2020 NBA Draft Thread: Bulls pick 4th!

[Senor Chang]

I like Deni but I don't see a path where he becomes an all-star. What does he do at an elite level?

Shooting? Definitely not.
Passing? He is more of a secondary initiator than a primary one ala Doncic.
He is a below average athlete at the SF position in the NBA
His defense is actually not bad but I doubt that will be his calling card in the NBA

I'm getting major Dario Saric vibes from him and that is a guy you should be picking in the 10-20 range, not in the top 4.

Even as a role player he probably won't be a 3&D guy, so where does he fit? For a top 4 pick if you aren't going to be a star at least be an elite role player.

[GimmeDat]

Deni's going to be nice but I think the love is overblown. He's fairly rudimentary as both a scorer and a facilitator in the half court, from what I have seen. Has some nice moments in transition and is a good defender but I think we need to shoot for higher upside here. I wouldn't hate the pick but I wouldn't be giddy with excitement.

For me, Killian Hayes is the better international prospect.

Even if you are to compare wings, I think I like Vassell a bit more - for me, Vassell is substantially more of a game-changer as a defender and I don't think the dropoff offensively is as big in relation.

Still would love to trade back if possible. Love to get Poku later in the lottery, and I think Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony would be great value picks mid-1st.

It's worth considering also, and this doesn't necessarily have to be deep in the evaluation but always should be part of the conversation imo - next year is a wing heavy draft. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

If you are skeptical about Coby running the offense, particularly next to Lavine, long term, we're not going to be addressing the PG situation next draft. This is a good year to do it.

[BullsFTW]

Deni's going to be nice but I think the love is overblown. He's fairly rudimentary as both a scorer and a facilitator in the half court, from what I have seen. Has some nice moments in transition and is a good defender but I think we need to shoot for higher upside here. I wouldn't hate the pick but I wouldn't be giddy with excitement.

For me, Killian Hayes is the better international prospect.

Even if you are to compare wings, I think I like Vassell a bit more - for me, Vassell is substantially more of a game-changer as a defender and I don't think the dropoff offensively is as big in relation.

Still would love to trade back if possible. Love to get Poku later in the lottery, and I think Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony would be great value picks mid-1st.

It's worth considering also, and this doesn't necessarily have to be deep in the evaluation but always should be part of the conversation imo - next year is a wing heavy draft. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

If you are skeptical about Coby running the offense, particularly next to Lavine, long term, we're not going to be addressing the PG situation next draft. This is a good year to do it.

Killian Hayes is my favorite prospect in this year’s draft, and Jalen Green in next year’s.

I know you’ve evaluated a lot of the prospects. I’m curious how your Top 10 big board looks like.

[PlayerUp]

Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

Speaking of that, the 2021 draft looks pretty solid. Many of those prospects could go #1 in this draft. Ironically, the 2022 draft is setup to be even better as high school players will get to declare and prospects like Bates. Then it would drop off heavily with a likely weak 2023 draft.

If we're looking to acquire "future" picks, target the 2021 and 2022 drafts.

[MrFortune3]

Deni's going to be nice but I think the love is overblown. He's fairly rudimentary as both a scorer and a facilitator in the half court, from what I have seen. Has some nice moments in transition and is a good defender but I think we need to shoot for higher upside here. I wouldn't hate the pick but I wouldn't be giddy with excitement.

For me, Killian Hayes is the better international prospect.

Even if you are to compare wings, I think I like Vassell a bit more - for me, Vassell is substantially more of a game-changer as a defender and I don't think the dropoff offensively is as big in relation.

Still would love to trade back if possible. Love to get Poku later in the lottery, and I think Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony would be great value picks mid-1st.

It's worth considering also, and this doesn't necessarily have to be deep in the evaluation but always should be part of the conversation imo - next year is a wing heavy draft. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

If you are skeptical about Coby running the offense, particularly next to Lavine, long term, we're not going to be addressing the PG situation next draft. This is a good year to do it.

