NBA DRAFT LOTTERY GT, 12 MAY 2025, 6 PM CT, CHICAGO, ESPN

[DuckIII]

We are all lined up again then.


The franchise contains the Jordan curse umbrella. Under which the apparent Rose curse is in effect. We are always just outside the money on desired players for the draft in these lottery things. To the point where someone upstairs must have a sense of humor and particular enjoyment of torturing Bulls fans exquisitely.

Except last year. So maybe the curse is broken?

Honestly I can’t say I followed the pre draft hype. I’m a little checked out on the Bulls lately. Reinsdorf has worn me out completely. Which is the same story on my White Sox attention span. Was Matas on the pre draft hype list of guys?

A year before the draft he was the #1 prospect in his class. Then he shot the 3 ball poorly in the G-League and fell to a consensus that he would probably go between 4-6, but then he slid out of nowhere to 11.

That said, there was no hyped group in last year’s draft where there was some sort of theoretical cut off like there is some years. They were collectively considered a weak group. Just saying we finally got some excellent draft luck last year. The NBA brain-farted on Buzelis and AK was at least smart enough to get take advantage.

[Chi town]

Except last year. So maybe the curse is broken?

Honestly I can’t say I followed the pre draft hype. I’m a little checked out on the Bulls lately. Reinsdorf has worn me out completely. Which is the same story on my White Sox attention span. Was Matas on the pre draft hype list of guys?

A year before the draft he was the #1 prospect in his class. Then he shot the 3 ball poorly in the G-League and fell to a consensus that he would probably go between 4-6, but then he slid out of nowhere to 11.

That said, there was no hyped group in last year’s draft where there was some sort of theoretical cut off like there is some years. They were collectively considered a weak group. Just saying we finally got some excellent draft luck last year. The NBA brain-farted on Buzelis and AK was at least smart enough to get take advantage.

We obviously don’t have the player and coach interview info but simply watching the tape showed you Buz should have gone 5th at worst.

It is kinda crazy how bad these pros are at evaluating. Seems like they see what they want to see instead of what they see.

Buz is going to be a stud. I believe there will be another player just like him at 12 in this draft because GMs will overthink it. Hopefully AK gets out of his own way and makes the right pick.

[nomorezorro]

can't believe there's only 2 more days until we win the lottery

[DuckIII]

Honestly I can’t say I followed the pre draft hype. I’m a little checked out on the Bulls lately. Reinsdorf has worn me out completely. Which is the same story on my White Sox attention span. Was Matas on the pre draft hype list of guys?

A year before the draft he was the #1 prospect in his class. Then he shot the 3 ball poorly in the G-League and fell to a consensus that he would probably go between 4-6, but then he slid out of nowhere to 11.

That said, there was no hyped group in last year’s draft where there was some sort of theoretical cut off like there is some years. They were collectively considered a weak group. Just saying we finally got some excellent draft luck last year. The NBA brain-farted on Buzelis and AK was at least smart enough to get take advantage.

We obviously don’t have the player and coach interview info but simply watching the tape showed you Buz should have gone 5th at worst.

It is kinda crazy how bad these pros are at evaluating. Seems like they see what they want to see instead of what they see.

Buz is going to be a stud. I believe there will be another player just like him at 12 in this draft because GMs will overthink it. Hopefully AK gets out of his own way and makes the right pick.

There’s certainly some weird examples. Buzelis is one of the “guys who went lottery but slid and it made no sense” list for sure. Usually there is some credible reason you can point to that can explain it even if you don’t agree with it. Injury concern. Bad attitude. Something.

But every once in awhile it’s just, huh? Everyone’s list will be a little different but the four of the bigger ones for me that jump to mind are Paul Pierce, Buzelis, Mikal Brides (probably personal to me) and the biggest example is a guy who only “slid” two spots. Luka. He was so obviously a can’t miss HOF type of prodigy talent - and everyone even agreed - until the predraft process. And then you heard about the doubts and questions. And he amazingly drops to 3rd and even more amazingly is then traded for Trae Freaking Young!

