The night could go two ways. It could be a historic night in that it could bring the Bulls a step closer to bringing in LeBron...or it could just be blah.
First, let's talk about blah. The Bulls have the 17th pick in the 1st round. At that pick, you can either select a solid NBA-ready player, or a "project." For example, with the 16th pick last year, the Bulls took James Johnson. A "project" to say the least. My point is this...you can't expect much from the 16th overall pick. Especially not in this year's draft when the field is pretty sub-par. And the Bulls have one below that this year. However, that being said...there are some very serious gems that can fall to 17 this year. It is even possible that two potential stars in this league may both fall to 17, which I will discuss shortly. The bottom line is the Bulls should be looking to address their needs with the pick. And what are their needs? Shooting. The one thing I said repeatedly throughout last season was how desperate the Bulls were for a solid three-point shooter. Terribly desperate. So knowing this...the Bulls should be targeting two guys.
First...Xavier Henry.
I'm going to tell you right now, he's not likely to fall to 17. However, if he does, he has to be one of two options that you absolutely must consider with the pick. He's got a truly NBA-ready 6'6" frame. He's got a fluid lefty stroke. He's fairly deadly from three-point-land, and I'm talking NBA three. Definitely a prolific scorer, and definitely can defend opposing slashers and shooting guards, albeit not consistently quite yet. There are teams stupid enough out there to take players like Gordon Heyward and/or Avery Bradley ahead of him. He should not fall to 17, but I can see it happening, so the Bulls absolutely have to be praying that it does so that they at least have the option of grabbing him.
However, a guy that I actually like better than Henry is James Anderson out of Oklahoma State.
There are several things I like better about Anderson over Henry. Truth be told, they are nearly identical as basketball players. Both can light it up from the outside, both have nearly identical frames, and both will be studs in the league. So if the Bulls get either one...trust me I will be more than thrilled. This is not a James Johnson situation. Either guy will come in and contribute immediately (unless of course they're playing behind LeBron). However, Anderson's three-point shooting ability is absurd. He is a more consistent and prolific shooter than Henry and I also think he is a better and more aggressive defender. Both of their abilities to finish around the basket are pretty much identical. I just think Anderson is a slightly better shooter, a slightly more prolific scorer, and a slightly better defender. The experts seem to think that Henry might possess a few more intangibles over Anderson, I don't really know what that means, nor do I see that in the film. Given all these factors and their identical frames, I take Anderson over Henry, given his superior ability to knock down the three at will. Plus, I just don't trust lefties that much. Sorry X.
Either one of these guys take some of the scoring load off of Derrick Rose (if we don't get LeBron) due to their ability to shoot and slash, so they would be welcome additions.
HOWEVER...
There are some rumors out there. The latest one floating around is that the Bulls are trying to trade Luol Deng and the 17th pick to the Clippers for the 8th pick. Why would this happen? Well, the Bulls would obviously be looking to dump Deng's contract, and the Clippers are trying to get better right now and aren't really in the free agent hunt with Donald Sterling still around as owner. That would give the Clippers a lineup of Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Luol Deng, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman. That is a formidable lineup indeed. For the Bulls, the move would remove Deng's $10.3 million salary as well as the $1.3 million that would be owed to the 17th pick, while adding $2.1 million that will be owed to the 8th pick. That would put them at roughly $30 million under the cap...pretty much enough to sign both LeBron James and Chris Bosh to max deals. Ummm...yes please. If this happens, I don't see how the Bulls don't convince LeBron and another max guy to come to Chicago. And frankly, I'm not that concerned with who the Bulls would take with the 8th pick if it were to happen, because at that point, you're thinking more big picture (like free agency).
But let's say it does happen. Obviously, you lose Deng...and you can't automatically assume you get LeBron, so you immediately become pretty thin at small forward. Obviously you're looking to draft a 3, so you're looking at Luke Babbitt or Paul George.
I really dislike Luke Babbitt's lack of athleticism. He's a good shooter with a good skill-set, but I don't know how well it will translate to the NBA level. Plus, he will be a massive liability on the defensive end. And that's really not going to fly now that Tom Thibodeau is around to make this an elite defensive team.
On the other hand, I'm a big fan of Paul George. George is a ridiculously good shooter from long-range, which is exactly what the Bulls need. His release is incredibly quick and I think he's a tremendous athlete. Pair the guy with Derrick Rose for Derrick to dish it out to him as he spots up in the corner and they become a deadly duo...especially with that release. I think if you actually get the 8th pick, you have to go with Paul George.
But I'm not holding my breath. It would be a pretty big blow to lose Deng if you don't sign LeBron, even if you are able to sign a guy like Bosh. However, at this point, you have to go all in...and I'm sure it's a risk Gar and co. are willing to take. Like I said, big night ahead...big week ahead. Big week indeed.
By the way, every song in each of the above videos is absolutely sick...so you should highly consider watching them.
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The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 