Who to Draft--Post #1

May 20th, everyone in the lottery finds out their pick.

June 26th, draft day. I can't wait.

Who doesn't love the draft? The bad teams get to ready to welcome a high pick, mediocre teams are looking for missing components, and the great teams can add role players. Trades are exchanged--like last year's blockbuster deal involving Portland handing over Randolph--amazingly genius deals like that. Ha.

From the Bulls perspective, Chicago is sitting tight with the likely 9th Pick.

Espn.com has Paxson selecting Kosta Koufos--the 7 footer out of Ohio State. Scouts like his ability to make the open mid range jumper, his ability to run the floor, and his overall skills for his size. He averaged 14.4 pts and 6.7 rebs last year, his freshman season. It might be true that he is only 19, but I am definately not sold. I saw him in the NIT and their last Big Ten game, and wasn't overly impressed. He did hit a big three in one game, but then fouled out. Rebounding is weak, and he isn't that athletic--i.e, won't be able to block shots, create off the bounce. Not saying he won't be a solid pro, but I can't image he fits our need at this time.

Draftexpress.com has Chicago taking Anthony Randolph, the 18 year old out of LSU. Extemely long, athletic, left handed--people say he has amazing potential. Basically, he's Tyrus Thomas--little taller, and better jumper. I would say, if we didn't have TT, then maybe draft him, but we do. The last thing the Bulls need is another high risk, high reward player--especially one that has no basketball I.Q., and is a long term project.

NBAdraft.net has the Bulls picking up the Italian, Danilo Gallinari. He's 6-9 point forward of sorts coming over from Europe. Another young kid, he's got a great jumpshot, good fundamentals, plays with heart. Apparently, however, he can't defend athletic players, which could be a problem in the NBA. With two small forwards as of now, Deng and Noc (occassionally Thabo), he doesn't fit the need.

Looking at the current roster, it's easier to tell what type of player we need. Negating the rumors--Deng and Gordon, one or the other or both, leaving, that is how we'll dissect the draft. It could of course change, but we'll deal with that closer to draft day.

Projected Starters for 2008-2009

Backcourt: Hinrich and Thabo/Gordon

Front: Noah, Deng, Gooden

Main Bench: Tyrus Thomas, Nocioni, Hughes, Gray?--But I hope not.

So, looking at the squad, it would be wise, if possible, to trade the pick. As you can see, we're young, we have a solid core, but we need veterans. This is the youngest team in the entire league. A player like an Elton Brand would do absolute wonders for this team, far better than a draft player--minus Rose or Beasley.