2020 NBA Draft Thread: Bulls pick #7 (probably)

[Friend_Of_Haley]

I know he's not in the draft, but is Scotty Pippen Jr a legit NBA prospect?

At 6' 190lbs probably not.

Maybe he's still got his dad's growth spurt waiting!

[Dresden]

What we know...
- AK and Evs have said they want to run, shooting and versatile defenders
- They want to win and you don’t win with rookie PG’s (unless Morant) see Trae
- Both are “gushing” over Coby per KC

If I were a betting man I’d think we go wing and we make a trade for a vet PG mentor for Coby.

I agree that wing is our biggest need. We don't have a backup sg to Zach. We don't have a good backup sf to Porter. Between Dunn and Coby, I think we're ok at pg. We have Wendell and Lauri up front, although we could definitely use more depth there, too. But wing is the biggest need, IMO, esp. if Porter is not healthy, or gets hurt again.

[MrSparkle]

What's the overall thoughts on LaMelo Ball? as a prospect and as a fit with the Bulls?

Well, he looks pretty similar to Lonzo. Big questions are shooting, durability/frame, and motor. But like Lonzo, he'll be a good passer and has the size to very comfortably defend well even on 2nd gear. I think he and Coby would make an interesting pair on paper, but I wouldn't be very excited in real life with all the losses.

I'm high on passers. If Lonzo was able to stay healthy, I wouldn't have been opposed to trading for him in last year's draft and trying him out. But coupled with his low NBA marks, I'm not eager to take a guy who's hurt his ankles, knees and shoulders in almost every season. So I'd have the same question with LaMelo, a 6'7 180 lb. PG. That is a light and lanky frame. No history of dominating with that weight-class unless you have a sharp shot like Curry's. Is he gonna be healthy? And after that, will he learn to shoot better than his brother?

Plus the big thing is with a player like LaMelo, you need to give him the keys. His Australian team is dead last in the NBL. He is a total rebuild candidate IMO.

I can actually see GSW hopping on the opportunity. Curry is getting older , and even in his younger days, he was quite used to sitting out most 4th quarters of regular season blowouts while Livingston or Barbosa closed the games. He'd be a perfect multi-position player to groom slowly off the bench in a winning environment. I actually can't think of any better situation for him.

I think the Bulls' front-court basically sucks. The SF position is injury-prone; PF is weak despite having two name-brand guys who can play much better, and the Cs are all totally inexperienced and it shows with all their foul troubles, boxing out, defensive rotations and poor screens. I'll argue that if you put Zach and Coby (or Sato) on the current Spurs, they'd win 50 games easily.

I know we all want Lauri to be the Dirk we thought he'd be, and I wouldn't give up on him, but I'm all ears for the forward positions in this draft. Unfortunately it's guard heavy. Drafting a ball-heavy guard is just going to mean they're trading Coby or Zach. I don't see the point of keeping any such trio around. Just another offensive log-jam with huge defensive lapses to worry about.

[Repeat 3-peat]

What we know...
- AK and Evs have said they want to run, shooting and versatile defenders
- They want to win and you don’t win with rookie PG’s (unless Morant) see Trae
- Both are “gushing” over Coby per KC

If I were a betting man I’d think we go wing and we make a trade for a vet PG mentor for Coby.

Okoro could be a guy high on their board.

[Chi town]

What we know...
- AK and Evs have said they want to run, shooting and versatile defenders
- They want to win and you don’t win with rookie PG’s (unless Morant) see Trae
- Both are “gushing” over Coby per KC

If I were a betting man I’d think we go wing and we make a trade for a vet PG mentor for Coby.

I agree that wing is our biggest need. We don't have a backup sg to Zach. We don't have a good backup sf to Porter. Between Dunn and Coby, I think we're ok at pg. We have Wendell and Lauri up front, although we could definitely use more depth there, too. But wing is the biggest need, IMO, esp. if Porter is not healthy, or gets hurt again.

I actually think PG/playmaker is our biggest need. You just won’t win with a rookie PG.

We wont know soon what AK and Evs think about Coby and Zach. If they draft a PG like Hayes it’s clear one of them is gone.

[TheSuzerain]

There's really no indication that Coby White is somebody you'll want starting for you.

The guy looks entirely like a bench guard.

So, I don't see how drafting a Hayes/Hali spells the end of White.

[DuckIII]

There's really no indication that Coby White is somebody you'll want starting for you.

The guy looks entirely like a bench guard.

So, I don't see how drafting a Hayes/Hali spells the end of White.