No finer example of the NBA’s collective ability to overthink a draft, than Luka Magic Doncic.

[Dan Z]

A year before the draft he was the #1 prospect in his class. Then he shot the 3 ball poorly in the G-League and fell to a consensus that he would probably go between 4-6, but then he slid out of nowhere to 11.

That said, there was no hyped group in last year’s draft where there was some sort of theoretical cut off like there is some years. They were collectively considered a weak group. Just saying we finally got some excellent draft luck last year. The NBA brain-farted on Buzelis and AK was at least smart enough to get take advantage.

We obviously don’t have the player and coach interview info but simply watching the tape showed you Buz should have gone 5th at worst.

It is kinda crazy how bad these pros are at evaluating. Seems like they see what they want to see instead of what they see.

Buz is going to be a stud. I believe there will be another player just like him at 12 in this draft because GMs will overthink it. Hopefully AK gets out of his own way and makes the right pick.

There’s certainly some weird examples. Buzelis is one of the “guys who went lottery but slid and it made no sense” list for sure. Usually there is some credible reason you can point to that can explain it even if you don’t agree with it. Injury concern. Bad attitude. Something.

But every once in awhile it’s just, huh? Everyone’s list will be a little different but the four of the bigger ones for me that jump to mind are Paul Pierce, Buzelis, Mikal Brides (probably personal to me) and the biggest example is a guy who only “slid” two spots. Luka. He was so obviously a can’t miss HOF type of prodigy talent - and everyone even agreed - until the predraft process. And then you heard about the doubts and questions. And he amazingly drops to 3rd and even more amazingly is then traded for Trae Freaking Young!

No finer example of the NBA’s collective ability to overthink a draft, than Luka Magic Doncic.

I was surprised that Phoenix passed on Luka because they had a European coach at that time (Igor Kokoskov) and Goran Dragic (former Suns player) was singing Luka's praise.

Then the Kings pass on him, which was a surprise too because Vlade Divac was their GM at that time. Although I heard rumors that Vlade had issues with Luka's dad...?

Then Luka get's picked by Atlanta and traded. It's crazy.

[samwana]

Darko was a big collective no sense pick the other way around. Or Melo dropped one spot?

[WesPeace]

Honestly I can’t say I followed the pre draft hype. I’m a little checked out on the Bulls lately. Reinsdorf has worn me out completely. Which is the same story on my White Sox attention span. Was Matas on the pre draft hype list of guys?

A year before the draft he was the #1 prospect in his class. Then he shot the 3 ball poorly in the G-League and fell to a consensus that he would probably go between 4-6, but then he slid out of nowhere to 11.

That said, there was no hyped group in last year’s draft where there was some sort of theoretical cut off like there is some years. They were collectively considered a weak group. Just saying we finally got some excellent draft luck last year. The NBA brain-farted on Buzelis and AK was at least smart enough to get take advantage.

We obviously don’t have the player and coach interview info but simply watching the tape showed you Buz should have gone 5th at worst.

It is kinda crazy how bad these pros are at evaluating. Seems like they see what they want to see instead of what they see.

Buz is going to be a stud. I believe there will be another player just like him at 12 in this draft because GMs will overthink it. Hopefully AK gets out of his own way and makes the right pick.

I agree, its trully mindboggling how bad are these pro's many times at evaluating! Of course you cant never tell with kids for sure, how they develop.. but that you ignore so many basic stuff is weird.

So yeah, thanx god, we have lucked out with Matas last year, from what I have seen,he should be top 5-6 pick no matter what, even if his 3pt shot struggled a bit, but his athleticism, mobilty, ball handle, BB IQ, defense, should be enough..

AKME at least did good move with Buzelis! BUT it could be just because of Lithuanian connection..lol

[WesPeace]

We obviously don’t have the player and coach interview info but simply watching the tape showed you Buz should have gone 5th at worst.

It is kinda crazy how bad these pros are at evaluating. Seems like they see what they want to see instead of what they see.

Buz is going to be a stud. I believe there will be another player just like him at 12 in this draft because GMs will overthink it. Hopefully AK gets out of his own way and makes the right pick.

