2020 NBA Draft Thread: Bulls pick 4th!

[LateNight]

my hopes for draft night.

1. create a package centered on our 4th and lauri and possibly even a protected pick for next season to golden state for the 2nd pick.

Really bad idea.

Reality is Lauri has more upside than likely any of these top 3 picks. Then you're essentially trading him away with the #4 to move up 2 spots for a guy in this draft where the difference in terms of upside from #2 to #4 is minimal.

You only move Lauri if it appears we're going to lose him in free agency. If not, then we should be working to fix him under this new management, not sell low.

I agree heavily with the first half of this and I’m 50/50 on the second half.

I see no reason to trade up in a draft where we aren’t sold on any of the top prospects. But I also think if we’re moving “core” pieces, Lauri is probably the main one I would shop at this point

[Ugly Duckling]

Not bad. I'm going to look into the class and let you know who we should draft. Friendly reminder that I've never been wrong.

[Ugly Duckling]

I agree that GS skips Wiseman (and LaMelo) and trades that #2, but WAS skips that offer. Wiggins is a negative value contract, and that MIN pick is top-3 protected. Beal is too young to sell low to the ex-champs like that.

I think if Lakers flame out in the 2nd rd or get dominated by LAC in the WCFs, and AD suggests he wants out, then a Wiggins/#2/MIN s&t might work. It’s a fair way to salvage what was lost (Ingram and the future 1sts).

IMO we should be trading down or out, not up.

I would love to see what a package of #4, Lauri and Otto can net us?

Well, the 5 best players under-30 are totally unavailable for trade:

Kawhi
Giannis
Luka
Davis (though he will be a UFA, long-shot S&T target)
Tatum

The other 5 best players over-30 with just a few (prime) years left in the tank are totally unavailable:

Harden
Durant
Curry
Lillard
Jimmy

More young stars who are pretty much totally unavailable:

Mitchell
Trae
Morant
Booker
Zion
KAT
Jokic

So... that leaves Embiid or Simmons (farm), Beal (perhaps Zach, WCJ), Vuc... or old stars on the decline (Paul, Westbrook, not even worth mentioning Lebron and George who are not getting traded by LAL/LAC).

Otto, Lauri, Sato, Thad, #4, 21 FRP for Embiid, Horford, #21

Zach, WCJ, Gafford for Beal

Coby, Beal & Embiid build

I think Embiid is slightly overrated given his current performance and injury history, but no one in his right mind would give him up for Otto, Lauri and 4. Lol lemme get a hit of what you got

[Darius Miles Davis]

At the moment, I am all in Hayes. I feel that he is the BPA at 4. I would argue that he is the best PG in this years draft.

I would hesitate if Wiseman was available. But I feel that drafting a big that high unless that person is transcendent or BPA is a bad move. Wiseman had a small sample size but I feel that he can really impress in private workouts(if we have any).

Count me in as another big fan of Hayes. His tight handle and his understanding of pick and roll makes him a natural for the modern NBA. His high free throw percentage suggests he has a good chance to improve his 3 point shooting.

[Ugly Duckling]

I think it's pretty clear that Lauri's not going to develop the way we thought. We should trade his ass while he still has some value

[Chi town]

IMO we should be trading down or out, not up.

I would love to see what a package of #4, Lauri and Otto can net us?

Well, the 5 best players under-30 are totally unavailable for trade:

Kawhi
Giannis
Luka
Davis (though he will be a UFA, long-shot S&T target)
Tatum

The other 5 best players over-30 with just a few (prime) years left in the tank are totally unavailable:

Harden
Durant
Curry
Lillard
Jimmy

More young stars who are pretty much totally unavailable:

Mitchell
Trae
Morant
Booker
Zion
KAT
Jokic

So... that leaves Embiid or Simmons (farm), Beal (perhaps Zach, WCJ), Vuc... or old stars on the decline (Paul, Westbrook, not even worth mentioning Lebron and George who are not getting traded by LAL/LAC).

Otto, Lauri, Sato, Thad, #4, 21 FRP for Embiid, Horford, #21

Zach, WCJ, Gafford for Beal

Coby, Beal & Embiid build

I think Embiid is slightly overrated given his current performance and injury history, but no one in his right mind would give him up for Otto, Lauri and 4. Lol lemme get a hit of what you got

If Embiid is going so is Tobias and that 5/180 contract.

I think 4, Lauri, WCJ, Otto, Thad, and Sato for Embiid and Harris is solid. Clears Harris off the books. Sixers have space for a max slot to go with Simmons and some young pieces. Can trade WCJ for a pick too. Same for Lauri.

What does Coby Lavine Harris Embiid do in the East?
2nd round exit?

[Chi town]

Darnell Mayberry on Deni...

It’s not just that Avdija could be the most talented prospect remaining on the board. He also could embody everything the league is now about. He’s long. He’s versatile. He’s smart. In an era of positionless basketball and units now mandating multiple playmakers, Avdija could thrive in Chicago as a secondary playmaker.

[Shill]

Haliburton is my preference with Hayes #2.