For me, I view Deni as a guy who is a solid basketball player who is only going to get better. He has a good feel for the game and most of his issues are mechanical and fixable with coaching and development.

I also believe his play making ability will fit in extremely well with the team and we need more guys that can create not only offense for others but their own as well.

[GimmeDat]

Deni's going to be nice but I think the love is overblown. He's fairly rudimentary as both a scorer and a facilitator in the half court, from what I have seen. Has some nice moments in transition and is a good defender but I think we need to shoot for higher upside here. I wouldn't hate the pick but I wouldn't be giddy with excitement.

For me, Killian Hayes is the better international prospect.

Even if you are to compare wings, I think I like Vassell a bit more - for me, Vassell is substantially more of a game-changer as a defender and I don't think the dropoff offensively is as big in relation.

Still would love to trade back if possible. Love to get Poku later in the lottery, and I think Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony would be great value picks mid-1st.

It's worth considering also, and this doesn't necessarily have to be deep in the evaluation but always should be part of the conversation imo - next year is a wing heavy draft. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

If you are skeptical about Coby running the offense, particularly next to Lavine, long term, we're not going to be addressing the PG situation next draft. This is a good year to do it.

Killian Hayes is my favorite prospect in this year’s draft, and Jalen Green in next year’s.

I know you’ve evaluated a lot of the prospects. I’m curious how your Top 10 big board looks like.

For this year? It's a weird draft, I keep to-ing and fro-ing.. so I've been hesitant to do a top 10. If I was to do it right now based on how I feel at this very moment, I'll give it a crack -

1. Ball
2. Edwards
3. Hayes
4. Pokusevski
5. Okongwu
6. Vassell
7. Avdija
8. Wiseman
9. Maxey
10. Toppin

Then a combination of Hali, Lewis, Anthony, Okoro, Williams rounding out the rest of the lottery.

[GimmeDat]

Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

Speaking of that, the 2021 draft looks pretty solid. Many of those prospects could go #1 in this draft. Ironically, the 2022 draft is setup to be even better as high school players will get to declare and prospects like Bates. Then it would drop off heavily with a likely weak 2023 draft.

If we're looking to acquire "future" picks, target the 2021 and 2022 drafts.

Yeah the next couple are soo much better. This is *broadly speaking* a 'find a starter' draft, next draft is a 'find a star' draft.

Cunningham is the best prospect since Zion/Doncic (only going back a couple of years there I know, but we all know how spectacular those guys are). Having any chance of getting him in particular would turn our franchise around.

[R3AL1TY]

With the T-Wolves for sale, I can see them drafting Ball at #1 to put more value, marketing and hype into the team, which leads to Edwards possibly going #2 in a trade, and Wiseman going #3. Deni most likely is the Bulls pick one way or another.

If Edwards is available at #2, it’s worth considering to move up for.

I wouldn't mind a trade up if it doesn't cost too much, but I can see Golden State looking for a player that's better than anyone on the Bulls' roster. Players like Beal, Love, and Embiid.

[BullsFTW]

Deni's going to be nice but I think the love is overblown. He's fairly rudimentary as both a scorer and a facilitator in the half court, from what I have seen. Has some nice moments in transition and is a good defender but I think we need to shoot for higher upside here. I wouldn't hate the pick but I wouldn't be giddy with excitement.

For me, Killian Hayes is the better international prospect.

Even if you are to compare wings, I think I like Vassell a bit more - for me, Vassell is substantially more of a game-changer as a defender and I don't think the dropoff offensively is as big in relation.

Still would love to trade back if possible. Love to get Poku later in the lottery, and I think Kira Lewis or Cole Anthony would be great value picks mid-1st.

It's worth considering also, and this doesn't necessarily have to be deep in the evaluation but always should be part of the conversation imo - next year is a wing heavy draft. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Brandon Boston Jr, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Johnson, Zhaire Williams... the list goes on. On the contrary, it's SUPER thin at PG - Jalen Suggs is basically the only PG option expected in lottery range (Cunningam is essentially a PG too, but he's 6'8, it would be a Doncic-esque role).

