The Chicago Bulls are setting themselves up for a playoff run for the first time in five years. The only issue with this is that they will be selecting a player later in the draft, which this fan base is not accustomed to. This may not be a sexy Bulls draft, but here are five prospects that the Bulls should have an eye on in the tournament.
Walker Kessler (Auburn, C, Sophomore)
This Bulls draft, Chicago could look to address the backup center position. The 7’1” big man has been a menace on the defensive end. In 25.8 MPG, he averages a whopping 4.5 BPG. Kessler has the best block percentage, best defensive rating, and best defensive box +/- in the nation. There are question marks surrounding his game. It is unclear what impact he will make on the offensive end. Despite this, Kessler still can change the game defensively.
Shades of: Naz Reid, Brook Lopez
Malaki Branham (Ohio State, SG, Freshman)
Malaki has come on strong as of late – showing flashes of scoring and shot-creating. At 6’5” with a 6’10” wingspan, he can provide impact on or off the ball as he is shooting 42.5 percent from three. He can serve as a role player early on. Branham also poses the most upside as a scorer at this point in the draft being only 18-years old.
Shades of: Malachi Richardson, Malik Beasley, T.J. Warren
Mark Williams (Duke, C, Sophomore)
The Duke center has made massive improvements in his overall game. He is incredibly athletic and deters many shots at the rim. He won ACC Defensive Player of the Year and can move his feet well enough to play multiple pick and roll coverages. Williams is also a great threat at the rim as a lob threat. Instant energy off a bench. He is projected to go higher than where the Bulls are picking, but centers almost always have a tendency to fall in the draft.
Shades of: Onyeka Okongwu, Robert Williams
E.J. Liddell (Ohio State, PF, Junior)
Liddell has had a strong season, transforming his game to become more modern. He was always a threat in the post but has now shown flashes of bringing the ball up and spacing the floor out to the three-point line. At an awkward 6’7”, 240 pound frame, the Bulls could use some of that size as you see without Patrick Williams in the lineup-the Bulls miss that. Liddell is a high IQ player who could come in and serve immediate minutes.
Shades of: Paul Millsap, Omari Spellman
Christian Braun (Kansas, SG, Junior)
Motor is never a question with Braun. He has a lot of tools that point to future role player with his shot, transition game, and tenacity on both ends. Braun doesn’t have the purest mechanics but is still a career 37.5 percent three-point shooter. He is sneaky athletic and should be able to find his way into rotations early on with his willingness to play any role he is asked.
Shades of: Donte DiVincenzo, Alex Caruso
Bulls Draft Recap
While it seems unlikely the Bulls will find the next Michael Jordan, they can still add value as there are many prospects (including these names) the Bulls should be watching in the tournament to continue to add depth and build around the core players.
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