2021 NBA Draft

Sam Smith

The 2021 NBA Draft Thursday is supposed to be one of the strongest in the last decade with some scouts predicting the projected top four picks will be better than anyone from the 2020 Draft. And that was a good one with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and the Bulls very satisfied at No. 4 with Patrick Williams.

Some even are projecting it could surpass the 2011 Capital K draft of Kyrie, Kemba, Klay and Kawhi. Oh, yeah Jimmy and Vooch, too.

But the player draft could be eclipsed by some of the brightest stars from the NBA horizon changing their orbits.

In what could be one of the most unusual draft nights in memory—if not history—multiple NBA All-Stars and all-league players could be involved in trades. There doesn't appear to be anything imminent, however.

There have been significant rumors and speculation since the 76ers playoff elimination that Ben Simmons will be traded. Those reports gained momentum this week along with speculation about team changes for potential difference makers like Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard and perhaps developing stars like Brandon Ingram and Collin Sexton.

It's a situation with veteran stars again eying a chance to play for a winning team, which is not atypical. But also the potential opportunity so many teams believe they now have following a championship series between the Phoenix Suns, who missed the playoffs for a decade and never won a title, and the Milwaukee Bucks, who'd missed the playoffs more times than they made it the last 30 years. In addition, there are several teams with title or lofty aspirations having multiple draft picks, like the Warriors with two lottery picks and the Knicks.

So it could be a supercharged draft that begins an extraordinary week in the NBA with free agency beginning Monday. Thursday still remains the highlight. So here's some conjecture about how the first round—and the 38th pick—might go beginning 7 p.m. (CT) from Brooklyn.

1. Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, 6-8 wing, Oklahoma State.

Everyone fears trading Luka. The Pistons reportedly have received multiple appealing offers, including from the Thunder with three firsts, but seem likely to select Cunningham. The Hawks have done OK with trading the right to Luka Doncic, but they never will be able to stop answering for it. Cunningham may not be Luka, but Luka wasn't supposed to be Luka. And Cunningham does a lot of that stuff.

2. Houston Rockets: Jalen Green, 6-6 guard, G-league.

With their mess of a roster they could select anyone and get help. Some believe Green could become the draft's best with high level scoring ability as a great athlete who'll be able to shoot. It's a start.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley, 7-0 center, USC.

Why with Jarrett Allen? Why not with that roster? When you're not very good you don't worry so much about fit as talent. Of course, five years from now we'll judge the talent order differently. But now he's a consensus for the top three tier as some believe it breaks here versus after No. 4. With Sexton likely on the market with their surfeit of guards, they can fill other positions. Mobley's regarded higher than James Wiseman and you can always trade a good big man in an era when there aren't many (hello, USA Basketball)

4. Toronto Raptors: Jalen Suggs, 6-4 guard, Gonzaga.

He's generally considered the fourth of the top four first tier of the draft. He makes sense for the Raptors with free agent Kyle Lowry likely leaving. Teams constantly embrace misdirection before the draft. So there's been rumors the Raptors might pass on Suggs. If they do, there'll be a good reason we didn't know. And they may be correct. Which we won't know for five years with all these teenagers. For now he still makes the most sense from the United States.

5. Orlando Magic: Scottie Barnes, 6-9 forward, Florida State.

He's been the biggest riser the past month like another Florida State guy from last year. Not a great shooter who has been likened somewhere between Ben Simmons and Kyle Anderson as a point forward. The Magic unloading their roster last season, including to the Bulls, now figure to just keep making draft picks to see if someone hits, like the Thunder will do.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Bouknight, 6-5 guard, Connecticut.

Another late mover as probably the primary scorer after Green. Not a great shooter, but a bucket getter with good size, quickness and lots of highlights. The Thunder with dozens of picks the next few years and six in this draft with three firsts and curiously Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said to be on the market are looking for a big hit. Perhaps to join the greatest exodus of NBA talent to ever leave one city? They can pick ‘em; the problem seems to be keepin' ‘em.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga, 6-7 forward, G-league.

Another rookie they don't want, or at least their best players don't. Heck, they'd probably move James Wiseman from last year's lottery. Those great trades to get draft picks are great if you can cash in those picks. So far not yet. Kuminga is a big time athlete with that high ceiling label teams love. He was once thought of part of the Big Five of this draft which may now be Big Three or Big Four. Figure they take him as perhaps a top talent to trade.

8. Orlando Magic (with Bulls pick): Moses Moody, 6-6 guard, Arkansas.

It's not about filling positions quite yet, but Evan Fournier was among the departed and they don't have that position yet. He's another of those bucket getters and potential 3-D guys teams love to talk about. The Magic is in talent stockpiling mode and will see if it works out. Bulls been there, done that.

9. Sacramento Kings: Franz Wagner, 6-9 forward, Michigan.

Said not to be quite as unreliable as his older brother, Moritz. Could the Kings finally get the more stable guy? It's difficult to figure out what that team ever is doing other than wasting De'Aaron Fox. Franz has defensive potential for a team starting to inch its way toward that with Tyrese Haliburton from last season, one of the better picks from 2020. Maybe they're on a roll.

10. Memphis Grizzlies: Josh Giddey, 6-8 forward, Australia.

As far as personnel goes, I don't get that trade taking on the fabulously unproductive Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to move up to No. 10. And giving up Jonas Valunciunas, who had an excellent season. The Grizzlies seemed to have a good thing going. If it's Giddey, they'll have to be giddy about the pick. This is one of those they may know more than we do things. So let's see.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Alperin Sengun, 6-10 center, Turkey.

Finally moving on from the league's least productive big man, Bismack Biyombo. Well, maybe a tie with Steven Adams. Cody Zeller also comes off the books and with a long term commitment to Gordon Hayward they're probably more about now. Sengun is a ready to play player with a lot of Nikola Jokic in him. Not much defensively, but it hasn't hurt Jokic.

12. San Antonio Spurs: Kai Jones, 6-11 center, Texas.

Can he sell some tickets back home? That sound you hear—or may not way down there—is the Spurs finally exploding. Which may be why there's all those rumors about moving Dejounte Murray. Maybe Popovich finally moves on after the Olympics and who knows about that wonderful front office. When you start building you can from anywhere.

13. Indiana Pacers: Corey Kispert, 6-7 forward, Gonzaga.

The next Doug McDermott, who now is a valuable shooter, but a lot more expensive than the rookie marksman. Great shooter who isn't the swiftest defender, but shooting and Indiana go together.