If you are skeptical about Coby running the offense, particularly next to Lavine, long term, we're not going to be addressing the PG situation next draft. This is a good year to do it.

Killian Hayes is my favorite prospect in this year’s draft, and Jalen Green in next year’s.

I know you’ve evaluated a lot of the prospects. I’m curious how your Top 10 big board looks like.

For this year? It's a weird draft, I keep to-ing and fro-ing.. so I've been hesitant to do a top 10. If I was to do it right now based on how I feel at this very moment, I'll give it a crack -

1. Ball
2. Edwards
3. Hayes
4. Pokusevski
5. Okongwu
6. Vassell
7. Avdija
8. Wiseman
9. Maxey
10. Toppin

Then a combination of Hali, Lewis, Anthony, Okoro, Williams rounding out the rest of the lottery.

Thanks for sharing. That’s an interesting list.

I’m still not sold on Ball’s shooting ability but he does have the highest ceiling if everything goes right for him. I don’t know much about Poku, I need to do more research on him. I think Okongwu is the best big in the draft.

Vassell looks solid, but could he develop into a Paul George type or is he more of Otto Porter JR?

[wonderboy2]

Will teams be able to workout draft prospects? Will there be a draft combine? And obviously there’s no summer league but I wonder if there will be something similar where rookies and 2nd year players get some game action.

[GimmeDat]

Killian Hayes is my favorite prospect in this year’s draft, and Jalen Green in next year’s.

I know you’ve evaluated a lot of the prospects. I’m curious how your Top 10 big board looks like.

For this year? It's a weird draft, I keep to-ing and fro-ing.. so I've been hesitant to do a top 10. If I was to do it right now based on how I feel at this very moment, I'll give it a crack -

1. Ball
2. Edwards
3. Hayes
4. Pokusevski
5. Okongwu
6. Vassell
7. Avdija
8. Wiseman
9. Maxey
10. Toppin

Then a combination of Hali, Lewis, Anthony, Okoro, Williams rounding out the rest of the lottery.

Thanks for sharing. That’s an interesting list.

I’m still not sold on Ball’s shooting ability but he does have the highest ceiling if everything goes right for him. I don’t know much about Poku, I need to do more research on him. I think Okongwu is the best big in the draft.

Vassell looks solid, but could he develop into a Paul George type or is he more of Otto Porter JR?

No worries. I'm not that sold on Ball's shooting either. There's a combination of shot selection, form, etc. factors all in play, but I do think he can pan out to be a decent shooter, and if he does, I think you have a really high level offense player on your hands. There's just not that many big initiators with the ability to make others better like he can out there, so I think you have to covet that upside in the face of all his warts.

Same with Edwards.. I have times I drop him because I hate all his issues and think he's fools gold, but in a weak draft like this, I think it's very hard to pass on the upside. Obviously the same logic with Poku - in all reality he's someone who probably won't have an impact in year 1 - he's just not physically ready and will have to do some G-League time, but if/when he is, he just has such an incredible intersection of skills for a 7 footer. I'm not saying he's the Giannis of this draft, but if someone is, it's him. Obviously not talking MVP upside here, but he's a high upside project.. I think that upside is worth taking a swing on, hit or a miss.

I've largely felt OO is the best big in the class as well.. I have had him marginally above Wiseman for a while - smarter player, better passer, better defender, he's got a bunch of things going over him. It's quite likely he is the best big at the end of the day... can't imagine him not being a starter for a long time.

Vassell is definitely closer to Otto than PG. He looks pretty uncomfortable doing anything off more than a few dribbles offensively, he's not a creator, but he can do some basic shooting off the dribble and stuff well. I would say Otto, at least the one we saw with us, is a better creator than Vassell as well. Devin's really thin and somewhat adverse to contact, mainly just a jump-shooter in the half-court (who also makes good basic passes), but he's got a bit of pop athletically in transition. He's pretty much a 3/D guy, but the selling point is he's the best defender in the draft.. great instincts, great length, just super disruptive and a bit of a game changer on that end.

