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

[Dresden]

To me, Nesmith seems like a guy who can come in a contribute as a shooter from day 1. He's got some limitations in quickness, which will impact his defense, but he's also very solidly built, and does have that 6'10" wingspan, so if they can teach him to play good team defense, he should be able to hold his own against most guys eventually.

I like guys who are alpha scorers in college- it means they're used to shouldering the burden on offense and drawing a lot of defensive attention, and aren't afraid to take big shots. I wish Wendell had a bit more of that in him, and esp. Lauri.

[drosereturn]

Aaron Nesmith highlights - more than a shooter, but, yeah, one heck of a shooter - but also not super athletic (lacks high end speed and bounce, mostly an under the rim guy), not that big or long (though fairly thick/strong), not an exceptional ball handler (also against weaker competition on a bad team)...

His wingspan is 6'10" I thought. That's long.

Something like that was announced (not sure from when), but he certainly doesn't look it. Same as Vassell supposedly having short arms --- that doesn't seem consistent with the eye test. I mean, Vassell's no Brandon Ingram, but who is?

Though wingspan measurements may be more an issue of how broad the player's chest and shoulders are, as opposed to arm length.

As much as I love Vassell type two way players and Nesmith have shades of Doug, if you could get him for non lotto pick thats way better value than getting Vassell at 7.

[MGB8]

His wingspan is 6'10" I thought. That's long.

Something like that was announced (not sure from when), but he certainly doesn't look it. Same as Vassell supposedly having short arms --- that doesn't seem consistent with the eye test. I mean, Vassell's no Brandon Ingram, but who is?

Though wingspan measurements may be more an issue of how broad the player's chest and shoulders are, as opposed to arm length.

As much as I love Vassell type two way players and Nesmith have shades of Doug, if you could get him for non lotto pick thats way better value than getting Vassell at 7.

I disagree... when I watch Vassell play (mind you, just on a few youtube reels), I see big time (though not superstar) talent. I don't really see a lack of aggression, either, despite the low FTAs.

I think he's just a high IQ, team oriented player with a very strong outside shot, a good (but not great) handle, good jumping ability, better length than he's getting credit for in scouting reports. The only thing that he doesn't have is that super fast first step. I think the relatively middling (though very efficient) box score numbers are largely based on him being committed to playing team ball, where the guards he plays with are upper classmen (Forrest, the PG who only gets 4 assists per game and shoots almost as many shots as Vassell, a senior, Walker, who also shoots almost as many shots, a Junior).

Remember that Vassell is also fairly young - turning 20 in August. He's only five months older than freshman Okoro, while being almost a full year younger than Nesmith.

Ultimately, this is a weak draft at the top. And I can definitely see the case for drafting Avdija (especially if the Bulls aren't sold on Lauri). I can also see the case for Okoro (despite the risk that the shot never comes). I can definitely see the case for Wiseman if he drops or the Bulls move up (you can't teach 7'1 and athletic with a fairly good shot), and to a lesser extent Ball, Hayes or even Haliburton.

But I have to say I'd be really happy with Vassell at 7 or 8. He'd be an excellent hedge for a Porter injury (or Porter playing small-ball 4 a lot). I also think that he is more than just a 3&D guy, and while he's the best player on a good college team, he'll actually be a better NBA player as he develops.

Nesmith... I don't see the value there. Not sure that he's lottery caliber talent, reminds me too much of guys like Gary Trent .

[Rose2Boozer]

Malik Fitts is a very interesting second round prospect. I think there's a spot for him in the league as a small ball four. At 47, I'd gladly role the dice on size, quickness, and skillset.

Watch on YouTube

[RastaBull]

Isn't Deni Avdija a prety nail on the head fit with Lavine-White offensively? Maybe I'm thinking to simple, but I've always thought with those two, and I do really like both Lavine and White, you need a point forward. Not someone to take the ball out of their hands, but someone to slow it down and run some half court during important moments. From a couple different write ups, Avdija seems versitle off-ball too: mainly I'm referring to a highlights that he has a good step back and catch and shoot, speaking to a potential that he could be screener in pick and pop with Lavine.

There is concern of that perimeter defensively (Deni-Lavine-White). Zach is athletic but I think at best we can hope for average, very likely he will be a sub average defender in general. White is very athletic, and I was really pleasantly surprised for his combination of grit and IQ on defensive end as a rookie; but he'll always have at least a lil barrier in measurable. Deni equally has a low wingspan, but don't know much else about him. None of them are going to be defensive stoppers on the perimeter though. HOWEVER, you can find that with depth elsewhere, and Deni offers positional versatility so that if need be, at end of game, you can put your best 5 man lineup out there and still have perimeter defensive stopper.