14. Golden State Warrior: Davion Mitchell, 6-1 guard, Baylor.

They might want to keep him as a really tough guy with an improved shot and excellent defense who could run an offense for Curry and Thompson. Four-year guy who's ready for the NBA and was the star of the NCAA championship team. Or maybe a package with Wiseman and Kuminga?

15. Washington Wizards: Chris Duarte, 6-6 guard, Oregon.

It does seem it's time for Bradley Beal to move on. And someone will take Westbrook with two years left (still can't believe they got rid of Wall). The Wizards did all they could and got all they could from Beal the last two years and were gone from the playoffs early. So it's time while Beal has value. Duarte is a good young replacement as a potential two-way All-Star.

16. Oklahoma City Thunder: Trey Murphy, 6-9 forward, Virginia.

It's just about stockpiling talent and see which ones really have some. He looks like that 3-D guy who can defend and make shots with good size and athletic ability. You know, an NBA player.

17. New Orleans Pelicans: Usman Garuba, 6-9 forward, Spain.

Basically whomever Zion wants. Perhaps a policeman type for Zion as an undersized center in the Adebayo way. Scouts say he could be the best interior defender in this draft and who knows what's going on now with Jaxson Hayes and personal issues. A new look with Valanciunas?

18. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ziaire Williams, 6-9 forward, Stanford.

What, them again! Stacking young athletes like cord wood and hoping someone lights a fire. One of the fluid athletes with some upside and needs time, which they have.

19. New York Knicks: Jared Butler, 6-3 guard, Baylor.

They'll likely be looking for trades, but they're also on the verge of losing a lot of guards. He's a scorer and shooter, a mature junior coming off a national championship.

20. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson, 6-9 forward, Duke.

The Hawks seem to like those versatile wing players with point forward potential, though he has moved on prematurely several times from schools that lead some to hesitate.

21. New York Knicks: Cameron Thomas, 6-3 guard, LSU

Under the radar scorer who's another to get buckets. Again, the Knicks will try to trade the picks to make a splash with a veteran. But they need guards and scoring and Thibs did play Obi Toppin at least a little bit.

22. Los Angeles Lakers: Isaiah Jackson, 6-10 center, Kentucky.

LeBron certainly doesn't want any development perhaps other than his son. They'll be among most of the rest of the first round trying to trade their pick. If they keep it, it's about a role player and perhaps he could play some as an athletic shot blocker.

23. Houston Rockets: Keon Johnson, 6-5 guard, Tennessee.

It only about stacking talent for them like the Thunder and see if anyone breaks out. So take a look at another of those explosive athletes who plays hard.

24. Houston Rockets: Miles McBride, 6-2 guard, West Virginia.

John Wall could go any day. He's a point guard who's tough and can defend and make a shot. Perhaps not the best distributor, but he'll have time to work on it there.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Jaden Springer, 6-4 guard, Tennessee.

On the small side for a shooting guard, but can shoot, unlike Patrick Beverley and Rajon Rondo. It's kind of a running in place season for them with Kawhi Leonard's knee surgery. So work in some young replacements.

26. Denver Nuggets: Ayo Dosunmo, 6-5 guard, Illinois.

The Nuggets do well with these kinds of guys who are smart and can make plays and will figure things out. A good landing spot for the local Chicago kid.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Sharife Cooper, 6-1 guard, Auburn.

Maybe give Kyrie something to look at for how difficult it is to stay with a quick and elusive guard. Too small, but a clever passer and ball handler who doesn't shoot quite well enough. But fun to watch.

28. Philadelphia 76ers: Nah'Shon Hyland, 6-4 guard, VCU.

If they also keep the pick it's about spacing and shooting and although he's skinny, his shot is fat city and reliable.

29. Phoenix Suns: Joshua Primo, 6-5 guard, Alabama.

One of those high upside, in-the-draft-too-soon kids who can shoot and that's always good.

30. Utah Jazz: Joe Weiskamp, 6-7 forward, Iowa.

There's been talk they might move Joe Ingles and he'd be a nice replacement as a big time shooter with size, a Duncan Robinson type.

38. Chicago Bulls: Filip Petrusev, 6-11 center, Serbia/Gonzaga.

I expect this to be a "stash" pick like last season with Simonovic. The clues certainly suggest that with not only the trades for Vucevic and Theis, but moving not only Carter, but Gafford and Hutchison. This management isn't doing development. So let someone else do the development for you. It actually makes more sense to let guys play overseas than even some splits between the G-league and sitting on the bench in the NBA. Petrusev is a bit undersized at center, but in the Jokic mold (yes, we have to go there every time with Karnisovas) a heck of a scorer with a great feel for the game. He played two years at Gonzaga and then played last season in Serbia, where he led the league in scoring at more than 23 per game and 42 percent on threes and was league MVP. He averaged 17.5 his second year at Gonzaga. He's one of my three potential picks for the Bulls at that spot. The other two also are "stash" guys to return overseas. There's 6-6 attacking guard from France Juhann Bagarin and 6-10 Belgium point forward Vrenz Bleijenbergh. Bulls new management really requires us to have pronunciation guides.

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Sam Smith's 2021 NBA Mock Draft: Who do the Bulls select?

The Bulls currently don't have a first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. But there is always the possibility of trading up for one. Sam Smith examines potential first-round prospects who the Bulls might be interested in, including Davion Mitchell of Baylor and Ayo Dosunmu of Illinois.

Turkish center Alperen Sengun sounds a lot like the guy in the 2014 draft the scouts said might be a bit undersized for center and lacking foot speed would suffer badly on defense despite his high basketball IQ and clever play. The guy who slipped to the second round of that draft, Nikola Jokic.

Oregon guard Chris Duarte sounds a little like the guard from the 2016 draft who, likewise, was 24 years old. So he didn't project as an All-Star despite some two-way abilities and slipped into the second round, Malcolm Brogdon. Like another 24-year-old who despite being PAC-10 Defensive Player of the Year barely got into the first round in the 2009 draft, Taj Gibson.

The NBA draft isn't as much science as it is study and sense. So the most successful players aren't necessarily selected in numerical order.

The Bulls do not have a first-round pick in Thursday's 2021 draft. But there are believed to be several available.

The speculation regarding the Bulls, as discreet as it has been, remains attached to the free agent market beginning next Monday, Aug. 2. The Bulls hold the No. 38 pick, eighth in the second round, Thursday.