[PlayerUp]

Will teams be able to workout draft prospects? Will there be a draft combine? And obviously there’s no summer league but I wonder if there will be something similar where rookies and 2nd year players get some game action.

TBD.

They were discussing possibly delaying the NBA draft even more. Vaccines could be out as well in October/November. Draft combine will certainly be cancelled but they may do a different one of some sort in the bubble. Possible that they can all come to the bubble and do workouts there. Also possible they do virtual workouts.

I'm sure they'll figure something out because teams like us need to see who has developed over the last 6+ months. It could be the key factor that makes us decide who we should take here.

[StunnerKO]

I wonder if OPJ is enough to move up two spots.

Nobody wants OPJ due to his injuries and contract. He's a positive player to a team when healthy but has negative value overall.

OPJ is An expiring so any team looking to shed a longer deal def would take him

[PlayerUp]

4. Pokusevski

Speaking of Pokusevski, here is this years prospect that could shoot up into the lottery or become available in the early 2nd Round. Some impressive predraft workouts will quickly change his draft position.

Watch on YouTube

[PlayerUp]

OPJ is An expiring so any team looking to shed a longer deal def would take him

It's not about his expiring contract, it's about him making close to $30m this year. Those contracts are difficult to move. Maybe you can find a team that has a couple bad contracts and willing to give us assets but more than likely he'll just play out his final season with the Bulls.

[StunnerKO]

OPJ is An expiring so any team looking to shed a longer deal def would take him

It's not about his expiring contract, it's about him making close to $30m this year. Those contracts are difficult to move. Maybe you can find a team that has a couple bad contracts and willing to give us assets but more than likely he'll just play out his final season with the Bulls.

Those contracts aren’t that hard to move any contract can be moved it’s been proven when people thought otherwise. I still think he stays but a playoff team with some longer deals could seek Otto for a run if he’s healthy and we are bad. Plenty of teams with bad contracts they would love to get out of just depends on what they give us to sweeten especially with the salary cap in question going forward a deal like Ottos more valuable than ever

[Bullflip]

If I was the Bulls and Ball was still available at 4, I would call up the Knicks. They are desperate for him. Trade him for their 8th pick and pick swap next year and whatever else. They will still suck next year and the Bulls can get another lottery pick in a better draft. With the 8th pick, they can probably still land one of the PGs or get Nesmith, who I believe will be like Ray Allen

[PlayerUp]

Those contracts aren’t that hard to move any contract can be moved it’s been proven when people thought otherwise.

I'm sure it's possible but very unlikely. The NBA doesn't have as many bad contracts as it did before. Our best would be a team like the 76ers desperate willing to give up unprotected 1sts down the road to get rid of Horford/Harris now. However most playoff teams aren't crippled with bad contracts.

Bulls on the other hand are loaded with bad contracts. Porter, Young, Sato and Felicio.

[MrFortune3]

4. Pokusevski

Speaking of Pokusevski, here is this years prospect that could shoot up in the lottery or become available in the early 2nd Round. Some impressive predraft workouts will quickly change his draft position.

Watch on YouTube

I think he’s going to go later in the 1st round due to a lack of work outs and the normal draft process. A lot of trans are likely to play it as safe as possible due to teams losing money.

[sco]

4. Pokusevski

Speaking of Pokusevski, here is this years prospect that could shoot up in the lottery or become available in the early 2nd Round. Some impressive predraft workouts will quickly change his draft position.

Watch on YouTube

I haven't really watch him. Thanks. Dude has exactly the playmaking skills I want at PF. IMO, he looks way more skilled at playmaking than Deni. I would LOVE to trade down and try to nab him plus another decent potential guy instead of drafting a guy like Wiseman.