2016 NBA Draft

Sam Smith

Did the Bulls Thursday in the NBA draft put the next building block in place for a new, exciting, versatile perimeter game with the drafting of Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine to pair with Jimmy Butler and newly acquired Jerian Grant?

“We talked about the changes we want to make with our team, wanting to get younger and more athletic and play with more pace,” Bulls General Manager Gar Forman said after selecting Valentine with the No. 14 pick.

The Bulls also chose Paul Zipser of Germany, a 6-8 forward, with their second round pick. Forman said he will join the team after playing with the German National team this summer.

“The biggest thing that impresses us is he has great instincts for the game,” Forman said about Valentine, the 6-5 swingman who was AP National Player of the Year as a senior. “He’s got a terrific feel. Passes it on the move, in transition, can play off pick and roll, very good three-point shooter. So really, he had everything we were looking for in that spot.”

That spot could be beside Bulls All-Star Butler pretty soon and if things go well either as a backcourt pairing or along with Grant, acquired in the Derrick Rose trade Wednesday, as three young, versatile players who can all make plays off the dribble, pass and shoot.

It’s a vision that perhaps begins to take the Bulls into the next phase of development.

Valentine, 22, was considered one of the most NBA ready players in the draft, and as a senior he was already accustomed to long seasons and tournament play and pressure. He averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists his senior year as the dominant player in the Big 10.

Though Forman said being so NBA ready and his position weren’t requirements in his selection, he appears to be an ideal fit for the team.

It’s possible Jose Calderon, also acquired in the Rose trade, could be the starting point guard when the 2016-17 season opens given his experience. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Valentine in a regular rotation quickly. He’s generally considered a shooting guard and shot 44 percent on threes as a senior.

That could enable the Bulls to use Butler in a more advantageous small forward position. And while none among Butler, Valentine and Grant are natural point guards, all are accustomed to handling the ball and making plays as Grant played point guard at Notre Dame.

In the NBA these days it’s more important to have perimeter versatility than a pure point guard. That could enable multiple players to be options in pick and roll, which has been a weakness for the Bulls. And while Valentine is not a super explosive athlete like Rose, he is regarded as a heady, skilled player who could fit in an uptempo game with Butler and Grant.

It leaves open the possibility of the burly Robin Lopez at center and perhaps Nikola Mirotic or Doug McDermott at power forward in a faster paced, more open shooting game. It also provides versatility with a defensive team with Butler, Taj Gibson, Valentine, Lopez and Grant and possibilities the Bulls could add in free agency this summer and next.

“He’s a big time winner,” Forman gushed about Valentine. “If you’ve seen him, on the road in tough situations, in big games, he produces at a high level; he was one of the most productive players in all of college basketball. Everyone at Michigan State raves about his character, his makeup, his leadership, what he brings to the floor every day.

“I think he’s a good athlete,” Forman said. “I wouldn’t characterize him as a great athlete. I certainly think he’s a good enough athlete in the position he plays, but his game is based more on skill and basketball IQ than athleticism. He moves well, has good mobility, obviously plays hard; we think his skill and IQ are what is going to carry him in his career.

“Analytically he was off the charts,” Forman added. “One of the top two or three players in the country when you put together all the statistics and analyze them that way. I do think he can play some one (point guard) in certain situations. He’s a natural two (shooting guard), but he can also play three (small forward). He has good size at 6-5, but he has a 6-10 wing span, he’s extremely long, which helps with the versatility, especially defensively.”

As the Bulls waited out their pick at No. 14, after which Forman joked he promised this year not to say again he couldn’t believe Valentine fell to them, there were numerous reports and rumors the Bulls were in serious discussions to trade Jimmy Butler to Boston or Minnesota for a draft pick and players. While the Bulls always liked point guard Kris Dunn, whom many teams did and went No. 5, Forman insisted the Bulls initiated no talks regarding Butler and were involved in no serious discussions to trade their All-Star.