Rumors are several teams would like to trade their first round draft picks, particularly Golden State with Nos. 7 and 14. The Bulls seem an unlikely match with the Warriors because of Golden State's lack of cap room and apparent desire for a high level veteran player to complement their core stars.

The teams with multiple first round draft picks and perhaps most likely to make one available are the Warriors (7 and 14), the Magic (5 and 8, the latter the Bulls pick from the Nikola Vucevic trade), the Thunder (6, 16 and 18), the Rockets (2, 23 and 24) and the Knicks (19 and 21).

The Clippers, Nets and 76ers in the bottom five of the first round also are are likely to be more interested in veteran talent along with the Lakers at No. 22.

Could the Bulls pry loose one of those first round picks?

The Magic and Thunder figure to use their picks being losing teams hoping to luck into a special young player. The Warriors likely are seeking bigger talent that the Bulls have available.

The Rockets with probably the league's worst roster also would seem likely to use the first round as a lottery to try and hit a jackpot. But they're probably also looking to shed some salary.

Would the Bulls have a chance to add one of the first round picks, 23 or 24, by taking on Eric Gordon and his $37 million for the next two seasons for a package with Al-Farouq Aminu, owed $10 million for this season, and Troy Brown? Gordon has been rumored in trade talks with the Pacers. But he's still a productive scorer and shooter. The Bulls still would have maneuverability in free agency.

Though the most likely possibilities would seem to be with the Knicks considering their desire for veterans and with so many free agents. Maybe someone like Tomas Satoransky since the Knicks are basically out of point guards and have considerable salary cap room. And even absorbing a veteran player from the Bulls would not keep the Knicks from being a major player in free agency.

So if the Bulls could trade their way into a first round draft pick, which certainly would not be in the lottery, what might be possible? Here's a look at some players who could slide to the middle or later in the first round.

He's a lottery player in many of the mock drafts, but there's that concern about being a bit undersized and slow and not much on defense, and seriously who expects there to be another Jokic? A little too much like Nikola Vucevic, who fell to No. 16? Like most drafts, once past the top 10 there's a lot of conflicting needs and ideas. But you can't have too many clever, all ‘round, hard working skilled players who sound at least somewhat like Jokic.

Yeah, but he's 24. NBA teams like mansions; you know, the high ceilings. He sounds a little like the Suns Mikal Bridges, a good shooter and tough defender who isn't going to be an All-Star and create and make plays. He has two-way skills, but his age will scare off some teams. Like it did rookie of the year Brogdon.

The tough point guard who outplayed top five pick Jalen Suggs for the NCAA title has been on lottery radar since that big game. But with the draft the more they look, the more they tend to find they don't like. He's small, he only shot well the past season, he's really not a scorer, high turnover to assists, older with four years in college. So some teams might pause. But what a tough, fierce scorer and defender to add to your team.

Ayo Dosunmu, 6-5 guard, Illinois (Westinghouse and Morgan Park high schools)

Pair him with Derrick Rose off the bench? The NBA guys don't quite know what to make of the local kid, who had a tough finish to his collegiate career in the loss to Loyola. There's questions about his shot—good sometimes—and ball handling, also good sometimes. Though he's made plays with leadership abilities and varied skills. Nice to have around.

The bucket getters in this draft are generally potential lottery picks like James Bouknight, Moses Moody and Corey Kispert. The evaluators will pick him apart and say not good enough athlete and not much on defense or passing. But he scores. In transition, spot ups, tough shots, odd shots, in traffic, through contact. And they do eventually add the points to determine the winner.

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Players the Bulls could target if they move up in the 2021 NBA Draft

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So what will the Bulls do with the 38th pick in Thursday's NBA Draft?

The Bulls emphasis appears to be on adding veteran talent to complement the team's two All-Stars, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. There has been regular speculation about adding a point guard. Lonzo Ball, Dennis Schroder and Derrick Rose recently have been mentioned most frequently, though such additions would probably have to occur through free agency starting August 2.

There also has been rumors and speculation that last year's Bulls second round selection, Marko Simonovic, could join the team this season. The 6-11 center/forward played in Serbia this past season. Because the Bulls basketball chief now is Arturas Karnisovas, who is from Lithuania and has international expertise and selected Simonovic last year, there is considerable speculation (also known as guessing) that the Bulls again will use the second round selection to "stash" a player overseas and retain salary cap room.

The Bulls primary needs are generally viewed to be point guard, wing scorer and facilitator, though it would be unlikely the team could satisfy its requirements with a second-round draft pick. It's also almost impossible to determine who might be available at No. 38 given the uncertainties of the player draft and the whims of teams who might opt for future results.

Here's a look at whom the various basketball analysts posting mock drafts select for the Bulls at No. 38:

The Athletic: Day'Ron Sharpe, 6-11 center, North Carolina.

Another of the Bulls needs is a backup center after having traded Daniel Gafford. And bye bye to Cristian Felicio. The second round, as evidenced with Gafford, is a good place for backup big players. Sharpe fits a model at almost seven foot and about 265 pounds. He's not much on offense, but a hard worker and high IQ guy who has a feel for the game. Not an explosive leaper like Gafford, but a better rebounder and size to get in the way.

Good size with long reach and athleticism that suggests he'd benefit from playing overseas some more before he tries to be the next Scottie Pippen. He's a transition player and a driver and average shooter who turns 19 next month.

Tankathon: Joshua Primo, 6-5 guard, Alabama

Young player from Canada who doesn't turn 19 until December and would probably spend the season in the G-league. One of those potential upside guys who is a good athlete and a good shooter who played a tertiary role as a young freshman. Probably a good gamble as a potential high level player to develop for a few seasons.

Basketball News: Sandro Mamukelashvili, 6-11 center, Seton Hall.

This is the classic what would Arturas do pick. Well, he loves European players as evidenced by Nikola Jokic in Denver and he went to Seton Hall. And yes Mamukelashvili projects to some like Jokic, a mature four-year player who shoots well, can handle the ball and pass. Not an explosive player, but neither is MVP Jokic, who famously was selected No. 41.

CBS Sports: Jericho Sims, 6-10 center, Texas.

A Daniel Gafford type of athletic defensive player without much offense. Tries to block everything and run the floor for a dunk. He's another older, four year player and probably not as good a mid range or free throw shooter as Gafford.

An NBA-type of 3-and-D player without so much of the D. But a lot of three. He's an excellent shooter who played three years in college and fits a glaring need for the Bulls of a catch-and-shoot player who could free Patrick Williams to play more power forward. Though wing defense would be an issue. So perhaps ideal with a second unit as a specialist.

