First Draft Thoughts

Clearly the Bulls need a big man. However, they also are in love with the concept of having a big guard. This love affair drove them into misguided moves such as drafting Thabo and trading for Larry Hughes. If there's a promising big guard around, such as Evans from Memphis, or DeRozen from USC, then I don't mind that pick. However, those two will most likely be off the board by 16, and they will be tempted by guys like Henderson from Duke (Bulls love the Dukies, despite their horrible luck with them), or Chase Budinger from Arizona. Those guys aren't bad, but if there is any kind of decent big man available at 16, then I would prefer they go that direction.

That said, the Bulls may well be better off getting a big man through free agency. I like Varejao and Boozer as targets. However, let's look at some of the big men who may be around at 16 (and/or 26, since the Bulls have Denver's pick):

Tyler Hansbrough -- Bulls like a pedigree, and he has that in in excess. The knock is that he's small, unathletic, and will have little upside. All true, but look how far athleticism has gotten Tyrus Thomas. We need someone with a few brains who can play and he fits that bill. He's at the top of my list unless someone like DeJuan Blair freefalls.

B.J. Mullins -- He's big and very raw. Higher ceiling than Tyler but also a lower floor. He'd have to show some skills in a workout before I'd risk it, but a possibity. He was the second tallest player at the combine (behind Thabeet, who will be gone 2 or 3) and you can't coach size.

Austin Day -- Also, very, very raw, but certainly has potential. Might not be tough enough to bolster our wimpy frontcourt. I think I'd take the other two before him, but he's a consideration.

Gani Lawal -- A bit smaller than the others, but athletic. He could still be around at 26 and might be a good choice there.

James Johnson -- I think he'll be more of a 3 than a 4 in the NBA, but he has more offensive skills than the others. He won't be around at 26 and maybe not even at 16. If we are lucky enough to get rid of Deng and see this guy on the board, he might be the best choice. It's often joked that the Bulls only scout the ACC, so at least they've seen him play. ;-) Like Deng though, he takes the jumper too much instead of driving, so the question is, can he expand he game or does he emulate Deng by contracting it?

None of these guys are going to knock anyone's socks off. Still, there are often pleasant surprises at the bottom of the first round. "Big Baby" Davis springs to mind. And last year, Darrell Arthur turned out to be a good pick after he unexpectedly fell out of the lottery. Bulls goal should be to find someone who can give them 12 solid minutes a game in relief. Or package the trades in a deal (with Deng and Tyrus!!) for a starter.