“During the draft we saw something on TV that we were in heated talks with somebody,” said Forman. “We were in no talks with anybody. There was no discussion during the entire draft as far as Jimmy Butler was concerned. We have never made a call in regards to Jimmy Butler. We have talked about we value Jimmy Butler; we’re very happy to have Jimmy. We have a terrific basketball player who is an All-Star, an all-NBA defender, is still young, under contract long term. He is what we want to be. We like Jimmy Butler; we did not shop Jimmy Butler.

“Did we receive calls? Of course we did,” said Forman, “and that’s our job to listen. We get calls on a lot of our players and that’s stuff that happens throughout the league. When you have a special player like Jimmy, in order to take a hard look at something it has to be something to knock your socks off, something that is really special. We felt we never were presented with anything that we felt we’d consider moving Jimmy. There are so many false reports out there. We’ve read a number of things that are comical, but if we respond every time there is a source or a rumor and then we don’t respond once will they think that is true?

“We never made a single call,” Forman emphasized. “We’re not looking to move Jimmy; we appreciate and value Jimmy.”

There were reports heading into the draft that there were health concerns regarding Valentine’s knee with an arthroscopic surgery he had last season and missed four games, his only four of 148 at Michigan State.

“We knew those (health) stories were out there,” said Forman “Our medical staff was very, very comfortable with where he’s at from a health perspective; so that was not a concern. Then you look at his track record: He did have the injury this year where he missed two weeks, but aside from that he hasn’t missed any time.

He’s a guy who loves to compete, loves to practice. Tom Izzo told us, his exact quote was “Denzel will play dead.’ He absolutely raved about him and we all know how demanding he is on his players. Our medical staff was very comfortable with him.”

Valentine in brief comments to Chicago reporters on the phone from New York at the draft said, “I’m healthy now. I’ve been healthy in the past. I can’t control what others think; all I can do is handle my business.

“I’m very pumped up (about going to the Bulls),” Valentine said. “One, two, three, it doesn’t matter (where I play); as long as I can get on the floor to make an impact.”

And so the development Forman spoke of after the trade of Rose begins.

“It’s going to be a process and how we want to change our roster, become younger, more athletic,” said Forman. “We’ve begun that process. I don’t think it all happens at once. We’ve got to take steps in that direction. The last week we’ve started to take steps in that direction.

“Our night went as well as we could have expected,” Forman added. “Denzel is a guy we’ve seen play a lot, absolutely thrilled when he was there. I’m not going to say this year we were shocked when he slipped to our spot, but we were optimistic he would be on the board. He was the guy we targeted and just thought he’s a fit on so many levels. He’s also a heck of a basketball player.”

valentines-day

Valentine's Day

childukich

Philadelphia: Ben Simmons. How'd they come up with that pick? He's probably where he needs to be, and not because of the cheesesteaks and pretzels. Because he handles the ball and veteran teams are not about to trust a freshman. They have no point guard, not since Iverson, anyway. And he is a heck of a talent.

LA Lakers: Brandon Ingram. Welcome, son. You're replacing Kobe Bryant. Good luck! Not fair, but you're in the NBA now. He's a varied talent, and better shooter than the No. 1 pick, and that's fairly important. But what else are the Lakers about to do with a nursery school roster?

Boston: Jaylen Brown. Could there be a trade? This is where the draft was effectively supposed to start because one and two were considered the top pairing in some order. The surprise, though there cannot truly be before they play in the NBA, is most teams had him as a talent considered out of the top five. He's been regarded as a form of Stanley Johnson, but not quite that good. One of few players to go without an agent as he probably wants to remain independent in case he runs for president without the effect of special interests. Boston supposedly has been desperate not to add another young player to a team of striving role players.