Sports Illustrated: Herbert Jones, 6-7 wing, Alabama

They must really like the Bulls because most of the mock drafts list him as a likely pick at the end of the first round. Though it's typical several such players always slip into the middle of the second round. Another four-year player as they tend to land in the second round. He's a good athlete and defender who can pass and run, but is uncertain as a shooter.

NBADraft.net: Jeremiah Robinson, 6-9 power forward, Villanova.

Smart player like most of the Villanova guys. Not a high level shooter, but a hard working, well rounded player who probably excels more on the defensive end.

Bleacher Report: Charles Bassey, 6-11 center, Western Kentucky.

Another future backup center type with good size. He blocks shots aggressively as one of the best in college and runs the floor. Not a great athlete or shooter, but will protect the rim effectively and make the occasional shot.

Yahoo: Kessler Edwards, 6-8 wing, Pepperdine.

A good catch-and-shoot type player with good size and defensive instincts. Not a big time point forward prospect because he's not an ideal playmaker/ballhandler. But will drive the ball and finish.

My selection: Any chance Cade Cunningham falls?

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Expert Predictions: Who the Bulls might select with the 38th pick in the NBA Draft

Bulls.com

This season the Bulls will pick in the second round at #38 but the second round has produced some familiar names for the Bulls.

There aren't going to be any "We're No. 38!" foam fingers produced and waved aloft this week in Chicago. But the Bulls still are hoping for some excitement—if not immediately, then in a few years—when they select No. 38 in this week's annual NBA player draft Thursday.

The Bulls do not have a first round pick. It's still possible they can trade for one. The Bulls 2021 first round pick was traded to Orlando in the Nikola Vucevic deal along with the Bulls' 2023 first round selection. The pick this year is No. 8 now for Orlando.

This is the first time since 2010 the Bulls won't be selecting in the first round of the draft and just the second time in the last 30 years. The previous management team highly valued first round selections, but the new management group headed by Arturas Karnisovas seems intent on adding primarily veteran talent.

The Bulls gave up their No. 1 selection in 2010 along with Kirk Hinrich to acquire salary cap room in hopes of signing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh or two of the three. All three eventually teamed in Miami. In 2005, the Bulls gave up their No. 1 draft choice from the Luol Deng transaction the previous year when they swapped it for the Phoenix Suns No. 7 pick and selected Deng. The Suns used the Bulls No. 1 pick in 2005 at No. 21 for Nate Robinson. He then was traded to the Knicks.

Before then, the previous time the Bulls didn't have a No. 1 draft pick was in 1990 when then general manager Jerry Krause completed one of the best maneuvers of his tenure. At a time European players were not held in high regard, Krause used the Bulls No. 2 draft pick, then at No. 29, for Toni Kukoc, who is being enshrined this year in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Bulls No. 1 draft pick that year when to the New Jersey Nets for Dennis Hopson in a previous deal. The Bulls believing they were on the verge of playing for a title did not want to add more rookies at the time.

But as brilliant as the Kukoc selection became as he was a pivotal contributor to three Bulls championships, it was controversial at the time and not a great look for the team's stars, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. They condemned the selection because they wanted the money that was going to Kukoc to lure him from Europe instead being paid to the current players on the roster.

Though Krause was thinking well ahead of his time. He envisioned Kukoc as a Lakers' Showtime type player with Jordan and Pippen running the wings and Kukoc delivering the ball ahead in transition. It's a style of play that became more popular 20 years later. But with the Bulls' triangle offense at the time and increasing physical play and then the domination of Tim Duncan and David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal and then Pau Gasol with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, it wasn't until the recent Golden State Warriors run the open court style of play prospered. Krause was among the first to envision a group of like-sized tall players with the 6-11 Kukoc in the backcourt running and shooting. Phil Jackson eventually adopted elements of it, though Kukoc often played out of position at power forward to accommodate the three-time champion Bulls by the time he arrived in the NBA.

Here's a look both at the best No. 38 selections in Bulls history and the best picks outside the first round.

