dream about the possibilities of landing this top-tier small forward prospect.
Some new blood will be needed on the wing, especially if Chicago moves Butler in the coming months. Tatum may not be quite as well-rounded as Josh Jackson, but he'd certainly bring some life to a Bulls lineup that desperately needs it.
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