Who’s the next Bull?
With 20th pick, team might take guard with defense-first mentality
Joe Cowley predicts the first round of tonight’s NBA draft.
Reported contract-extension talks between the Bulls and two-time All-Star forward Luol Deng? Nonexistent. The ability of Derrick Rose and his rehabbed left knee to play in the high intensity of an NBA game? A mystery. A bench? Still a work in progress once free agency begins. No doubt the Bulls have more questions than answers as they begin reconstruction after a would-have, might-have season, but they can at least check draft off their to-do list after Thursday night.
1. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Nerlens
Noel, Kentucky, C: This still has a trade-down feel to it, but if Cleveland stays the course, it grabs a shot-blocking force for the middle . . . bad knee and all.
2. ORLANDO MAGIC: Ben McLemore, Kansas, SG: Common sense says draft the better defender and grab Victor Oladipo. Since when does the Magic follow common sense?
3. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Otto
Porter, Georgetown, SF: With the backcourt set for years with point guard John Wall and shooting guard Bradley Beal, it’s time to add
a versatile player who will do the dirty work.
4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: Alex Len,
Maryland, C: Some scouts think Len could emerge as the best player in the draft. Michael Jordan actually landing young talent would be a first.
5. PHOENIX SUNS: Victor Oladipo,
Indiana, SG: The defense and motor are in place. If the outside jumper develops, look out.
6. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS: Michael Carter-Williams, Syracuse, PG: Best point guard on the board. Who wouldn’t want to be a Pelican? 7. SACRAMENTO KINGS: C.J. Mc
Collum, Lehigh, PG: Still more of a scorer than a point guard, but the hope is he can grow into that position at the NBA level. 8. DETROIT PISTONS: Anthony Bennett, UNLV, PF: It could be Christmas in June for GM Joe Dumars if Bennett slides here, giving
him a frontcourt of Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond and Bennett. 9. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Georgia,
SG: Flat-out scorer with NBA range and a short memory. 10. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS:
Cody Zeller, Indiana, C: May not have much of a ceiling, but as
consistent a player as there is in the draft.
11. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Steven Adams, Pittsburgh, C: A team ready to jump into the playoffs might want to stay away from Adams, who’s at least a two-year project. 12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Kelly Olynyk, Gonzaga, C: OKC was