Chris Duhon, 2004. The tough Duke guard played four seasons with the Bulls, starting about half his games. His was one of the more inspirational stories since he was taken the year after the Bulls picked guard Kirk Hinrich and in the same draft the Bulls selected guard Ben Gordon. So the Bulls attempted to get Duhon to spend a season in Europe in development. Duhon told the Bulls not only wouldn't he do that, but he was going to end up starting. And he did, starting 73 and playing all 82. He was about six foot and more of a combo guard, but he was tough and physical. Though not a great shooter, he set a Bulls three-point record making eight in a game his rookie season and was a major factor off the bench for the so called Baby Bulls when they swept the defending champion Heat in the playoffs. He signed a free agent deal with the Knicks in 2008.Daniel Gafford, 2019. Gafford toggled between the G-league and the Bulls as rookie, but showed in cameo moments quick twitch, jumping jack athletic ability in blocking shots, averaging at least a block per game for the Bulls. He had a game with six blocks as a rookie and in his first game playing more than five minutes of fill-in time he scored 21 points. He became part of the major roster reshuffling with the trades for Nikola Vucevic and Daniel Theis and became a favorite for the Washington Wizards. He averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 23 games off the bench for the Wizards and 11.8 with two starts in the Wizards first round playoff defeat. The only other time the Bulls had the No. 38 pick, they selected Jordan Bell in 2017 for the Golden State Warriors in a cash transaction. Bell played for four teams in four seasons and finished last season on a G-league deal.
The Bulls best picks after the first round: Toni Kukoc, No. 29 in 1990. It was then barely a second round pick, No. 2 in the second round that the Bulls acquired for trading Dave Corzine after the 1988-89 season. DePaul's Corzine had been much maligned in Chicago when the Bulls acquired him for the popular Artis Gilmore. Kukoc was one of the most celebrated European players of all time at a time when NBA teams didn't have high regard for European basketball. Though Kukoc's Yugoslavian teams were defeating the top American collegiate teams so often in world competitions that the Olympic committee eventually asked the NBA to supply teams starting with the 1992 Dream Team. Kukoc finally came to the Bulls for the 1993-94 season when Michael Jordan retired. Kukoc was named Sixth Man of the Year for the 1996 Bulls champions, though in those three championship seasons he started more than 82 games combined. He made some of the most famous shots in Bulls history. There was the Pippen 1.8-second walkout against New York, a closer against the Indiana Pacers after Reggie MIller was bowing in what he thought was victory, crucial shots that kept the Bulls from losing Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals and big shots in the 1997 and 1998 Finals. In seven seasons for the Bulls, Kukoc averaged 14.1 points with 217 starts.Norm Van Lier, No. 34 in 1969. The Bulls made a mistake they rectified after two seasons. Always looking then for a center, the Bulls drafted the 6-1 Van Lier and immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Royals for center Walt Wesley. Wesley played one season for the Bulls and was let go in expansion. In his second season with Cincinnati, the feisty Van Lier led the league in assists. But the notoriously penurious Royals made him available. The Bulls reacquired him in 1971 for center Jim Fox and Van Lier went on to team with Jerry Sloan to become the most fierce and feared backcourt in the NBA. He helped lead the Bulls to a run of averaging more than 50 wins over five seasons and a seventh game conference finals loss in 1975. Van Lier played seven seasons for the Bulls and in unofficial statistics led the league in confrontations that made that team one of the toughest in the league. Van Lier later became a longtime Bulls broadcaster and community activist and favorite.Clifford Ray, No. 40 in 1971. The defensive center went on to average double figure rebounds for three seasons with the Bulls and rank among the league leaders in rebounds per minute both coming off the bench and starting when Tom Boerwinkle missed most of a season. Those Bulls, however, kept losing in the playoffs to teams with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Wilt Chamberlain. So before the 1974-75 season, Ray was traded to the Warriors for elite big man Nate Thurmond. Thurmond recorded the first quadruple double on NBA history soon after joining the Bulls. But he was in decline and Ray helped the Warriors defeat the Bulls in the 1975 playoffs and win the 1975 NBA championship.Pete Myers, No. 120 in 1986. The sixth round draft pick played his rookie season with the Bulls and then bounced around to four other NBA teams and to Italy before returning to the Bulls in 1993-94. He played a vital role in that near miracle season after Michael Jordan retired for the first time, starting 81 games and even beating out high priced free agent Ron Harper for a starting backcourt position with his relentless defense. With Jordan's return to the Bulls, shooting guard Myers signed with Charlotte. He returned to the Bulls as an assistant coach and served three games as an interim head coach.Jack Haley, No. 79 in 1987. I never remembered someone more excited to make the team. There were more productive low round picks, like Mark Landsberger, Trenton Hassell, Rod Higgins, Roger Mason and Erwin Mueller. Even free agent bust Howard Porter. Haley was a bench towel waving leader who played two seasons for the Bulls and got one start before playing for three other teams and then returning to the Bulls for the 1995-96 season. He played in just one game that historic season, the final in the regular season. But behind the scenes he was vital in remaining close with Dennis Rodman and making sure the hard partying Rodman arrived on time for the games, which wouldn't have been possible without Haley.

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The Best Second-Round Picks in Bulls History

We are limited by not having a first round pick and head scratching who we can afford to have greatest impact at PG. The sooner we can recover our winning ways, the sooner big names will notice with interest.

I personally want to re-sign Daniel Theis and Arch who I feel has proven he is a hard working and scrappy player who can show more if plays more.

I am very intrigued with Cameron Johnson, Pat Connaughton and Luke Kennard who now have playoff experience and affordable. Would love to bring back Rose as well! Then we hear what if's on Russ, Lonzo, Schroder, Rozier, Kyrie, Dinwiddie among others. I'll hang my hat on impactful guys who play nice with others.

It's becoming the usual suspects, I agree. Though after watching some USA Basketball lately I have a plan. I don't think it's wise to get in a bidding war to overpay Ball or Schroder, and the latest rumor has Schroder in sign and trades for him to get his money and the Lakers to get a point guard they actually like. Plus, for the Bulls trying to get into a big free agency position at more than $20 million would require basically gutting almost the entire roster. The Bulls are not in position to bid for your trio, though as I always warn: Don't be fooled by a player who makes a shot when everyone is watching. Back to the point. I think it's also best for the Bulls to go the sign-and-trade route with Markkanen, who seems the most likely player to be of interest to another team and worth paying. He still could end up making the team look like it lost the deal, but if you improve you cannot get caught up in what it does for the other team. I'd try to make a sign-and-trade deal with Minnesota for Ricky Rubio, who is out of favor in Minnesota. I liked what I saw of him in the USA game with Spain. He's hardly the ultimate answer, but he's certainly a pass first player, which the Bulls need, who can handle pressure and make plays and a good defender. He's a better shooter, if still not very good, and has one year left on his deal. I like that because it also allows the Bulls to be patient over the next year as players—point guards—become more available on trade, or because a team drafted someone they like better.

There are all sorts of possibilities. So the Bulls get a point guard without having to scrap their roster and depth strength. Then use the taxpayer exception of about $10 million for Derrick Rose. I finally give in, too. Rose has shown he's not 2011 Derrick Rose, but he is a reliable scorer and closer. He can come off the bench, get in 65 to 70 games to keep him healthy and finish games, if needed. Let Rubio start and play 24 minutes and then play Rose and you can add in Coby White and LaVine, who are at least competent playmakers. Plus, Thad Young and Nikola Vucevic pass well. I believe Rose still wants to finish his career in Chicago. He's made it clear he has no problem coming off the bench. And not having to carry a team should enable him to sustain while he continues to produce. For all the negative media assaults on his play, Rose the last three seasons has averaged mostly coming off the bench 18.0 for Minnesota in 2019, 18.1 for Detroit in 2020 and 14.7 for New York and Detroit in 2021. He played in 70 percent of the games those three seasons and in two of those three seasons shot at least 37 percent on threes, including 41 percent for the Knicks last season. Rose led the Knicks in scoring in the playoffs at 19.4, in assists and in three-point shooting. That seems like a heck of a point guard platoon, and a worthy welcome back homecoming for a team in the current environment that finally seems to have a chance with the right moves.

The only certainty this offseason is Thibodeau won't trade for a rookie. Oh, and the Bulls need a PG. I wish it was Ball but I don't see that happening. This is the Ball brothers first chance to play together. I just can't see them passing that up. Hornets will have cap space and they won't need Graham if they have Lonzo and LaMelo, so he's probably gone too. I see the Hornets getting Lonzo. Jordan likes making money and having the 3 Ball brothers is good business.

And then a franchise to endorse Ball jars? I hadn't thought of that one, but it does sound intriguing given that family. The general thinking has been they'd want to have, at least Lonzo to start, back in a major market. But three brothers playing together with LiAngelo, whom I know nothing about but is a free agent, would at least get them back on TNT. I'm not sure what sort of team they'd have with those three guards and at least now with Zeller and Biyombo free agents (though I have nominated Biyombo for worst regular player in the NBA). But they'd also have enough money to buy a big man. And they do have Washington and Bridges still cheap; yeah why not.