I agree on the latter point, that drafting a point guard does not spell the end of White in Chicago. Indeed, in my opinion White will benefit tremendously playing with a distributor.

[Chi town]

There's really no indication that Coby White is somebody you'll want starting for you.

The guy looks entirely like a bench guard.

So, I don't see how drafting a Hayes/Hali spells the end of White.

I agree on the latter point, that drafting a point guard does not spell the end of White in Chicago. Indeed, in my opinion White will benefit tremendously playing with a distributor.

If it doesn’t spell the end of White it will spell the end of Lavine. Simple asset management.

Also don’t see Hali or Hayes doing enough early enough to keep them together.

AK wants to win and win now.

[Jcool0]

There's really no indication that Coby White is somebody you'll want starting for you.

The guy looks entirely like a bench guard.

So, I don't see how drafting a Hayes/Hali spells the end of White.

I mean if you forget his last 10 games then you might have a point.

[TheSuzerain]

What is the indication that AK wants to win now?

Not going to take him long to realize there is no Jokic in this locker room.

[DuckIII]

There's really no indication that Coby White is somebody you'll want starting for you.

The guy looks entirely like a bench guard.

So, I don't see how drafting a Hayes/Hali spells the end of White.

I agree on the latter point, that drafting a point guard does not spell the end of White in Chicago. Indeed, in my opinion White will benefit tremendously playing with a distributor.

If it doesn’t spell the end of White it will spell the end of Lavine. Simple asset management.

Also don’t see Hali or Hayes doing enough early enough to keep them together.

AK wants to win and win now.

It’s not poor asset management to have three guards who play a lot. As long as they are good, of course.

Frankly that’s part of the reason you don’t worry about what drafting a guard “means” for White. Or what drafting a big “means” for Lauri. They haven’t even cemented their own place yet.

[Senor Chang]

What we know...
- AK and Evs have said they want to run, shooting and versatile defenders
- They want to win and you don’t win with rookie PG’s (unless Morant) see Trae
- Both are “gushing” over Coby per KC

If I were a betting man I’d think we go wing and we make a trade for a vet PG mentor for Coby.

I agree that wing is our biggest need. We don't have a backup sg to Zach. We don't have a good backup sf to Porter. Between Dunn and Coby, I think we're ok at pg. We have Wendell and Lauri up front, although we could definitely use more depth there, too. But wing is the biggest need, IMO, esp. if Porter is not healthy, or gets hurt again.

I actually think PG/playmaker is our biggest need. You just won’t win with a rookie PG.

We wont know soon what AK and Evs think about Coby and Zach. If they draft a PG like Hayes it’s clear one of them is gone.

Agreed that a playmaker is our biggest need. However i don't think there is a need to trade either Zach or Coby should we draft Haliburton/ Hayes. We can experiment with small lineups of Coby, Haliburton/Hayes, Zach for stretches and see how it plays out. One thing is for certain, Coby and Zach don't have enough playmaking to bring out the best in guys like Porter, Lauri, Gafford or Wendell.

In a perfect world where all the top prospects fulfill their potential, i can see Melo being the absolute perfect fit on this team. However i don't think Melo will be that good. He isn't the horrific FT shooter his brother is so there is some hope he will improve his shooting.

[drosereturn]

What we know...
- AK and Evs have said they want to run, shooting and versatile defenders
- They want to win and you don’t win with rookie PG’s (unless Morant) see Trae
- Both are “gushing” over Coby per KC

If I were a betting man I’d think we go wing and we make a trade for a vet PG mentor for Coby.

I agree that wing is our biggest need. We don't have a backup sg to Zach. We don't have a good backup sf to Porter. Between Dunn and Coby, I think we're ok at pg. We have Wendell and Lauri up front, although we could definitely use more depth there, too. But wing is the biggest need, IMO, esp. if Porter is not healthy, or gets hurt again.

I actually think PG/playmaker is our biggest need. You just won’t win with a rookie PG.

We wont know soon what AK and Evs think about Coby and Zach. If they draft a PG like Hayes it’s clear one of them is gone.

White and Lavine simply doesnt fit the model of AK and Evs who likes guards that can run a motion offense or at least fit well and not become a detriment. With how bad those two have looked defensively together by the numbers and they cant run the offense, I dont see them ever being part of the core. What you want from this draft is a point forward that can guard 3 positions and lead like a Magic/Simmons type without dominating the ball and scoring as 1st option. Ball, in theory, can cure every problem the Bulls have and like hid dad says, bringing over Lonzo together is my wishlist who can play together for decades.
If not, Morant/Trae are decent starting blocks as well that can do everything superb except defend.