Phoenix: Dragan Bender. The surprise is that most teams figured Providence's Kris Dunn was the best talent after the first two. Bender at his best has been described to have some of the attributes of a Toni Kukoc type player. But he rarely played for a weak overseas team. The Suns have plenty of guards, so perhaps it's about position and potential. Or that he played in Israel and can probably deal with the desert heat.

Minnesota: Kris Dunn. Tom Thibodeau makes his first pick and was heard yelling at Dunn over the phone, "Get back! Get back!" Considered the top point guard talent in the draft and raises the obvious question about whether there will be a deal for Ricky Rubio. Maybe not right away, but a player who should fit well with their talented young core.

New Orleans: Buddy Hield. The shooter at the top of the draft. It's a natural pick for them with Eric Gordon a free agent, not that he ever played much. How good can he be? Heard one top scout say he was a bit better than Jodie Meeks. He better be. Or he'll need to play with one of those Mardi Gras masks.

Denver: Jamal Murray. The Kentucky guard is a combo guard scorer whom many of the pros figures would go a bit higher. He pairs up for a sharp young backcourt with Emmanuel Mudiay. Should be fun to watch them get the team into the lottery for another four or five years.

Sacramento (for Phoenix): Marquese Chriss. He was the high riser for the draft during the season. An excellent athlete with star potential who can play both forward position and the reports are he'll be going to the Suns in a trade to go along with Dragan Bender in their latest youth movement. It's now possible that all Americans are refusing to go to Sacramento.

Toronto: This is said to be all about Bismack Biyombo about to hit the free agent multimillionaire lottery, but not from the Raptors. Poeltl is from Austria and after living in Utah awhile, seems happy to be out of the United States again.

Milwaukee: Thon Maker. He's been mentioned as perhaps even a second round pick as he's effectively a high school player, a big, skinny, athletic guy from Australia. They were much criticized for taking Giannis Antetokounmpo. So maybe they know. He's been generally regarded as a long term project. But they also took Larry Sanders. Hey, they're getting a new arena. Supposedly will be serving brats.

Orlando (for Oklahoma City): Domantas Sabonis. The Magic have been heavy in trade talks as they've targeted getting a veteran, which most of the top lottery teams have been trying. So he could be on the move, as well. A good skilled big man prospect.

Utah (for Atlanta): Taurean Prince. The Jazz traded the pick earlier in the week to Atlanta in a multiteam deal for Jeff Teague. The Hawks are in transition with questions about retaining Al Horford. Hey, most everyone is watching car racing there, anyway.

Phoenix (for Sacramento): Taurean Prince. Who? C'mon. I read all the mock drafts and ate at a Greek restaurant earlier in the week and still never heard of him. This is supposedly for the Kings from the Chriss deal and official confirmation that no American player plans to spend any time with DeMarcus Cousins.

Bulls: Denzel Valentine. Bulls get Denzel. Is considered a heck of an all around player and was amazing in Crimson Tide and Unstoppable. No, the better Denzel. Bulls hope they are sending their team and fans a valentine. He's regarded as the most ready to go player, smart, a leader and all around player who is also a good shooter. The next Draymond Green type from Michigan State. The Bulls can only hope.

Denver: Juan Hernangomez. Should certainly appeal to Colorado's Spanish population. They select a lot of international players because of the appeal of seeing snow for the first time is considered a strong motivating force.

Boston: Guerschon Yabusele. Thought they were interested in one of the other Guerschons. With multiple first round picks probably someone to stash overseas. Red Auerbach, yes, is rolling over in his grave.

Memphis: Wade Baldwin. Were said to be limited in budget and apparently only were able to scout in Tennessee this year. They could lose Mike Conley in free agency, so point guard figures. They intend to love him tender.

Detroit: Henry Ellenson. Nice pick for them as he was considered a top 10 player among many teams. Good playmaker for a big guy.

Denver: Malik Beasley. The Florida State product is a good shooter. They're remaking their roster with young players.

Indiana: Caris Levert. He goes to Brooklyn from the trade with Indiana that got them Thaddeus Young. He's a talented shooting guard who has had multiple foot injuries that have scared off most teams. Since the Nets plan to be bad they have time to wait.