Nice to see the Bucks won. Going to be hard for the Bulls to build a team to beat them. I think the only way is to bring in another star.

You mean like Jrue Holiday, a one time All-Star? The Bucks were two inches of Kevin Durant's shoe from being out of the playoffs in the second round, which would have been a premature exit for the third straight year against a team basically without two of its three best players. Their coach then certainly would have been fired, Bobby Portis declining his player option and opting out, the bench basically being in shambles and perhaps Giannis being publicly condemned for a third early ouster despite his two MVPs suggesting he may need to be elsewhere with better talent in order to finally achieve some playoff success. We like to compute backwards assuming what occurred was destined to occur, that the Bucks are the champions because they were the best team. They did win, so they deserve the rewards. And they were good. There's not much that can change all of that. Maybe ask the losing team, the Suns, who hadn't even been in the playoffs for a decade. One thing this playoffs should have done more than anything is give teams like the Bulls confidence. You mean those two teams, perennial losers and disappointing chokers, were playing for the championship?

This was CP3's last title shot. If he opts out, (owner Robert) Sarver should say farewell. If he really wants a title he should not prioritize money over winning.

Mr. State Farm? Not likely. He has a $44 million option for next season that most believe he'll opt out of…not to play for minimum for the Lakers. After all, he got close enough with the Suns making $40 million. Is there that much better chance with the aging LeBron and fragile Anthony Davis? The Knicks could make that three-year offer, which would be so Knicks for a 36-year-old point guard whom few believed would finish this contract. That he can and has done it as well as he has and helped the Suns as much as he did has been one of the biggest stories and perhaps surprises in the NBA. He's made a difference, first for the Thunder and then certainly for the Suns. He has had a great career. All the Knicks guards except basically Quickly are free agents and they have the salary cap room for huge deals. Though with Paul, Randle and Barrett that hardly seems like the ultimate formula other than good press conference coverage for awhile. The Suns decision is the tough one. I assume Paul will want to stay and have two years added on. It's something no one would have said a few years ago, but it seemed like the Suns erred in not playing Cameron Payne enough those last few games. The West is tough and this seemed like the Suns window. With a young team, if Paul opts out I'd also pass and try to get myself a young point guard or two to fit with Booker. If Paul wants a chance to compete and $44 million doesn't seem that insulting with his commercial running every three minutes, he should opt in with the Suns. The decision should demonstrate what he's about.

Rockets get Thad, Sato, and Aminu and this year's 2nd round pick.

Wall is still an above average PG when healthy, averaged 20 pts and 7 ast this year. Kevin Porter is showing a lot of potential. Huge price tag though. Do you think this could be viewed as a backup plan if they strike out on free agent PG's?

Yes, trading and wild speculation season is upon us, and nowhere is it better than in the NBA. Baseball's "hot stove" has a cooler name, but it's drama is long gone. Basketball is where it happens. But John Wall! It hasn't sounded like Bradley Beal misses him too much. He did come back and has been relatively productive, and most doubted that would ever occur. But let me count the ways: Owed $90 million the next two seasons, a poor shooter who played about half the games last season who's known for his selfish play. I assume you were just testing me.

Damian Lillard? Once a player wants to be traded equality of value can go out the window. On the surface the Bulls are not a likely trade partner for Lillard. However trade demands put the team the player is traded from in a terrible bind. The James Harden trade gives me hope. If you remember Cleveland was the third party. There are many variables at play, from Lillard's preferences to the visions of a new Portland coach, possibly new GM and new owner. AK appears savvy and Portland's situation is in possible turmoil. This could have a surprise ending.

Yes, we can only hope? Though watching USA Basketball, albeit just exhibitions, he doesn't seem to play that well with LaVine. Nothing onerous or obvious, but they play more like Lillard and, you know, McCollum. My turn; OK, now you. Though, yes, Zach is better than CJ. The Lillard speculation can up just after last week's Ask Sam went up, so I didn't get into it much. It's faded some with Lillard saying he expects to be in Portland this season (p.s., we didn't believe him). He's not being disloyal. He's been there nine years. He's tried. They seem to be going in that other (not so positive) direction with a new rookie coach to break in, and it probably is time for both them and Dame to move on. That's what Dame Time means now. The Bulls, to me, don't have the stuff without any first round draft picks to throw in until 2025. NBA rules don't allow a team to not have consecutive No. 1 picks, and the Bulls 2023 pick is owed to Orlando and still conditional top four protected, so the Bulls cannot build up a trade with picks. Portland probably still wants to make a run at competing, but also pack away some futures. So where? Golden State makes the most sense as they have a pair of lottery picks this season to offer and can include James Wiseman from last year's lottery and have Portland take Wiggins for salary. They need to run out Curry/Thompson/Green as long as they can. As with their title teams, then all the Warriors need is a role playing big. The 76ers also because they are all about now because they can't assume Embiid will hold up long. They obviously have Simmons to trade, and you can build with him. Heck, if Giannis can make some free throws, Simmons has better form. The 76ers also have young players to add like Maxey. I doubt the Trailblazers would punish Lillard by sending him to New Orleans. But they have the package with a Lonzo sign and trade, perhaps Ingram and some picks. Denver with Porter and extras as they have to try something? Murray? The rumors mill isn't done with Dame.

I would like to see the Clippers point guard, Reggie Jackson here in Chicago. Do you think they would sign and trade Lauri for Reggie?? Or could we sign Reggie straight out since he is a free agent?

I assume you're one of the few. Jackson did seemingly resurrect his career in the playoffs from being on the verge of next stop China and playing off a minimum deal. He's a scorer and shot the ball well, but is hardly a point guard and has a difficult history regarding playing nice with others.

Not ‘hooked' on Jericho Sims; just heard a rumor. You have to admit that 6'10" w/ a 44.5" vertical is intriguing. That would tie Shannon Brown for the 6th best ever in the NBA.

Nobody expects much from 2nd round picks... but you know, Jokic. Not saying he'll be a star, but could be a helpful rotation guy; Maybe better than Gafford. But if you get anyone decent in the 2nd round, it's a coup.

