Chicago Bulls
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16), guard Jerian Grant (2), center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) huddle during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls have plenty of concerns heading into the 2017 NBA Draft. Here is a look at five players that need to be on the team's radar.
The Chicago Bulls finished the 2016-17 campaign with a 41-41 record. While there was nothing overly impressive about their season, they managed to nab the No. 8 spot in the conference playoff race.
Unfortunately, the playoffs proved to be an extended version of what Bulls fans saw during the regular season: A high dose of inconsistency.
After jumping out to a 2-0 lead against the Boston Celtics, the Bulls could not sustain their momentum once Rajon Rondo went down with a thumb injury. As a result, they were defeated in six games and left to ponder what might have been if their starting point guard had been healthy.
With a little over month before next month's NBA Draft, the Bulls have a lot of concerns to address. For starters, the lack of production at the backup point guard position is a factor that was on display during Games 3-6.
In addition to that, lack of perimeter shooting and athleticism are legitimate issues as well. While no one knows who the Bulls have in mind to help improve their roster, here's a look at five players that warrant consideration with the 16th overall pick.
Mar 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) during practice the day before the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5: Jawun Evans
As it was mentioned a bit ago, one area the Bulls will need to address is the backup point guard slot. Yes, I realize they have a quartet of other guards at the position besides Rondo — Jerian Grant, Michael Carter-Williams, Cameron Payne and Isaiah Canaan — but none of them played well enough on a consistent basis.
Because of that fact, Fred Hoiberg was never able to establish a consistent rotation at this position during the season. To help address this glaring need, one player in the draft that warrants consideration is Oklahoma State point guard Jawun Evans.
Let's get the negative narrative out of the way first. Standing at exactly six feet tall, Evans could be considered somewhat undersized. Along with that, while Evans has the speed to get into the paint at will, his lack of size prevents him from being an effective finisher, as his 45.2 shooting percentage from two-point range was the fourth-worst conversion rate among Draft Express' top-100 prospects.
On the flip side, Evans is a capable scorer and facilitator as well. During his sophomore season at OSU, he posted averages of 19.2 points, 6.4 assists and 1.8 steals per contest. Those numbers increase to 25.9 points, 8.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game when adjusted to a per-40 minute scale.
Along with that, Evans is a decent three-point shooter, as his 38 percent from distance would indicate.
In order for Evans to succeed at the next level, though, he will need to improve his decision-making once he gets into the painted area, which should help cut down on some of his turnovers (2.8 per contest).
With the ability to get by his primary defenders, Evans' speed will help create open looks for perimeter shooters. That, along with the fact that he can create his own shot, makes him a good fit for a Bulls team lacking a true backup point guard.
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots the ball past Rhode Island Rams forward Kuran Iverson (23) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
No. 4: Justin Patton
As of right now, the Bulls are pretty much set at the backup center position. Should they choose to add another big man to the roster, Justin Patton — who stands at 6'11" — could be one option they choose to pursue.
During his lone season at Creighton, Patton averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest.
The Good:
The Bad:
In spite of the deficiencies in his game, here is what Patton had to say in a recent interview with CSNChicago.com when questioned about his potential to play the stretch-5 position.
"If they're looking for a stretch-5, they come to me, and find the right person. My skills translate perfectly. I can put the ball on the floor, I can shoot the ball with range, and I'm a willing passer, and a great passer too, and I have a high IQ."
Obviously, Patton is not lacking confidence by any means. However, if he wants to make a name for himself at the next level, he will need refine his offensive game and become a better rebounder at the very least.
The Bulls are not likely to take a big man in the draft, unless they don't re-sign restricted free agent Cristiano Felicio. If that is the case, then Patton makes for an intriguing option.
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is defended by Michigan Wolverines guard Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (12) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
No. 3: Donovan Mitchell
Another area of need for the Bulls heading into next month's draft is athleticism. Following the trade of Derrick Rose last offseason, the front office promised to get younger and athletic.
While both Dwyane Wade and Rondo contributed in different ways, the Bulls were not an athletic team on any level.
Enter Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell.
According to SI.com, Mitchell is one of the more explosive players in the draft and has the potential to be a two-way specialist. At a somewhat undersized 6'3″, Mitchell posted averages of 15.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest.
The Good:
The Bad:
As is the case with most players coming out of college, Mitchell has a few areas to work on in order to succeed in the NBA.
On a positive note, he plays bigger than his size on defense and can create his own shot on offense — with the latter attribute being something the Bulls are sorely lacking on their current roster.
Feb 18, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) dunks the ball during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2: Josh Hart
In addition to bolstering the backup point guard position and lack of athleticism, the Bulls could certainly use another solid wing player, and one of the best players in the draft at this spot is Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart.
During his senior season with the Wildcats, Hart averaged 18.7 points per contest en route to winning the Big East Player of the Year award.
The Good:
The Bad:
Overall, there isn't one thing that Hart does exceptionally well. On the upside, Hart isn't afraid of hard work. This sentiment is supported by the fact that he increased his three-point shooting percentage by five percent between his junior and senior seasons.
It also worth noting that he never shot below 50 percent from the field during his four years at Villanova. That being said, Hart certainly has the potential to excel in a 3-and-D type role for the Bulls.
Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots the ball between Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) and guard Frank Howard (1) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1: Luke Kennard
The Bulls were ranked in the bottom third of the league in three-point shooting. Needless to say, they should be looking for a player or two who can fill it up from the perimeter.
One player who fits the bill is Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard.
The Good:
The Bad:
Overall Analysis:
The bad news is Kennard will remind Bulls fans of Doug McDermott, who was regarded as a scorer, but failed to make the grade on the defensive end of the court. On the flip side of the coin, Kennard excels in both catch-and-shoot situations and coming off screens as well.
Additionally, if he can improve how he defends, his offensive versatility will be an asset for a Bulls squad that ranked 24th in three-point shooting.
More from Hoops Habit
This article originally appeared on 