Atlanta: DeAndre Bembry. Another all versatile small forward for the Hawks after Prince without a great shot. Not sure what they are up to, but they are just wrapping up spring football practices.

Charlotte (for Sacramento): Goes to Sacramento for old buddy Marco Belinelli. Shooting guard for shooting guard. The Hornets got themselves into the playoffs with a born again three-point shooting game, so may as well keep adding the shooters and another shooting guard. Probably will lose Jeremy Lin in free agency and Jordan is said not to be ready for another return until after next season.

Boston: Ante Zizic. What exactly are the Celtics up to. They've supposedly spent the last season chasing veterans because they have so many draft picks and so many similar players without enough veterans or players with star power. So they pick a bunch of young guys and someone to stash overseas. Can they be so smart they've fooled everyone by not doing anything?

Philadelphia: Timothe Luwawu. From France. An athletic, defensive oriented player who is said to still be upset that the U.S. Founding Fathers who were bunkered in Philadelphia turned on the French after the revolution despite all the help from Lafayette. Hey, it could be.

LA Clippers: Brice Johnson. Got a lot of attention in the post season tournament as a senior with a competent mid range game who should help fill out the bench. They denied rumors of trading Blake Griffin, but there are a lot of rumors and they may end up needing power forward depth.

Philadelphia: Furkan Korkmaz. The Turkish shooter is a lot tougher than taffy. Regarded as one of the better shooters, and probably a player the 76ers can leave overseas until he develops or until he sees the 76ers and declares to go to college..

Toronto: Pascal Siakam. Another New Mexico collegiate prospect from overseas. Said to idolize New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow. New Mexico State's Randy Brown used to be a member of his fan club.

Phoenix: Skal Labissiere. Among many natives from Haiti named for former Bull Brian Scalabrine, considered a god there.

San Antonio: Dejounte Murray. Nice pick toward the end of the first round, a flashy, dribbling, elusive ball handler and scorer whom Popovich already has started yelling at for his turnovers.

Golden State: Damian Jones. The big guy had pectoral surgery and will join the team late, continuing in their recent tradition of drafting players who need surgery  after Kevon Looney. Curry's wife declares the draft rigged.

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Pick-by-Pick NBA Draft Analysis

With the trade of Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks Wednesday, the Bulls continue on the path to reshaping their team and the way they play.

They did add two guards in Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant, and a center in Robin Lopez, two of the biggest position needs. So it’s probably back again to that best player available mantra.

And who exactly might be available? Here’s one look at a possible first round:

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Sam Smith's Final 2016 Mock Draft

This NBA draft reminds me of the comedy/satire movie Airplane —watch out, here I come with the 80s references again — in which the harried air traffic controller as the emergency builds keeps offering observations like, “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines.” And, “Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.”

In many respects, this looks like the wrong year to tank a season for a high lottery pick.

With the NBA draft Thursday, I’ve heard rumors from team officials and agents that virtually every team in the top 10 has been trying fairly aggressively to trade its pick. And even with reports Tuesday that the 76ers have assured Ben Simmons they will take him with the No. 1 pick, I have heard scouts say the 76ers have continued in trade talks for the No. 1 selection.

Of course, given that the teams are basically seeking All-NBA level players for the picks, there doesn’t seem to be any deals imminent for now. Though the real bargaining occurs on draft day.

The reason for the unsettled nature of this draft is, again, so many players, particularly after the first few, who have considerable development issues. Often once they begin to play in the NBA that can changes as some become surprises, especially because the league is so much younger now and college play and coaching is so bad it’s hard to rate some players. But the lack of excitement even at the top of the draft shows the limits of so called tanking for high draft picks. You also have to be in the right draft, and this one doesn’t seem like it is one.

Though it might not be too bad for teams, like the Bulls, at the edge of the lottery and into the middle of the first round.

