Aside from a last minute shakeup, it’s looking like the Bulls aren’t going to move down in the draft.
Houston was looking to include us in many trades as a third partner. After a pair of trades with Minnesota and then Milwaukee, the Rockets might be where they want to wind up, as far as the draft is concerned.
Sacramento is also looking to move some parts. The Lakers, Clippers, and Trailblazers are openly shopping, while the rest of the league has just been in the rumor mill. The Kings options require too many moving parts from them, and with us, making any of the trade possibilities unlikely. Also, the Kings have also been rumored to get offers that the Bulls would have a hard time matching.
Viva la 29th pick. It’s ours for now, and the only scenario left, is trading out. Because of the Tax threshold, the Bulls could trade out of the draft to pick up an excessive contract. Yes, another excessive contract. They all feel like excessive contracts, when the team doesn’t win a title, so calling some of these contracts, excessive is a bit unfair. So to the 29th pick, where are looking?
Team needs: None that can be filled in this draft. Serviceable needs? Well, everywhere really. PF is our closest position that is locked up. SF is also looking set, as far as draft needs. Just because we have the players now, and because some needs are bigger than others, doesn’t mean the front office wont pull the trigger on grabbing the best available player.
Looking at the draft boards from around the net.
Most Mock Drafted, in order.
John Jenkins Vanderbilt
SG 21 years old, 6’3 1/4″ 212lbs
Will Barton Memphis
SF/SG, 21 years old, 6’5”, 174lbs
Doron Lamb Kentucky
SG, 20 years old, 6’3 1/4″, 200lbs
Quincy Miller Baylor
SF, 19 years old, 6’8 4/4″, 220lbs
Other names thrown out:
Tyshawn Tyler (PG, Kansas), Draymond Green(PF, Michigan State), Marquis Teague(PG, Kentucky)
Some of these picks are truly head scratchers. Of course, this is a draft. Usually teams do make surprise picks this late in the draft, and the fans try to rally behind and welcome whoever gets selected. Last years favorite target was MarShon Brooks, who didn’t do to bad covering for an injury plagued nets in his rookie year. Instead, the front office made some moves that landed in getting the rights to Nikola Mirotic, and Jimmy Butler. All of which was completely unexpected.
Full disclosure: Despite nobody placing Tony Wroten(PG/SG Washington) to the Bulls in any of the major mocks, I’m pulling for the Bulls to pick him as my favorite. None of the 2011 draft boards were accurate in the late first round, so my conclusion is that the Bulls will not draft any of the players that were predicted.
Happy draft day 2012.
The NBA 2012 Draft begins at 6PM on ESPN