There’s certainly some weird examples. Buzelis is one of the “guys who went lottery but slid and it made no sense” list for sure. Usually there is some credible reason you can point to that can explain it even if you don’t agree with it. Injury concern. Bad attitude. Something.

But every once in awhile it’s just, huh? Everyone’s list will be a little different but the four of the bigger ones for me that jump to mind are Paul Pierce, Buzelis, Mikal Brides (probably personal to me) and the biggest example is a guy who only “slid” two spots. Luka. He was so obviously a can’t miss HOF type of prodigy talent - and everyone even agreed - until the predraft process. And then you heard about the doubts and questions. And he amazingly drops to 3rd and even more amazingly is then traded for Trae Freaking Young!

No finer example of the NBA’s collective ability to overthink a draft, than Luka Magic Doncic.

I was surprised that Phoenix passed on Luka because they had a European coach at that time (Igor Kokoskov) and Goran Dragic (former Suns player) was singing Luka's praise.

Then the Kings pass on him, which was a surprise too because Vlade Divac was their GM at that time. Although I heard rumors that Vlade had issues with Luka's dad...?

Then Luka get's picked by Atlanta and traded. It's crazy.

It was again that small close minded talk everywhere backthen for Luka, he is European, can he play in NBA? Can he translate his game to NBA? Some of the weirdest comments from the big guys and legendary players. European - why was that still an issue?? LoL, I would get it 20yrs ago,but not few years ago..
Also will his game translate to NBA? Dudes wtf, European basketball is known by hard tough defense and systematic schemes, tactics.. while in NBA modern style is run and gun basketball with almost nonexistant defense until playoffs... Of course his game will flourish in NBA haha.. not just because of his talent and BBIQ,but more space and less tight D on him. The only problems with him that are obvious NOW, his poor conditioning and his poor D werent even an issues back then.

So it was a surprise Phoenix passed on him,even tho they really liked Ayton all along.. Sacramento with Kings were just dumb, Divac had some personal issue around Luka,so him skipped him... Divac overall as GM was mostly bad anyway, not really that smart basketball mind.

[Dan Z]

There’s certainly some weird examples. Buzelis is one of the “guys who went lottery but slid and it made no sense” list for sure. Usually there is some credible reason you can point to that can explain it even if you don’t agree with it. Injury concern. Bad attitude. Something.

But every once in awhile it’s just, huh? Everyone’s list will be a little different but the four of the bigger ones for me that jump to mind are Paul Pierce, Buzelis, Mikal Brides (probably personal to me) and the biggest example is a guy who only “slid” two spots. Luka. He was so obviously a can’t miss HOF type of prodigy talent - and everyone even agreed - until the predraft process. And then you heard about the doubts and questions. And he amazingly drops to 3rd and even more amazingly is then traded for Trae Freaking Young!

No finer example of the NBA’s collective ability to overthink a draft, than Luka Magic Doncic.

I was surprised that Phoenix passed on Luka because they had a European coach at that time (Igor Kokoskov) and Goran Dragic (former Suns player) was singing Luka's praise.

Then the Kings pass on him, which was a surprise too because Vlade Divac was their GM at that time. Although I heard rumors that Vlade had issues with Luka's dad...?

Then Luka get's picked by Atlanta and traded. It's crazy.

It was again that small close minded talk everywhere backthen for Luka, he is European, can he play in NBA? Can he translate his game to NBA? Some of the weirdest comments from the big guys and legendary players. European - why was that still an issue?? LoL, I would get it 20yrs ago,but not few years ago..
Also will his game translate to NBA? Dudes wtf, European basketball is known by hard tough defense and systematic schemes, tactics.. while in NBA modern style is run and gun basketball with almost nonexistant defense until playoffs... Of course his game will flourish in NBA haha.. not just because of his talent and BBIQ,but more space and less tight D on him. The only problems with him that are obvious NOW, his poor conditioning and his poor D werent even an issues back then.