If Edwards somehow drops, I think you have to take him just due to the potential.

If Ball or Wiseman somehow drop, I think you still take Hayes or Haliburton.

The Iowa State pipeline lives on!

[Chi town]

Haliburton is my preference with Hayes #2.

If Edwards somehow drops, I think you have to take him just due to the potential.

If Ball or Wiseman somehow drop, I think you still take Hayes or Haliburton.

The Iowa State pipeline lives on!

I like Hali but he’s not top talent at 4. Also think he’s going to be injured a lot.

[Shill]

Haliburton is my preference with Hayes #2.

If Edwards somehow drops, I think you have to take him just due to the potential.

If Ball or Wiseman somehow drop, I think you still take Hayes or Haliburton.

The Iowa State pipeline lives on!

I like Hali but he’s not top talent at 4. Also think he’s going to be injured a lot.

I like him, too.

This is just a really underwhelming draft.

[MrSparkle]

IMO we should be trading down or out, not up.

I would love to see what a package of #4, Lauri and Otto can net us?

Well, the 5 best players under-30 are totally unavailable for trade:

Kawhi
Giannis
Luka
Davis (though he will be a UFA, long-shot S&T target)
Tatum

The other 5 best players over-30 with just a few (prime) years left in the tank are totally unavailable:

Harden
Durant
Curry
Lillard
Jimmy

More young stars who are pretty much totally unavailable:

Mitchell
Trae
Morant
Booker
Zion
KAT
Jokic

So... that leaves Embiid or Simmons (farm), Beal (perhaps Zach, WCJ), Vuc... or old stars on the decline (Paul, Westbrook, not even worth mentioning Lebron and George who are not getting traded by LAL/LAC).

Otto, Lauri, Sato, Thad, #4, 21 FRP for Embiid, Horford, #21

Zach, WCJ, Gafford for Beal

Coby, Beal & Embiid build

I think Embiid is slightly overrated given his current performance and injury history, but no one in his right mind would give him up for Otto, Lauri and 4. Lol lemme get a hit of what you got

Uhm $50m in expiring contracts (and all 4 compliment Simmons), #4 and next year’s unprotected 1st from a team with an unproven, losing backcourt? I’m afraid PHI is too eager to take that deal. Horford is perhaps the worst contract in the league.

[kodo]

This is just a really underwhelming draft.

Of course, that's why we moved up.

[Ugly Duckling]

My very preliminary pick would be Obi Toppin. Need some more time to watch tape before finalizing

[Ugly Duckling]

Well, the 5 best players under-30 are totally unavailable for trade:

Kawhi
Giannis
Luka
Davis (though he will be a UFA, long-shot S&T target)
Tatum

The other 5 best players over-30 with just a few (prime) years left in the tank are totally unavailable:

Harden
Durant
Curry
Lillard
Jimmy

More young stars who are pretty much totally unavailable:

Mitchell
Trae
Morant
Booker
Zion
KAT
Jokic

So... that leaves Embiid or Simmons (farm), Beal (perhaps Zach, WCJ), Vuc... or old stars on the decline (Paul, Westbrook, not even worth mentioning Lebron and George who are not getting traded by LAL/LAC).

Otto, Lauri, Sato, Thad, #4, 21 FRP for Embiid, Horford, #21

Zach, WCJ, Gafford for Beal

Coby, Beal & Embiid build

I think Embiid is slightly overrated given his current performance and injury history, but no one in his right mind would give him up for Otto, Lauri and 4. Lol lemme get a hit of what you got

Uhm $50m in expiring contracts (and all 4 compliment Simmons), #4 and next year’s unprotected 1st from a team with an unproven, losing backcourt? I’m afraid PHI is too eager to take that deal. Horford is perhaps the worst contract in the league.

I can kind of see your rationale in terms of the cap, but it's not gonna happen. You're not gonna give up arguably the best C in the game for an overpaid, injury prone, 3&D guy, a poor man's Ryan Anderson and an unknown at 4. No way, no how, sorry, next question. You really think Philly's FO cares about money? They just threw tons of it away maxing Tobias Harris

[Ugly Duckling]

Well, the 5 best players under-30 are totally unavailable for trade:

Kawhi
Giannis
Luka
Davis (though he will be a UFA, long-shot S&T target)
Tatum

The other 5 best players over-30 with just a few (prime) years left in the tank are totally unavailable:

Harden
Durant
Curry
Lillard
Jimmy

More young stars who are pretty much totally unavailable:

Mitchell
Trae
Morant
Booker
Zion
KAT
Jokic

So... that leaves Embiid or Simmons (farm), Beal (perhaps Zach, WCJ), Vuc... or old stars on the decline (Paul, Westbrook, not even worth mentioning Lebron and George who are not getting traded by LAL/LAC).

Otto, Lauri, Sato, Thad, #4, 21 FRP for Embiid, Horford, #21

Zach, WCJ, Gafford for Beal

Coby, Beal & Embiid build

I think Embiid is slightly overrated given his current performance and injury history, but no one in his right mind would give him up for Otto, Lauri and 4. Lol lemme get a hit of what you got

If Embiid is going so is Tobias and that 5/180 contract.