I'll admit I've paid less attention to this draft than perhaps anytime since the championship years when the Bulls always tried to get rid of their draft pick. Because the Bulls don't have a first round pick with it going to Orlando in the Vucevic trade—though there are several available with several teams having multiple picks so they could get one—and the team's priority seeming at this time to be adding veterans. But the Bulls do have No. 38, the eighth pick in the second round, and Sims seems from the mock drafts to be in that company. He's actually the kind of player I'd lean to if I were the Bulls. You assume in trade or free agency they'll be adding a point guard and perhaps a wing as a priority. The other largest need, I believe, is athletic size at the basket with shot blocking and rim protection. Yes, Gafford, but Brown and Theis were headed the Bulls way in that deal, which seemed reasonable. If that were the Bulls only pick and they got Sims it would seem to be a plus.

Sam Hauser is a player to consider after making an in depth search for the best possible shooter in this year's NBA draft. He stands 6'8" and plays forward. He shoots 48.3% from the 2 pt. range and 43.9% from the deep compared to Kris Middleton who makes 47.6% and 41.4% from the 3 pt. range.. AKME should look into this possibility of acquiring him for the 38th pick if he passes the criteria.

Everyone, and especially the Bulls, can use some catch and shoot help, and while he seems like a fine shooter, he doesn't seem to have the speed and maneuverability to stay on the court and defend. He reminds me a bit of Jason Kapono, who was an amazing shooter and got himself a free agent deal, but couldn't get much playing time as a free way opponents used straight to the basket.

Zach had a "protocol scare." I have questions.
How do the protocols account for vaccines?
Does Zach having a "protocol scare" indicate that he's not vaccinated?
Do you happen to know if he is?
What about the other players, or the NBA player community in general?
Zach was sidelined those 11 games in April...if he had been vaccinated then, would he still have missed those games?

Me, too. It is very confusing and very arbitrary, it seems. I'm not sure what USA Basketball is doing and then with the complications of the concerns of Japan it becomes sort of a Star Chamber court. They seem to be making up "rules" as they go. The NBA did some of that as well, assigning monitors to decide who was in contact and who wasn't in what seemed completely arbitrary. But none of us knew what to do having missing the 1919 pandemic. After all, if Beal tested positive, wasn't the entire team team next to him? I thought Zach from my understanding was vaccinated, though tested positive for Covid just as the players were becoming eligible for the vaccine. That he was back within a day or two suggested there couldn't have been anything wrong except for just excessive caution or perhaps to please and reassure the sponsors and hosts. This Olympics could be a mess. Though they thought Rio would be, too.

If we miss out on Ball, Murray, and Dennis. And since we need a PG. Would you want Eric Bledsoe as our PG? Pelicans are trying to move him and Steven Adams, to sign Kyle Lowry.

Bledsoe is a 31 year old vet, with 11 years experience. Knows the Bucks offense since he was there for 2 seasons. He was a all defensive first team in 2019, defensive second team in 2020. His best year was 2017, with 21 points. He had a down year last year with NO with 12 points and 4 assists a game. His contract only has 2 more years on it. 18 mil this year, and 19 mil next year. I think Lauri and Sato should be enough to get him.

Well, that is a guy who is available, I agree. Though his references aren't great as the Bucks credited a lot of their success to getting rid of him and the Pelicans even seemingly about to lose Lonzo Ball don't want him around. And making close to $20 million a year for two more years. He's another of those guys whose business card says point guard—though he played off the ball this season—but is really is scoring guard. He is physical and a good defender, but not enough of what the Bulls need as a facilitator and offensive conductor.

I'm baffled by the apparent enthusiasm among your readers to show Lauri Markenen the quickest road out of town. 7-footers who can shoot 3's and are good teammates are tough to find. As soon as he's gone, we'll be looking for a player like him. I agree that he hasn't been Dirk (although he's closer to a young Dirk than many realize). Obviously, Lauri hasn't turned into Dirk. You can also argue that the standards for sweet shooting big men are higher that they were when Dirk arrived (he was a unicorn, Lauri is another in a line). Why get rid of him now?

Lauri was uncomfortable with all the Dirk comparisons a few years ago. He doesn't have to worry anymore. I don't believe it's so much the fans want him out, but more a realization that with Patrick Williams and Vucevic and the new management invoking their own vision for the team Markkanen doesn't seem like a big part of that. So get something for him! It is a recognition he has value, but you can't keep everyone. And it is Lauri's turn to be paid.

I'd say the USA team played well enough to win in the last two exhibitions, but not their best effort in any of the 4. It's a strange roster with no PG and not much size. Couldn't they get any decent PG to sign up? Doesn't have to be a big star, just a competent playmaker. Draymond will be helpful on defense, or should be. But they could still use a real ‘big'. Bam is closer to that. No doubt, they're going to shoot a lot of 3s and outscore everybody. We'll see how that works out. 1st game is Sunday morning v. France. That should tell us something.

There's going to be a Darwinian element in this Olympics as it was the NBA playoffs that the healthiest survive. What we really don't know about the roster is who they wanted and how many turned them down. And with everything going on in Tokyo now how many are wishing they did. And now what will the guys coming out of the Finals give them. In the best shape of everyone? Too worn out and either giddy or disappointed? There does seem too many individual scoring players. It does look like a team because it's shooting so many threes that if it has a bad shooting game can be in a lot of trouble against so many other teams who have long experience playing together and more comfortable with one another. I don't see them as the favorite.

I grew up a Bucks fan, mainly because there is no local NBA team where I grew up and I naturally picked a good team to follow. Oscar, Lew/Kareem, Bobby Dandridge, Lucius Allen, McGlocklin - those were the guys I grew up idolizing. I was just a kid and my memory might be off here, but to me Dandridge and Middleton are very similar players. Both lower draft picks, both in a support role for stars but capable of taking over a game, both good for 20 ppg... From my recollection Middleton is Bobby Dandridge reincarnated. What do you think of the Dandridge/Middleton comp?

Not bad. It's tough to be underrated in this era with so much media and instant commentary, so Middleton isn't. Dandridge took 40 years to get in the Hall of Fame because he was great but playing with Kareem and Oscar and then Hayes and Unseld. But when those teams needed big baskets and big stops, Dandridge made them. He was one of the greatest most unappreciated (except by fellow players) players of his era. Thanks for giving him a mention. Dandridge was a better defender, but it's a good comparison of secondary players who outperformed their expectations.

I'm starting to think size does matter after all with these Finals. Nobody really deserves blame, more like the Bucks just won it. So I may be back to Patrick as a big wing, and then get another big to play in the starting lineup with him, Zach, Vuc, and whichever point guard they end up with.