So it was a surprise Phoenix passed on him,even tho they really liked Ayton all along.. Sacramento with Kings were just dumb, Divac had some personal issue around Luka,so him skipped him... Divac overall as GM was mostly bad anyway, not really that smart basketball mind.

If I owned the Kings I'd be very upset if I lost out on a franchise HOF level player because my GM had personal issues with the players dad.

[DuckIII]

I was surprised that Phoenix passed on Luka because they had a European coach at that time (Igor Kokoskov) and Goran Dragic (former Suns player) was singing Luka's praise.

Then the Kings pass on him, which was a surprise too because Vlade Divac was their GM at that time. Although I heard rumors that Vlade had issues with Luka's dad...?

Then Luka get's picked by Atlanta and traded. It's crazy.

It was again that small close minded talk everywhere backthen for Luka, he is European, can he play in NBA? Can he translate his game to NBA? Some of the weirdest comments from the big guys and legendary players. European - why was that still an issue?? LoL, I would get it 20yrs ago,but not few years ago..
Also will his game translate to NBA? Dudes wtf, European basketball is known by hard tough defense and systematic schemes, tactics.. while in NBA modern style is run and gun basketball with almost nonexistant defense until playoffs... Of course his game will flourish in NBA haha.. not just because of his talent and BBIQ,but more space and less tight D on him. The only problems with him that are obvious NOW, his poor conditioning and his poor D werent even an issues back then.

So it was a surprise Phoenix passed on him,even tho they really liked Ayton all along.. Sacramento with Kings were just dumb, Divac had some personal issue around Luka,so him skipped him... Divac overall as GM was mostly bad anyway, not really that smart basketball mind.

If I owned the Kings I'd be very upset if I lost out on a franchise HOF level player because my GM had personal issues with the players dad.

Ironically Marvin Bagley’s dad was a huge pain in the ass. Nice little pinch of salt in the wound.

[sco]

tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow!

[The Force.]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

[BullChit]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

That Kuminga sign and trade says hello

[prolific passer]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

That Kuminga sign and trade says hello

[kodo]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

That Kuminga sign and trade says hello

We'll trade the #2 pick for Porzingis.

[NZB2323]

https://www.tankathon.com/past_drafts

Take a look at this list. Specifically the top three picks. Go back as far as you want. Basically, you have a one in three chance INSIDE THE TOP 3 of landing a franchise player. Those are... not great odds. Certainly not odds that make me want to be a terrible franchise on purpose. The odds of tanking your way to being a contender are even smaller.

By and large, being terrible on purpose likely just leads to you being terrible for longer.

Would it be better to try and win every game only to end up with a 39 win season and losing the play-in game? How many years in a row should the Bulls do that?

I believe it would be. I'd much rather be in the Bulls position than the Wizards or Hornets, for example. You could easily tank for 5 years and have worse talent than what we have right now.

Losing begets losing. It permeates a franchise from the management down to the players. There are outliers, of course, but that's uncommon. Hence why they are the outliers.

The Wizards and Hornets haven’t been tanking. The Wizards gave the max to Bradley Beal with a no trade clause. They gave John Wall the super max. They traded John Wall and a 1st round draft pick for Westbrook.

In 2007 the Bobcats traded their 1st round pick for Jason Richardson. Their strategy since then has been to get veterans: Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Tyson Chandler, Stephen Jackson, Ben Gordon, Gordon Haywood, Gordon Hayward, Ramon Sessions, Al Jefferson, Lance Stevenson, Matt Barnes, Courtney Lee, Batum, Jeremy Lamb, Jeremy Lin, Belinelli, Roy Hibbert, Plumlee, Dwight Howard, and Tony Parker.

They have picked up some draft picks along the way, but you could easily argue the Wizards and Bobcats would have been more successful tanking as opposed to trying to win 40 games every year.

[NZB2323]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

That Kuminga sign and trade says hello

Kuminga for Vuc: who says no?

[Dan Z]

Would it be better to try and win every game only to end up with a 39 win season and losing the play-in game? How many years in a row should the Bulls do that?