With AK, I would not at all be surprised if he takes a highly touted Euro prospect still on the board. Denver (from my vague eye test and recollections) has been a team valuing creative offenses and lots of ball movements. The play good defense, but not one of those teams that prioritizes it over offense.

With the shooting and offensive playmaking of Lavine-White-Deni ... I might not be as concerned in trying out a Gafford-WCJ frontcourt (if WCJ can tick up his jumpshot at least another level or two).

[sco]

Isn't Deni Avdija a prety nail on the head fit with Lavine-White offensively? Maybe I'm thinking to simple, but I've always thought with those two, and I do really like both Lavine and White, you need a point forward. Not someone to take the ball out of their hands, but someone to slow it down and run some half court during important moments. From a couple different write ups, Avdija seems versitle off-ball too: mainly I'm referring to a highlights that he has a good step back and catch and shoot, speaking to a potential that he could be screener in pick and pop with Lavine.

There is concern of that perimeter defensively (Deni-Lavine-White). Zach is athletic but I think at best we can hope for average, very likely he will be a sub average defender in general. White is very athletic, and I was really pleasantly surprised for his combination of grit and IQ on defensive end as a rookie; but he'll always have at least a lil barrier in measurable. Deni equally has a low wingspan, but don't know much else about him. None of them are going to be defensive stoppers on the perimeter though. HOWEVER, you can find that with depth elsewhere, and Deni offers positional versatility so that if need be, at end of game, you can put your best 5 man lineup out there and still have perimeter defensive stopper.

With AK, I would not at all be surprised if he takes a highly touted Euro prospect still on the board. Denver (from my vague eye test and recollections) has been a team valuing creative offenses and lots of ball movements. The play good defense, but not one of those teams that prioritizes it over offense.

With the shooting and offensive playmaking of Lavine-White-Deni ... I might not be as concerned in trying out a Gafford-WCJ frontcourt (if WCJ can tick up his jumpshot at least another level or two).

I think the biggest mistake AK could make would be to not draft the best player available, if that's a Deni, fine. But if it is a PG or a SG, I would not let the fact that White and Lavine are one the current roster get in the way of getting a guy who could be better than either guy.

[Benedict Miller]

Isn't Deni Avdija a prety nail on the head fit with Lavine-White offensively? Maybe I'm thinking to simple, but I've always thought with those two, and I do really like both Lavine and White, you need a point forward. Not someone to take the ball out of their hands, but someone to slow it down and run some half court during important moments. From a couple different write ups, Avdija seems versitle off-ball too: mainly I'm referring to a highlights that he has a good step back and catch and shoot, speaking to a potential that he could be screener in pick and pop with Lavine.

There is concern of that perimeter defensively (Deni-Lavine-White). Zach is athletic but I think at best we can hope for average, very likely he will be a sub average defender in general. White is very athletic, and I was really pleasantly surprised for his combination of grit and IQ on defensive end as a rookie; but he'll always have at least a lil barrier in measurable. Deni equally has a low wingspan, but don't know much else about him. None of them are going to be defensive stoppers on the perimeter though. HOWEVER, you can find that with depth elsewhere, and Deni offers positional versatility so that if need be, at end of game, you can put your best 5 man lineup out there and still have perimeter defensive stopper.

With AK, I would not at all be surprised if he takes a highly touted Euro prospect still on the board. Denver (from my vague eye test and recollections) has been a team valuing creative offenses and lots of ball movements. The play good defense, but not one of those teams that prioritizes it over offense.

With the shooting and offensive playmaking of Lavine-White-Deni ... I might not be as concerned in trying out a Gafford-WCJ frontcourt (if WCJ can tick up his jumpshot at least another level or two).

I like Deni Avdija, he's one of my favorite players in this draft. With that said, even though they're solid, I don't look at Lavine or White as immovable pieces or cornerstone players. We should just draft the best player available regardless of need or fit.

[TheSuzerain]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

[Jcool0]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

Next year sure. If the Bulls front office/coaching can maximize their talent. They could be a 48-50 win team. But more likely someone gets moved in the next few years so probably wouldn't be this lineup.

[MGB8]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

I'm not sure that Deni is a 3 in today's NBA. He looks like a future 4 to me. He's not as quick as Luka, for example, who himself is too slow to play the 2 in the NBA (but fine at the 3).