Obviously, you are not going to get the top talent where the Bulls select at No. 14. It’s said they’ll all have warts, but perhaps not too serious. Teams like to use the top of the draft as sort of a boom-or-bust high stakes gamble and shoot for a superstar. After all, the NBA more than any league has shown the value of having that level star. So when you have a top five pick, you are looking for a star or taking a chance on a player who perhaps projects as a star.

You don’t go for a rotation player when you have a top five pick. But this year it may come to that.

Simmons is regarded as perhaps the star of this draft with his all around abilities and size at maybe 6-10 and 240. But he’s basically refused to work out for anyone, only lately finally agreeing to even talk to the 76ers. He’s represented by LeBron James’ agent with perhaps dreams and demands beyond his production. After all, his college team couldn’t even make the NCAA tournament.

Some teams have liked the makeup and skills of Duke’s Brandon Ingram. But even he as the consensus No. 2 prospect is regarded as some years away from a primary role as he’s 18 years old. But if you’re satisfied to select a player who might fit into your rotation in the next season or two, this may be your draft.

First, the players considered almost certain to go in the top 10 are Simmons, Ingram, Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray, Marquese Chriss, Buddy Heild, Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown, Jakob Poeltl and probably Henry Ellenson. Maybe Domantas Sabonis.

Then teams vary by need, by desire and interest. Like with Bobby Portis last season when the Bulls got him at No. 22. Some teams had him ranked top 12 and others top 25. So there’s always a wide variation, and in this draft in the top 10 as well. Though it seems the most solid five are Simmons, Ingram, Dunn, Chriss and Murray.

Here’s a look at some of the players who should be available and may make sense for the Bulls to select with the No. 14 pick.

Here’s a sampling of mock drafts and whom they have the Bulls selecting at No. 14:

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Sam Smith's Bulls Draft Prediction

Bulls.com

The Bulls aren’t starting a new core with the 14th pick in this coming NBA draft. They haven’t said they would, and history suggests it’s not likely for anyone. Yes, the Portland Trailblazers in 1983 started something with the selection of Clyde Drexler with the 14th pick in that draft. Of course, it also gave them pause to skip Michael Jordan in the 1984 draft.

Drexler did go to the Hall of Fame and was selected for the 1992 USA Basketball Dream Team.

Drexler was, by far, the most successful in the last 35 years perhaps followed by the likes of Tim Hardaway, Peja Stojakovic, Dan Majerle, Herb Williams and Michael Cage. Hardaway was on a possible Hall of Fame path before a serious knee injury and then did star for a good Miami Heat team after Golden State. Majerle played in the Finals for the Suns and was a top three-point shooter of his era.

The majority of the No. 14 selections in the draft since 1980 were modest role players with most limited NBA careers. Which just shows, as the draft always does, that talent and scouting varies dramatically. Because there were many All Stars and even Hall of Famers selected after the No. 14 pick.

So you have to be a little lucky and good, which is much more difficult in this era because so many top prospects still are teenagers or have been in college just a year or two.

The Bulls have No. 14 in this year’s draft and hope to find a player who’ll fit into their rotation in the next few years, perhaps develop into a starter. A Hall of Famer? Probably not. Here’s a look at the No. 14 pick in NBA drafts and others selected below that position who became more accomplished.

Obviously too soon to say, but that’s also the point. You get a lottery pick these days and with even the top guys you’re still not winning 20 games. That wasn’t the case when players were in college three, four years. I understand why players don’t stay. It’s tougher to understand the NBA not insisting. But the draft isn’t what it was other than the exceptional case, like LeBron in 2003. It rarely occurs. I’ll still take Bobby Portis at 22 as the better pick.

Still hasn’t worked out much, but that’s also the issue at the bottom of the lottery. You know the supposed star talent, and they’re usually gone by No. 5. Though they don’t always make it. You begin to get into the guesses and risks in the 20s. It’s tough in the mid teens as you should get a good guy, but usually don’t.

