So just who is going to be the Bulls’ top pick in the June 28 NBA draft? How could the Bulls not know by now? If history is any guide, they’re usually undecided until draft day. Here’s a handicapping guide to the top prospects:
LaMarcus Aldridge
Toronto keeps throwing out the name Andrea Bargnani, but the thinking is the Raptors eventually will go for Aldridge, in part to appease Chris Bosh, who is close to Aldridge and who likes to play away from the basket. Toronto could trade down for Bargnani, say with Portland, and get the point guard it needs in Jarrett Jack, Bosh’s college teammate.Given the mess of its roster, no one is quite sure what Portland would do with the top pick.
Bulls’ chances: Aldridge is shaping up as the probable No. 1 pick, so the Bulls are unlikely to get him. At the predraft camp, he measured an NBA center size of 6 feet, 11 1/4 inches, with shoes, and a 9-2 reach, which is Elton Brand but three inches taller. He did test out weak in strength reports, but he’s said to be the rare big man who actually likes basketball.
Tyrus Thomas
He came out of the Orlando pre-draft camp with a measurement of 6-8 1/4 with shoes, which is small, but with a 9-foot reach. And it didn’t seem good that he bailed out of part of his Bulls workout with a stomachache, though there were reports of a groin injury. Tyson Chandler had a similar episode working out for Washington in 2001, which is one reason the Wizards passed on him. (It didn’t quite work out with Kwame Brown, though, did it?) Is Thomas the next Stromile Swift or Shawn Marion? The Bulls complained last season of being small at all the positions, and Thomas wouldn’t change that much. But Marion, to whom he’s likened at times, is awfully effective playing inside. Plus, it seems Thomas can guard multiple positions. Dallas is in the Finals without a true post presence and the Bulls can get someone with size in free agency and perhaps in next year’s draft with the pick they can exchange with the Knicks.
Bulls’ chances: Probable pick if they keep the No 2.
Brandon Roy
This is probably the guy I’d go with, though I believe Aldridge and Thomas help considerably and any of the three would bring major improvement. By all accounts, Roy will be a big NBA talent, and what I like is he sets up the backcourt for years. I don’t know if Ben Gordon will buy in as a sixth man eventually, but he, Kirk Hinrich and Roy would be the kind of backcourt that in a few years could rank among the best in the NBA and be around for a decade. The East is weak and the Bulls could compete next season, but I’d pick up a big man or two in free agency and then hope for a chance at another in next year’s draft.
Bulls’ chances: Probably 1A assuming Aldridge goes No. 1.He’s probably the safest pick.
Adam Morrison
In some respects, I’m more interested to see him play in the NBA than any of the top prospects. I’ve heard everything from his being a 20-point-plus scorer almost immediately to his not being able to keep up with the quickness of the game. I tend to think he could make it big, if not quite in the Wade, LeBron, Kobe class. There’s some thought Portland would like him and would like to get ahead of Charlotte at No. 3. Perhaps the Bulls then trade down and still get Thomas at No. 4, and get some high seconds Portland has and use them with No. 16 to move up and perhaps get someone like Ronnie Brewer, Rodney Carney, Shelden Williams or even Rudy Gay. But who knows now what Michael Jordan will push to do at No. 3 and perhaps spoil the Bulls’ plans.
Bulls’ chances: Unlikely, though his active game and competitiveness would fit with the way the Bulls like to play.
Rudy Gay
He’s a small forward. The Bulls already have Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni, so picking Gay likely would mean trading Deng, who is not quite ready to be a shooting guard. And that gets too complicated. Plus, Deng is a kid and has room to improve. Why mess up the Bulls’ deepest position? This year Gay is the guy with the indifferent reputation, one that may be overstated. (Last year it was Marvin Williams with that reputation and it scared off teams.) Gay has classic size, 6-8 in shoes and almost a 9-foot reach and was one of the best jumpers in college. He could be a real star but probably is too risky for the Bulls.
Bulls’ chances: Most likely not.
Andrea Bargnani
More Top Picks Best Posture Correctors For Adults
He’s the draft’s mystery man. Most everyone in the NBA has gone to Europe to see him and returned with glowing reports. But the talent level in Europe is down and he hasn’t come to the U.S. to work out. He actually could fit with the Bulls, a player close to 7 feet with a terrific outside shot. He’s not known to mix it up much and I don’t see the Bulls wanting to go through that again after Chandler and Eddy Curry.
Bulls’ chances: No way. He’s the only guy of all the above I’d be truly surprised if the Bulls took.
– – –
SAM’S QUOTE OF THE WEEK
`There are three safe picks in this draft. Everyone else is a question mark or risk. They’re Adam Morrison, Brandon Roy and Shelden Williams.’
–Veteran NBA personnel expert
SAM’S WORKOUT OF THE WEEK
Ukraine 7-footer Kyrylo Fesenko was asked by Bucks assistant Brian James in a drill to “come off a screen and put the ball on the floor.” So Fesenko, 19, did and just laid the ball down and left it there. “The coaches just looked at one another,” James said. “He did do exactly what I told him. But then I said, `You must dribble.’ “