I did believe the Bucks were the better team, but began to have some doubts with everyone else early in the series when they weren't using that size advantage. Great skill is important. Great skill and size is even more important. I won't fault the Suns—and I join the crowd in believing they'd be out in the first round—but they played Giannis wrong. The problem is as small as they were, losing their backup center and that Ayton isn't a physical player, it looked like they ignored the Giannis blueprint that worked in previous series. You build that defensive wall. But outside the paint. The Suns were coming late to double and often with smaller players, allowing Giannis too much room inside. It wasn't a good scheme. Taking nothing away from Giannis, who played with that never stops Energizer attitude. The broadcasters constantly mentioned how worn out he looked, and then he played harder than anyone. Perhaps with Milwaukee and Phoenix and without a must watch star other than Giannis The Finals wasn't the ratings bonanza for TV. But it was great for the NBA where it can't be said you can't win in a small market and stars won't stay there (San Antonio and now Milwaukee). It should help bring back a bit of the 80s mentality of guys being disappointed, but saying they can do it where they are. Perhaps not all the time as we'll probably see with Damian Lillard, but there's hope for an era when a dozen teams each season can believe they have a chance to win a title.

ask-sam-mailbag-free-agency-targets-bulls-draft-prospects-and-more

Ask Sam Mailbag: free agency targets, Bulls draft prospects, and more

childukich

The odds were not in the Bulls' favor during the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night as Chicago's No. 8 pick was conveyed to the Orlando Magic. The Bulls now look towards offseason and free agency decisions.

The Bulls Tuesday experienced a chill, though not a draft. Because it seems like the Bulls are going to be frozen out of the first round of the 2021 NBA draft.

That's because the Bulls felt like the rest of us following the lottery drawing. Better luck next time.

The Bulls' approximately 20 percent chance of slipping into the top four in the 2021 draft and thus retaining their No. 1 draft pick this year was unsuccessful in the NBA's annual Draft Lottery drawing.

The Bulls traded their No. 1 draft selections in 2021 and 2023 last March for Orlando Magic All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. However, there was one proviso: If this year's selection fell in the top four, the Bulls would retain this year's pick and the Magic would get the Bulls' No. 1 draft picks for 2022 and 2024.

But the drawing held firm for the Bulls at No. 8, so the Bulls 2021 draft pick conveys to the Magic this season. Orlando also will have their own No. 5 draft pick. So now the Magic also get the Bulls No. 1 draft pick in 2023 without exceptions.

NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealing the Orlando Magic will select 8th in the 2021 NBA Draft, originally the Bulls' selection.

The Bulls will have their No. 1 draft pick next year in 2022. They also have a second round selection in this draft at No. 38. It's also possible the Bulls could trade into the first round this season with several teams having multiple first round picks.

Golden State, like Orlando, also will have two lottery selections, Nos. 7 and 14, the former from the Andrew Wiggins trade with Minnesota. The Timberwolves thus lose their lottery pick this season.

Oklahoma City has Nos. 6, 16 and 18, New York has Nos. 19 and 21 and Houston has Nos. 2, 23 and 24. The Rockets were in danger of losing their pick to the Thunder if it fell outside the top three.

Thus the Rockets come out a winner in this draft with the Pistons—one of three teams with the best odds for the No. 1 selection along with Houston and Orlando—getting the No. 1 pick.

Cleveland in the No. 5 spot and Toronto in the No. 7 spot, the latter just ahead of the Bulls, both moved into the desired top four. The two teams dropping to accommodate the upward moves by Cleveland and Toronto were the Magic and Thunder.

Projected first-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham.

Oklahoma State point forward Cade Cunningham generally has been regarded as the best talent in this draft. It is expected the Pistons will select Cunningham since they have primarily a young team with point guard Killian Hayes at No. 7 from last year's draft. Hayes was injured much of the season. But the Pistons had two all-rookie selections from draft night trades last year with Isaiah Stewart at No. 16 and Saddiq Bey at No. 19.

Houston in a full scale rebuilding after trading James Harden and Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul before that has no true center. They are expected to select USC center Evan Mobley.

NBA scouts rate a top four in this draft with Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs and G-league scoring guard Jalen Green rounding out the four. With multiple point guard selections in recent drafts, the Cavaliers at No. 3 are expected to select Green. That could make high scoring guard Collin Sexton available in trade since Darius Garland has been playing more point guard in Cleveland.

Suggs would be a natural for the Raptors, who are expected to lose point guard Kyle Lowry.

G-league player Jonathan Kuminga is considered the next best prospect by many NBA executives, though there generally are a wide variety of opinions after the top picks. The Magic will bring back injured point guard Markelle Fultz and forward Jonathan Isaac, the latter a similar player to Kuminga. Baylor point guard Davion Mitchell also is high on the lists of some teams and expected to be a lottery pick between Nos. 6 and 14. Which makes for the possibility of trading into the lottery with teams like Orlando and Golden State with multiple selections.

By failing to fall into one of those top four selections, the Bulls figure to focus on adding a guard in the offseason. Especially with Coby White sustaining a shoulder injury and likely out until early next season.

The most common speculation this week has been the fate of Philadelphia 76ers All-Star point guard Ben Simmons following a poor playoff series in the 76ers loss and some apparent misgivings among teammates. The 76ers desire shooters, and the Bulls have a very good one in restricted free agent Lauri Markkanen. Could there be a possibility of a sign and trade? Though Simmons despite his poor shooting figures to have a healthy trade market if the 76ers decide to go in that famous other direction. Already media has suggested a half dozen possible destinations for Simmons.

The Bulls have contract guarantees for Vucevic, Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, White, Troy Brown Jr. and Al-Farouq Aminu for next season's roster. Thad Young and Tomas Satoransky have partially guaranteed contracts for next season. The Bulls have an option on Ryan Arcidiacono. The Bulls can match if Markkanen gets a contract offer from another team. Markkanen could sign with the Bulls or play on a final year deal and become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Cristiano Felicio, Daniel Theis, Garrett Temple, Denzel Valentine and Javonte Green are unrestricted free agents.

So for now the Bulls' core is considered to be Vucevic, LaVine, Williams and White.

The Bulls could get under the salary cap and into free agency without the free agents and players with options and partial guarantees. The Bulls also could bring in 6-11 center/forward Marko Simonovic from last year's draft in the second round. He played well in the Serbian league this season.

So forget the lottery ticket now. It's time to get back to work.