[drosereturn]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

Next year sure. If the Bulls front office/coaching can maximize their talent. They could be a 48-50 win team. But more likely someone gets moved in the next few years so probably wouldn't be this lineup.

Barely makes the playoffs. Dont want to build around only drafted players but make some trades, fas.

[_txchilibowl_]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

I think you're right. But I do think there would be some value in being a 6th seed for this franchise. Just not being viewed as a perennial loser would go a long way towards rehabilitating the image of the Chicago Bulls....

[CoreyVillains]

I could see the FO going this direction. Not a big fan, for the same reasons I wasn't a fan of trading up for Luca (I was wrong - obviously), but the questions I had about Luca were whether he was quick enough to do what he did in Euro in the NBA and he'd develop an NBA 3pt game. Luca reminded me that craftiness is the same as speed (and he is elite there) and he did have an NBA 3pt game. Same questions IMO for Deni.

Deni and Luka are nothing alike. They're not even similar. Luka has a jump shot and super court vision. Deni doesn't have either of those.

Based on my reading of what most scouting reports say, Deni has above average court vision and is a great passer of the ball. His jumper is his crutch. He's 19, plenty of time to develop his jumper. However, as I wrote in an earlier post, I'm not as worried about him not developing his jumper because he impacts the game in so many other ways.

The biggest question mark to me on Deni is his defense. I have no idea what he's like defensively and haven't seen much in scouting reports on that side of the ball. The little out there says he could be capable, but needs work.

I cover his defense in my Deni breakdown.

Watch on YouTube

[sco]

Deni and Luka are nothing alike. They're not even similar. Luka has a jump shot and super court vision. Deni doesn't have either of those.

Based on my reading of what most scouting reports say, Deni has above average court vision and is a great passer of the ball. His jumper is his crutch. He's 19, plenty of time to develop his jumper. However, as I wrote in an earlier post, I'm not as worried about him not developing his jumper because he impacts the game in so many other ways.

The biggest question mark to me on Deni is his defense. I have no idea what he's like defensively and haven't seen much in scouting reports on that side of the ball. The little out there says he could be capable, but needs work.

I cover his defense in my Deni breakdown.

Watch on YouTube

Thanks. At least he seems to be a willing defender and seems to move his feet well.

[TheSuzerain]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

I think you're right. But I do think there would be some value in being a 6th seed for this franchise. Just not being viewed as a perennial loser would go a long way towards rehabilitating the image of the Chicago Bulls....

The 76ers were the biggest losers in NBA history for several years. But then Embiid hit and suddenly their culture is fine.

That team obviously has other issues, but they remain a great example of how malleable culture/image is when you land an actual franchise player. It's a reset button.

I'd much rather be going for that reset than trying to organically build up the culture/roster with the current crummy team.

[CoreyVillains]

Based on my reading of what most scouting reports say, Deni has above average court vision and is a great passer of the ball. His jumper is his crutch. He's 19, plenty of time to develop his jumper. However, as I wrote in an earlier post, I'm not as worried about him not developing his jumper because he impacts the game in so many other ways.

The biggest question mark to me on Deni is his defense. I have no idea what he's like defensively and haven't seen much in scouting reports on that side of the ball. The little out there says he could be capable, but needs work.

I cover his defense in my Deni breakdown.

Watch on YouTube

Thanks. At least he seems to be a willing defender and seems to move his feet well.

For sure. Plus he made major strides in just a few short months from the U20s to Euroleague play as a team defender, which is super important. Also his body has looked great in recent vids, so I’m not super worried about physicality issues.

[CoreyVillains]

Just dropped on my YouTube. 10 minute Kira Lewis Jr prospect breakdown. Kira isn’t an ideal fit in our backcourt but he’s super talented. I have him around 7th or 8th on my draft board.

Watch on YouTube

[Chi town]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

I'm not sure that Deni is a 3 in today's NBA. He looks like a future 4 to me. He's not as quick as Luka, for example, who himself is too slow to play the 2 in the NBA (but fine at the 3).

Me too. He’s Gallinari with good defense.

[PaKii94]

White
Lavine
Deni
Lauri
Carter

What’s the ceiling there? 6th seed?

I'm not sure that Deni is a 3 in today's NBA. He looks like a future 4 to me. He's not as quick as Luka, for example, who himself is too slow to play the 2 in the NBA (but fine at the 3).

Me too. He’s Gallinari with good defense.

I'd say Gallo was a great prospect before he was injured all the time. Gallo with defense? Sign me up

[TheSuzerain]

Gallinari is/was an elite shooter. Meanwhile Deni hits free throws at about a 60% clip.