Chicago Bulls: 5 options for pick No. 38 in 2017 NBA Draft
Chicago Bulls
Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) high fives fans after Purdue clinches the Big Ten League Championship after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls have the 38th overall pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. Here is a look at the five players that could be game-changers if they're still on the board.
If you're a diehard Chicago Bulls fan, the 2016-17 season was nothing to write home about by any stretch of the imagination. Not only were the Bulls consistently inconsistent, there was also dissension among some of the veteran and younger players as well.
Yet in spite of the melodrama that defined their mediocre season, the Bulls managed to make it to the postseason and even won the first two games against the Boston Celtics in the opening round.
But after reality set in, it became apparent the Bulls were no match for their counterparts, as they went on to drop the next four games in less-than-impressive fashion.
Now that it has been a little over a month since their season concluded, changes are in order for a team that finished with a 41-41 record. Being that they are not likely to attract any marquee free agents, the Bulls are hoping to improve their roster in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.
That being said, here are a five players the Bulls should take a serious look at with the 38th overall pick.
Mar 10, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) look to pass while being guarded by Oregon Ducks forward Kavell Bigby-Williams (35) and forward Chris Boucher (25) during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
5. Ivan Rabb, PF, California
With Robin Lopez having a solid season and Cristiano Felicio continuing to live up to expectations, the Bulls are pretty much set at the center position. But if they don't plan to re-sign Felicio Cristiano — who is a restricted free agent — there are a few options to pick from.
One such option is Ivan Rabb from California. During his sophomore season, Rabb averaged 14.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per contest.
The Good:
The Bad:
The bad news is Rabb will need to make improvements at both ends of the floor in order to bolster his chances of succeeding at the next level.
The good news is he just 20 yeas old. While he is a work in progress, there is plenty of time for him to become a player that is capable of contributing with the second unit.
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
4. Dwayne Bacon, SF/SG, Florida State
More times than not, Jimmy Butler has the unenviable task of guarding the opposing team's best player while averaging over 20 points per night. While Butler certainly holds his own in this area, the Bulls could certainly use another wing player who can allow him to rest every so often.
Having said that, Dwayne Bacon out of Florida State is a feasible option. During his sophomore season at FSU, he posted averages of 17.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest.
The Good:
The Bad:
Despite his defensive shortcomings, Bacon does have the ability to guard multiple positions when he is engaged. If he improves in that area, and learns how to trust his teammates, he could be a good fit for the Bulls at the wing spot.
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
No. 3: Derrick White, PG, Colorado
Although Rajon Rondo had a somewhat turbulent season with the Bulls, he proved that he was the right guy to lead the offense. This is supported by the fact that the Bulls managed to produce just 91 points per outing in Games 3-6 against the Boston Celtics after he sustained a thumb injury.
Taking that into consideration, a backup point guard should be something of a priority for the Bulls.
Enter Derrick White from the University of Colorado.
Tasked with being the team's primary shot creator, White's averages included 18.1 points, 4.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds per contest. Additionally, he was one just four players to accomplish that feat while playing in a power conference. The others were Markelle Fultz, Frank Mason III and Dennis Smith Jr.
The Good:
The Bad:
With his size — along with solid playmaking ability — White has the potential to contribute at both of the backup guard positions. In other words, he should be considered a steal for the Bulls, or any other team picking in the middle of the NBA Draft.
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dunks as USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) defends during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2: Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor
The Bulls may not be in the market for another player at the 4-spot, given the inconsistent production they've seen from Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
But if they do decide to take add another player to the frontcourt, Johnathan Motley could be a viable option.
During his junior season with the Bears, Motley averaged 17.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 52 percent from the field.
The Good:
The Bad:
In spite of the inconsistent motor from a defensive standpoint, Motley possess the size, length and agility to operate in small lineups.
As long as he is able to develop a more polished offensive game and improves his effort on defense, Motley has the potential to be a solid rotational player down the road.
Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
No. 1: Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue
Again, adding another player at the 4-spot may be the last thing the Bulls want to do, given the inconsistent play they have witnessed from both Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
However, if they are in the market for a bruiser with an improving midrange game at the power forward slot, then Caleb Swanigan out of Purdue falls into that category.
During his sophomore season with the Boilermakers, Swanigan averaged a respectable 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per contest on 53 percent shooting from the field.
The Good:
The Bad:
Sure, Swanigan will need to make improvements from a defensive standpoint. At the same time, though, he brings a lot to the table at the other end of the floor.
Being that the front office is committed to taking the best player available, regardless of position, Swanigan makes for an intriguing selection at No. 38.
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