I believe it would be. I'd much rather be in the Bulls position than the Wizards or Hornets, for example. You could easily tank for 5 years and have worse talent than what we have right now.

Losing begets losing. It permeates a franchise from the management down to the players. There are outliers, of course, but that's uncommon. Hence why they are the outliers.

The Wizards and Hornets haven’t been tanking. The Wizards gave the max to Bradley Beal with a no trade clause. They gave John Wall the super max. They traded John Wall and a 1st round draft pick for Westbrook.

In 2007 the Bobcats traded their 1st round pick for Jason Richardson. Their strategy since then has been to get veterans: Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Tyson Chandler, Stephen Jackson, Ben Gordon, Gordon Haywood, Gordon Hayward, Ramon Sessions, Al Jefferson, Lance Stevenson, Matt Barnes, Courtney Lee, Batum, Jeremy Lamb, Jeremy Lin, Belinelli, Roy Hibbert, Plumlee, Dwight Howard, and Tony Parker.

They have picked up some draft picks along the way, but you could easily argue the Wizards and Bobcats would have been more successful tanking as opposed to trying to win 40 games every year.

The Wizards aren't tanking, they just have a young team and that's why they're losing. Once they traded Beal they moved in a new direction, which is one where they build through the draft (and acquire as many picks as possible).

The Hornets...I have no idea what they're doing. They were bad this season in part because of injuries.

[sco]

If the Bulls do move up what are the chances AK simply trades this, and future picks for some fringe all-star?

That Kuminga sign and trade says hello

Kuminga for Vuc: who says no?

I think GS gets a much better deal. Also, doesn't the whole S&T math get messed up because they can only get back salary equal to his current salary, not his future, so I think they can only take back $8M. Someone please correct me if I have that wrong. Finally, Kuminga is a RFA, so you'd need to sign him to an offer sheet that he agrees to...IIRC we can only offer the non-tax-payer MLE or ~$15M, which he won't take.

[Am2626]

They don't need to try and pry Presti from OKC. Just get someone with a long term plan and let them execute it. Almost every time a team (in recent years) has tried to rush things it hasn't worked out.

I'm watching the Bill Simmons documentary "Celtics City" and throughout their history Boston has maintained their level of success by making smart decisions to build through the draft. In 1956 the St. Louis Hawks drafted Bill Russell and the Celtics traded Ed Maccauley/Cliff Hagen for him.

In 1978 they had the 2nd pick and selected Larry Bird, which was a year before he finished college (he was an older senior).

In 1980 the Celtics had the #1 pick and traded it (along with another pick) to the Warriors for Robert Parrish and the 3rd overall pick (Kevin McHale).

They tried it again in 1986 by trading Gerald Henderson and cash to the Sonics for the #2 pick, which they used to select Len Bias (who tragically passed away).

Ainge built the current team by trading KG/PP to the Nets for picks.

You can look at what Presti has been doing (acquiring picks) or a team like Houston (who built their team through the draft, but then added to the core with Brooks/FVV).

When I look at the Bulls history their best teams have come from drafting. Jordan in 1984 and then in 1987 drafting Grant and trading for Pippen. Or the early years when Paxson was GM. He drafted Hinrich, traded Curry for picks (that ended up being Noah and Aldridge...then he traded Aldridge for Tyrus Thomas). In 2004 he traded a future pick, the rights to Jackson Vroman, and cash for Luol Deng. He got lucky in the lottery with Rose.

It's crazy to me that the Bulls currently have a GM who doesn't believe in the draft.

That’s what I mean by FO. I used Presti as an example of spending money on something because that doesn’t count against the cap. That’s the stupid loyality thing with Jerry. Send AK packing. Just stupid.

Jerry kept every GM too long. Krause, Paxson, Gar and now AK. At least Paxson realized that he wasn't focused enough to continue doing the job and moved into a new position.

The one GM he didn't keep for very long was Rod Thorn and Thorn went on to prove that he was a good GM (with the Nets).

Paxson got a lot of criticism to the point that he couldn’t handle it. That’s why he stepped down. He’s still be the GM if he wanted the job.