The Chicago Bulls must have had some extra luck going on because they got a top-four draft selection in the NBA draft lottery; they were supposed to be 8 or 9. It will be the first time the Bulls will have a top-five pick since 2008 when they had the number one pick, Chicago’s own, G Derrick Rose.
A coach has yet to be named, but the number four pick gives the new leadership a chance to put a stamp of legitimacy as they try to make the Bulls relevant again. This year does not provide the deepest draft, but I do have some thoughts on the direction the Bulls should take.
The Top Three Picks
The top three players in this draft haven’t changed once the NBA announced the underclassmen and foreign players. G Anthony Edwards (Georgia), G LaMelo Ball (INTL), and C James Wiseman (Memphis) are expected to be the first three players off the draft board. Of course, if any of these players fall, the Bulls need to take them. All three of these players are destined to be superstars in the league.
Edwards is the best scorer in the draft by far, but he does lack on defense. If he fell, the Bulls would need a defensive-minded coach. Ball is this draft’s best overall playmaker, but those plays come with a toxic attitude. The Bulls would need a coach that can handle a player with some personality. Wiseman is getting a bad rep for getting caught up in a scandal, but he is the best big man prospect. He is very raw; his game would need a lot of polishing up, but the talent can’t be passed up.
These guys are expected to be gone when the Bulls are picking at four, so let’s take a look at the next three options that would make a great pick at four.
PF/C Onyeka Okongwu, USC, 19yrs (16.2PTS 8.6REB 1.1AST 1.2STL 2.7BLK 61FG% 72FT%)
Okongwu only needed one season to make his mark on NCAA basketball and the Pac-12 conference. He put up great numbers and, I believe he is only scratching the surface of what he can turn into. Okongwu led USC in points, rebounds, blocks, and led the Pac-12 in field goal percentage.
The best thing about Okongwu is his defensive ability. And his understanding of how to use it is already top-notch, which is usually the hardest thing to teach young players. Even though Okongwu got snubbed by his conference for Best Freshman, he got voted into the all PAC 12 team. Expect him to be a top 10 draft pick on draft night, and I think he would fit perfectly with the Bulls. He could pair up with Wendell Carter Jr. or make Carter available for trades.
SF/PF Obi Toppin, Dayton, 22yrs ( 20PPG 7.5REB 2.2AST 1ST 1.2BLK 70FG% 70FT% 39 3PT%)
If Toppin were under 20 years old, he would be the unanimous number one pick. Toppin had an incredible season that had the Dayton Flyers destined to be an NCAA number one seed for the first time in team history.
Toppin was named the 2020 college basketball player of the year. He is a well-polished player who would fit in and be ready to have an impact on almost any team. A team on the verge of playoff contention would benefit from Toppin, but I wouldn’t hate him on the Bulls. The Bulls may need to move some pieces to get the full value out of Toppin, but he would be an immediate improvement to the team.
SF/SG Deni Avdija, International, 19yrs
For most people, Avdija is the least known player of this draft, but he is a more skilled version of Hedo Turkoglu. He knows his fundamentals and has an amazing basketball IQ. He understands how to play any position on the basketball court. Avdija has great vision and passing ability, something the Bulls have lacked.
One big downside is his ability to shoot. Avdija would be a project, but he could end up being the best player from this draft class, with the right coaching and development.