2020 NBA Draft: 3 Targets for the Bulls

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Feb 1, 2020
All season long the Bulls have been on the brink of making the playoffs and with another tough loss against the Brooklyn Nets (the current 8th seed) our playoff hopes keep getting dimmer.

To make matters worse, Kris Dunn, the current steals leader in NBA (101) was knocked out of the competition after injuring his knee on the first play of the game.

With Lauri Markannen, Wendell Carter, Otto Porter Jr, and Daniel Gafford all already out, the playoff mountain only gets harder to climb.

To avoid growing any more gray hairs, we turn our attention to the 2020 Draft.

1-3 Range: Lamelo Ball

  • 6’7 190lbs
  • #3 Overall #1 PG
  • 17.0 PTS, 6.8 AST, 7.6 REDB

It’s no secret the Chicago Bulls are in desperate need of playmaking. In 2019, the Bulls currently rank 28th in Offensive efficiency and 22nd in Assists per game, numbers that the Bulls will need to improve on if they plan on creating something special in the Windy City. Inserting Lamelo Ball into the starting lineup is a sure-fire way to increase both of those numbers.

At Illawarra Ball managed to post 7 assists per game while keeping the turnovers at a minimum (2.5). Adding a pass-first guard with the vision Ball carries, not only helps the offense but he raises the ceiling of his teammates. Wendell Carter and Lauri Markannen could see their numbers skyrocket, but the player I’d be most excited to see pair with Lamelo would be Zach Lavine. In all 6 years of Lavine’s NBA journey, the best point guard/ primary ball-handler he has ever played with is Jeff Teague. No disrespect to Jeff Teague but surely Zach deserves more and who better than Lamelo Ball!

Over the duration of the season, Jim Boylen has preached how he wants to play fast and this is where the 6’7 point guard excels. He can throw full-court passes with ease and is constantly looking to push the pace. Excellent vision in the open court and is very creative with how he sets up his teammates.

The Chino Hills Native does not come to us without any concerns. Lamelo’s jump shot is still very iffy shooting only 37% from the field and 25% from 3. Like his brother, Mr.Ball could struggle shooting for his first few years in the league. Another Big concern for Lamelo is his intensity while on the court. There are times where he is very engaged but occasionally he has lapses of focus.

That being said, this is to be expected by an 18-year-old. Shooting and intensity aside the last of the Ball brothers have all the tools to be great.

Role

If the lottery gods happen to be on our side and we lucked up with a top 3 pick, Lamelo would immediately be inserted into the lineup as our franchise Point Guard sending the likes of Tomas Satoransky to the bench. In this role, he would be tasked with being the primary ball-handler. Facilitating and giving Zach Lavine a little bit of a rest when it comes to carrying the load on offense.

3-8 Range: Isaac Okoro

  • 6’6 225lbs
  • #5 Overall #1 SF
  • 13.0 PPG, 4.5 REB, 2.2 AST

Isaac Okoro has been my favorite player in the 2020 class so far. Purely based on his defensive talent he should be a lottery pick, but when you combine his play-making on the offensive end and soft touch around the rim (54% from the field) it makes it hard to pass on him. Okoro has a great nose for the ball. Always finding himself in the right spot, whether it’s for a loose ball, defensive rotation, or getting easy put backs.

The thing that jumps off the screen to me when watching Okoro is the tremendous poise and patience he plays with. As a freshman, he led his team time and time again down the stretch. Hitting the game-winning shots in both South Alabama and Ole miss games. The 19-year-old freshman has never and will never be scared of the bright lights.

Role

There are two possible scenarios for the Bulls if we took a chance on the Auburn Tiger. Depending on whether or not Otto Porter Jr. accepts his player option of $28,489,23, Okoro would come off the bench for the Bulls. For his overall player development, it may be better for the 19-year-old to play behind a vet like OPJ and not be thrown out to the wolves.

Even if Otto Porter was to decline his player option and Isaac was tossed into the fire, I have no doubt he would come out unscathed. His strong 6’6, 225 lb frame is NBA ready right now and being the spearhead of a top team in the country there is a tremendous amount of pressure as is.

In both scenarios, our current top 10 defense gets a huge bump. With his underrated playmaking and exceptional skill when it comes to finishing through a contact he can be a great addition to our offense as well.

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8-14 Range: Jaden Mcdaniels

  • 6’10 202lbs
  • #8 Overall #2 SF
  • 12.5 PTS, 6.0 REB, 2.2 AST

Jaden Mcdaniels might just have the highest ceiling of any player in the class of 2020. His skill set is so unique for being so tall. Standing at a startling 6’10 he mans the Small forward position. Mcdaniels has proven himself as a scorer at all 3 levels. When it comes to getting to the rack Jaden loves to use a two-step gather to bump off his opponent before exploding up at the rim. At the second level, his mid-range game is pure and true.

One thing that alarmed me going over tape was his bad habit of getting trigger happy pulling contested mid ranges early in the shot clock costing his team valuable possessions. The three-ball is not great but not too bad either shooting about 33% on 4 attempts a game.

Defensively he has great instincts and is excellent at tracking the ball with his long limbs (averaging 2.1 blocks in conference play). One thing that scares me is how often he is caught sleeping or isn’t playing at 100%. This is a reoccurring theme when watching tape on Jaden but I’m hopeful with the right coach and the big lights of the NBA all the effort issues dwindle away. If he can get away from the lack-luster effort there is no doubt in my mind Jaden McDaniels will be a plus defender at the next level.

Role

Jaden McDaniels would be the two-way wing we need to bolster our offense and defense. His scoring versatility will help aid the putrid performance the Bulls have given on that end of the floor this season. For now, he would be At the mercy of Otto Porter’s player option but like with Okoro it could benefit him to come off the bench and ease into the NBA game.

Honorable Mentions

Nico Mannion

Tyrese Haliburton

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