I think 4, Lauri, WCJ, Otto, Thad, and Sato for Embiid and Harris is solid. Clears Harris off the books. Sixers have space for a max slot to go with Simmons and some young pieces. Can trade WCJ for a pick too. Same for Lauri.

What does Coby Lavine Harris Embiid do in the East?
2nd round exit?

That's better, but they're not looking to trade Embiid. Not unless they get someone of equal or better value in return. They're just gonna run it back next season with a healthy Ben Simmons, as they should

[weneeda2guard]

my hopes for draft night.

1. create a package centered on our 4th and lauri and possibly even a protected pick for next season to golden state for the 2nd pick.

Really bad idea.

Reality is Lauri has more upside than likely any of these top 3 picks. Then you're essentially trading him away with the #4 to move up 2 spots for a guy in this draft where the difference in terms of upside from #2 to #4 is minimal.

You only move Lauri if it appears we're going to lose him in free agency. If not, then we should be working to fix him under this new management, not sell low.

Yea um he doesn't

And we have had more than a sample size of lauri we continuously have to deal with his health and poor work ethic. We would be fools to commit longterm to him. It an aaron Gordon situation all over again. We will immediately regret it. Maybe he blossoms maybe he doesn't but he hasn't done anything here in the few years he been here to justify a long term commitment and its no use to keep him and have to deal with keeping him or not. Get something good for him now. All 3 of the top prospects this year upside is higher than lauri. I dont know what you all are watching.

[weneeda2guard]

my hopes for draft night.

1. create a package centered on our 4th and lauri and possibly even a protected pick for next season to golden state for the 2nd pick.

Really bad idea.

Reality is Lauri has more upside than likely any of these top 3 picks. Then you're essentially trading him away with the #4 to move up 2 spots for a guy in this draft where the difference in terms of upside from #2 to #4 is minimal.

You only move Lauri if it appears we're going to lose him in free agency. If not, then we should be working to fix him under this new management, not sell low.

I agree heavily with the first half of this and I’m 50/50 on the second half.

I see no reason to trade up in a draft where we aren’t sold on any of the top prospects. But I also think if we’re moving “core” pieces, Lauri is probably the main one I would shop at this point

I also disagree with the 2 - 4 in terms of capabilities I think its a huge drop off from the top 3 prospects to who we can get at 4. Deni nor obi imo have the ceilings ball wiseman or edwards have.

But the biggest reason is lauri is due a deal. At some point we have to start selling high on our assets. We repeatedly made this mistake under the garpax era and it ended in us handing deals to players who didnt play up to the deal or ended up losing the player for nothiny or close to nothing. Lauri has done nothing to justify a long term commitment. Even if we don't trade up I would still move lauri for a pick draft night.

[Chi town]

Trading Lauri now is not selling high. Letting a new coach pump his value and then selling before the deadline could be. I’m all for trading Lauri if we get a decent asset or pick back. I just don’t think the Lauri we have seen fits well in this league.

[Leslie Forman]

If you want Lauri's value to be fluffed up, you better want Coby, Zach and Wendell to all be gone and Robin Lopez to return as the starting center.

[holv03]

Someone talk to me about Obi Toppin. Why has everyone written him off? From what I can see (and I'm just going off of highlights), he's probably the most athletic player in the draft. Straight up elite-level big man athleticism like a young Kenyon Martin or Antonio McDyess. It seems like he's elite at running the floor and also can shoot the ball. His shooting percentages are just off the charts. The guy makes 63% of his shots and 40% of his threes on solid volume. It's clear his rebounding needs work. He's not an elite shot-blocker, but a good one. He also generates steals.

Is he like an Eddy Curry-level defender or something? Is his motor so bad that we don't think he can develop into a better defender? I'm having a little trouble understanding why he has been dismissed by almost everyone on the board.

While the positives you mentioned are accurate (shooting potential, athletic, good runner) his negatives are glaring. He's pretty old, terrible defender, bad rebounder, prone to laziness. I'm also not completely sold on his shooting as his success is based on a small sample size (less than 3PA per game). I know you shouldn't draft for fit, but I don't really think it's worth wasting a top 5 pick on someone who isn't really projected to be any better than our current young starting PF.

I really dislike when someone says that a player is pretty old. Obi Toppin is 22 years old. David Robinson was drafted at the age of 24 yr old and he turned out pretty good, Kyle Kuzma was 22 yrs old when drafted, John Stockton was 22 yrs old when drafted and I could keep naming more players. To me that doesn't mean anything.

Now what matters to me is the players game and potential. Toppin was a late bloomer his defense is not the best and he doesn't give his best effort. I do believe however that he could improve if he improves his defensive stance, improves his awareness, gives a better effort on that end. The problem with Toppin is that he relies too much on his athleticism to recover. He doesn't closeout and when he does he doesn't give his best effort in order to challenge the defender.

The player I think the Bulls should take is James Wiseman but I believe that he will go number 2 or 3. Wiseman can ball and he would be great on this team.