[coldfish]

What is the indication that AK wants to win now?

Not going to take him long to realize there is no Jokic in this locker room.

I don't think you will see him tanking. Nor do I see the team going all out to win. Denver was an incremental improvement type situation. I strongly suspect that the tankers among the fanbase will dislike AK within a year or so.

.....

OTOH, I expect a lot of trades. Faces are going to change.

[Bulldog23]

Vessel, Nesmith, and Bey...might be solid picks for that 7 to 10 range..for the Bulls. I really think the Bulls should get another pick in that 11 to 20 range...Precious, and Reed might be value picks..I feel they might have Cliff Robinson game to both.

[The Box Office]

If we luck into the Top 4 picks then that means that LaMelo is in play depending on which team is ahead of us.

I'm VERY sure that Coby White will not become the facilitator/distributor. As in a guy consistently averaging 7 assists per game. That's simply not his game. Right now, to me, White is a shot jacking ball hog. He comes in the game and panics looking for his own shot. I definitely wouldn't pass him the ball if I was his teammate. His 2.7 rookie assists average is putrid. He actually has no business being the point guard. His shot jacking ball hoggin' ways is bench player status. He wants the ball back? He better get steals and rebounds.

I'm not comparing. This is just reference. John Stockton was a bench guy during his rookie year. And he managed to average 5.1 assists anyway. If White was averaging 4 assists per game, from the bench, then I wouldn't have said anything because that's a great sign for Coby to become this team's play maker.

If we luck into LaMelo/Killian/Haliburton (especially LaMelo), take him regardless of Coby and Zach LaVine's status. This draft is guard heavy. The Basketball Gods are trying to tell us something with that.

We do not have a reliable facilitator. Our front court sucks, too.

It comes down to new management's opinion on BPA when we draft. I draft the guard with crazy court vision. Always. Those types are hard to land. Disagree? Try finding a Stockton, Kidd, Mark Jackson, Magic, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Westbrook, Rondo, Nash, Penny, Luka, Isiah Thomas, Trae, and hell, even Rod Strickland. It's difficult.

We can always land a big. However, a big with guard skills and defense? That's when I choose the big over the guard.

LaMelo is a great fit. His passing is crazy sick. It's actually really extraordinary. He's demonstrating passes that no one else in this draft class AND last year's draft class can do. The interesting thing about LaMelo is he's also a natural scorer (despite his shooting), but he rather pass the ball and see his teammates happy. He can put on 30+ points if he wanted. He's also pretty good at tapping out rebounds to keep the offense alive, which is unique, too.

His defense? Yes, he needs to work on it. Comes down to effort.
Injuries? That's unpredictable as hell and I don't want to speculate. All players go through this.

[drosereturn]

What is the indication that AK wants to win now?

Not going to take him long to realize there is no Jokic in this locker room.

I don't think you will see him tanking. Nor do I see the team going all out to win. Denver was an incremental improvement type situation. I strongly suspect that the tankers among the fanbase will dislike AK within a year or so.

.....

OTOH, I expect a lot of trades. Faces are going to change.

Its ok as long as they hit a late pick Jokic type homerun who is even better tier than our own Butler I dont regret trading away.
Tanking is a viable strat in that it helps you get stars by stockpiling assets if one becomes available. (see Harden, Love, and Beal)
Even though AK is a draft guru, no way he doesnt want a top pick vs a mediocre mid rounder as he is basically looking to exploit others mistakes. AK wouldnt have been as successful if the perennial lottery contenders did their homework and actually went to see guys like Luka, Giannis.

[drosereturn]

If we luck into the Top 4 picks then that means that LaMelo is in play depending on which team is ahead of us.

I'm VERY sure that Coby White will not become the facilitator/distributor. As in a guy consistently averaging 7 assists per game. That's simply not his game. Right now, to me, White is a shot jacking ball hog. He comes in the game and panics looking for his own shot. I definitely wouldn't pass him the ball if I was his teammate. His 2.7 rookie assists average is putrid. He actually has no business being the point guard. That's bench player status. He wants the ball back? He better get steals and rebounds.


LaMelo is a great fit. His passing is crazy sick. It's actually really extraordinary. He's demonstrating passes that no one else in this draft class AND last year's draft class can do. The interesting thing about LaMelo is he's also a natural scorer (despite his shooting), but he rather pass the ball and see his teammates happy. He can put on 30+ points if he wanted. He's also pretty good at tapping out rebounds to keep the offense alive, which is unique, too.

