K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune says that the Bulls would much rather trade away their draft pick than use it: “League sources continue to indicate the Bulls are shopping the 17th pick and trying to package it with long-term contracts to clear even more cap space than the projected $20 million to $22 million they currently possess. A maximum free-agent salary will start at roughly $16.5 million. In the current NBA financial climate, it might be a long shot for the Bulls to move either Luol Deng or Kirk Hinrich, particularly for expiring contracts. But the Bulls are trying.”
Somehow, I can’t imagine any teams willing to absorb the Deng and/or Hinrich contracts unless a deal with the Devil was arrange. So it’s more probable that the Bulls will end up using their draft pick.
Johnson also pointed out that Gar Forman said the team is considering five to six players at No. 17 and provided a list of “logical possibilities.” Here they are with some bonus info on each:
Cole Aldrich
School: Kansas
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 236
Position: Center
NBA Equivalent: Joel Przybilla / Eric Montross
From NBADraft.net: “Smooth bigman with great length and developing skills who has quickly become the premiere center in the country … Shows solid basketball understanding/fundamentals and a high motor … Made a huge jump during his sophomore season (going from a 3ppg 3 rpg player to 15 ppg and 11 rpg) and appears ready to take his game to another level in his junior season … His long arms (7’4 wingspan) allows him to play a few inches bigger than his 6’11 height and patrol the paint … Has good agility for a player his size and is beginning to develop good body control and offensive moves … Not overly explosive or a freakish athlete but his length and agility make him very effective … His unorthodox shooting style (has a large range of motion on his shot and follow through) makes him appear to be less coordinated and less efficient than he actually is … Not overly fiery.”
More at DraftExpress.
Eric Bledsoe:
School: Kentucky
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 192
Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
NBA Equivalent: Keyon Dooling / Marcus Banks
From NBADraft.net: “Combines great length with tremendous explosiveness … Has a lightning quick first step that makes him almost impossible to stay in front of … Makes his moves very decisively and changes direction abruptly without losing stride … His speed with the rock, especially in the open court, is remarkable … Has a powerful, chiseled frame for a guard that helps mask his height deficiency … When he gets a full head of steam – look out. He’s like a running back in the open field … His upper body strength allows him to finish through punishing blows … Uses his left hand very adroitly around the rim … An impressive leaper, rising to the rim with relative ease and throwing down some impressive jams … Exhibits the ability to hang and adjust shots mid-flight … Has a knack for hitting shots of the circus variety on a fairly regular basis. … Turnovers have been a problem at 3 per game … Decision making has been questionable at times, as he tends to continually play on fast forward- this can be partially attributed to the chaotic style Kentucky plays … Goes through phases where he has tunnel vision towards the basket, dribbling with his head down and not paying any attention to the defensive alignment … Leaves his feet to pass on many occasions, which often results in an offensive foul or no place to pass and a turnover … Despite his strength, settles for too many wild layups in an attempt to avoid contact when he should be seeking it out (attempts only 3 FT’s per).”
More at DraftExpress.
James Anderson:
I’ve already covered this guy.
Larry Sanders:
School: Virginia Commonwealth
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 222
Position: Power Forward / Center
NBA Equivalent: Theo Ratliff
From NBADraft.net: “Sanders is a rare big man who has length, athleticism, hops and quickness … The only thing he’s missing is a diverse skillset … He has improved in virtually every aspect of the game since his freshman year, which is a good sign moving forward …With some specialized coaching, and a few years developing behind veteran players and coaches, Sanders could find a consistent role on a team looking to become more athletic up front … In a draft with not many surefire contributors, GMs will be looking to take a chance on Sanders in the late first round with the intention of developing him further his first few years.”
More at DraftExpress.
Patrick Patterson:
School: Kentucky
Height: 6’9″
Weight: 223
Position: Power Forward
NBA Equivalent: Buck Williams
According to NBADraft.net: “A smart, mature kid who understands his role, Patterson looks like the typical productive power forward that GMs know exactly what they are going to get when they draft him… Not the highest upside, but a safe and reliable pick who rarely turns the ball over and just screams efficiency… With his improved jump shot, and the ability to add a few post moves to his repertoire, Patterson could be a nice fit right away for a team looking for stability at the 4 position, especially if they already have an established rebounding center.”
More at DraftExpress.
Cole Aldrich is looking good for the Bulls. He is big. The Bulls just need that additional meat in a thin front court. Size, take up space, rebounds, defense, put backs, run the floor and he even has some offensive moves.
I agree, if they can’t get Chris Bosh
Aldrich, Anderson or Patterson all look like they could fill a Bulls need if they pan out. That assumes that the Bulls don’t make a draft day trade which seems highly likely.
we need a 3 point shooter/defender, not just some guy who can make flashy dunks in college
If the Bulls draft Cole Aldrich I might jump in the Chicago river. He’s not that big and isn’t much of an athlete, though I’m sure he’ll be serviceable somewhere. Those other 3 listed here would be better, and I would want Avery Bradley ahead of him too.