His defense? Yes, he needs to work on it. Comes down to effort.
Injuries? That's unpredictable as hell and I don't want to speculate. All players go through this.

Its hoping for a miracle when your expecting White to be your main distributor. He was never trained to play pg even at college and with rebuild yr 3, time is running out since Lavine, Lauri, and Carter will be paid big money sooner or later.
The best unlikely scenario White can become is Jamal Murray who I think is best hybrid scorer/passer but difficult to perfect it.
But leading a team isnt something you can really learn as players like Ball brothers are just born/gifted with it.
Its close to something you cannot teach you either have it or dont which is why draft projections into what archetype matters.

Now I dont dislike White since he doesnt give up and tries to make the right plays with bad intangibles/tunnel vision.
And he somewhat proved he is a baller (decent player) in his hot streak. But keeping both of them to only score? That is some horrible asset mgt when your best assets can be replaced by microwave scorers for a fraction of the cost.
Even if you argue they are the best players, the two just cannot coexist together they will guarantee lose by double digits.
Just look at the body language of Thad, Lauri, Carter. I am thinking they might riot/retire since they had enough with this clown fiesta.
Keeping both Lavine and White means there is no backup contingency plan in case they run it down which is likely.
Same with Lauri and Carter. Not picking a direction and evaluating until all of their rookie contracts expire is not an option as at least 1-2 will bust out. If your not confident like me trade all of them for better prospects that can pan out quickly.

[The Box Office]

If we luck into the Top 4 picks then that means that LaMelo is in play depending on which team is ahead of us.

I'm VERY sure that Coby White will not become the facilitator/distributor. As in a guy consistently averaging 7 assists per game. That's simply not his game. Right now, to me, White is a shot jacking ball hog. He comes in the game and panics looking for his own shot. I definitely wouldn't pass him the ball if I was his teammate. His 2.7 rookie assists average is putrid. He actually has no business being the point guard. That's bench player status. He wants the ball back? He better get steals and rebounds.


LaMelo is a great fit. His passing is crazy sick. It's actually really extraordinary. He's demonstrating passes that no one else in this draft class AND last year's draft class can do. The interesting thing about LaMelo is he's also a natural scorer (despite his shooting), but he rather pass the ball and see his teammates happy. He can put on 30+ points if he wanted. He's also pretty good at tapping out rebounds to keep the offense alive, which is unique, too.

His defense? Yes, he needs to work on it. Comes down to effort.
Injuries? That's unpredictable as hell and I don't want to speculate. All players go through this.

Its hoping for a miracle when your expecting White to be your main distributor. He was never trained to play pg even at college and with rebuild yr 3, time is running out since Lavine, Lauri, and Carter will be paid big money sooner or later.
The best unlikely scenario White can become is Jamal Murray who I think is best hybrid scorer/passer but difficult to perfect it.
But leading a team isnt something you can really learn as players like Ball brothers are just born/gifted with it.
Its close to something you cannot teach you either have it or dont which is why draft projections into what archetype matters.

Now I dont dislike White since he doesnt give up and tries to make the right plays with bad intangibles/tunnel vision.
And he somewhat proved he is a baller (decent player) in his hot streak. But keeping both of them to only score? That is some horrible asset mgt when your best assets can be replaced by microwave scorers for a fraction of the cost.
Even if you argue they are the best players, the two just cannot coexist together they will guarantee lose by double digits.
Just look at the body language of Thad, Lauri, Carter. I am thinking they might riot/retire since they had enough with this clown fiesta.
Keeping both Lavine and White means there is no backup contingency plan in case they run it down which is likely.
Same with Lauri and Carter. Not picking a direction and evaluating until all of their rookie contracts expire is not an option as at least 1-2 will bust out. If your not confident like me trade all of them for better prospects that can pan out quickly.

I agree with you with Lavine vs. White if we get LaMelo. I made my decision a couple of months ago. It's Lavine. He has to go because he's the one who will get back the most in a trade. Lavine is the one with the high value. Not Coby. I would stick White on the bench as a Sixth Man. That's where he should be. Most GMs around the league know about Coby White anyway. Lavine/Coby starting back court is terrible. They will not pass the ball LOL.

[TheSuzerain]

There are certainly some things I hope AK can take from how Denver built it up.

But the “plan“ really shouldn’t be to land stars late in the draft. We need a more concrete path to landing the star talents that we lack.

I don’t expect an out and out tank job, but the roster needs an overhaul, and the top of the draft is a readily available way to access star talent.

I’m hoping we liquidate our current assets, do a soft tank, and methodically built up from there.