Often this pick becomes the touted college player who doesn’t quite fit in the pros. That’s where Muhammad seems for now, though it’s tough to break through playing with so many youngsters. Giannis Antetokounmpo was taken next, but the Bucks were much criticized for the choice at the time. It’s saved GM John Hammond's job. Dennis Schroder was 17 and Rudy Gobert 27.

The old NBA saying was you are who you are by year three. Not so much anymore as they come in younger, but then by year four you have to pay them. It’s the other danger of the freshman draft. When they are ready to be paid, most haven’t given you anything yet. He’s shown some promise and value, but All-Star isn’t in his future. This was the famous Draymond Green at 35 year, but the Warriors had no idea. He was their third pick. Bucks shooter Khris Middleton was 39, Jae Crowder 34, Miles Plumlee 26 and Evan Fournier at 20.

He’s worked into a nice starting role with the Pistons, his second team, which is another draft issue for this era. They often need their second team to develop. You train them and then they may flourish elsewhere. He and his twin brother created all sorts of turmoil with the Suns, eventually forcing their way out. That second team can be a better time to get young players, though the draft does provide the most reasonable salaries for young talent. Which will be more valuable now with salaries escalating. So we don’t fully ignore the draft yet. Just don’t expect too much. The big hit that year was one pick later, the Spurs with Kawhi Leonard at 15 after the trade of George Hill for the pick. Nikola Vucevic was 16, Tobias Harris 19, Kenneth Faried 22 and the Bulls hit with Nikola Mirotic at 23 and Jimmy Butler at 30. In the second round were Chandler Parsons, LaVoy Allen and Isaiah Thomas, the latter last in the draft at 60.

Another guy who’s developed more after being traded. But still a marginal starter and mostly used off the bench. The second round that season proved more valuable, though with time. Avery Bradley was 19, but Hassan Whiteside was 33 and Lance Stephenson 40.

This was the dead zone in that draft where the Bulls got James Johnson as teams were going for the athletic talents. These are the boom or bust players who you are looking for a breakout but are only hopeful. Like with Johnson. Tyler Hansbrough was in that group.  But then came Jrue Holiday at 17, Jeff Teague at 19, Darren Collison at 21 and Jodie Meeks, Danny Green, Chase Budinger and Patrick Beverley well into the second round after the Bulls tabbed Taj Gibson at 26.

He was one of those big time athletes that frustrated so many teams as he bounced around with promise, if not performance. Right after came Robin Lopez and then Roy Hibbert with J.J. Hickson 19, Ryan Anderson 21, Courtney Lee 22, Serge Ibaka 24, Nicholas Batum 25 and George Hill 26, a heck of a run in the 20s. Batum is now a sought after free agent and highly valued player for the first time, but eight years after he was drafted. Something to consider. It was a good second round with Mario Chalmers, Omer Asik, DeAndre Jordan, this season’s first team all-NBA center, Nikola Pekovic and Goran Dragic 46.

A strong, physical player who looked like he might make it big but didn’t. Rodney Stuckey went next and then Marco Belinelli at 18. There was Wilson Chandler at 23 and Arron Afflalo at 27. The second round served up Glen Davis, Carl Landry, Josh McRoberts and little considered Marc Gasol at 48.

One of the nicer guys ever in the NBA. He found a starting role in Utah even with his crooked armed shot and stuck around, including a Bulls stint, with hard working defense and team first attitude. Rajon Rondo went 21 and then it was into the second round for P.J. Tucker at 35 and Paul Millsap at 47. Millsap was the basketball version of that moneyball player who was a small power forward, maybe 6-5, who didn’t fit pro specifications but won every rebounding battle. That’s changed much now with small ball, switching, three-point shooting basketball.

Your big name schools, like North Carolina, help because the pros always make the same mistake in believing because you played in big games there you will be a big game player. The school has little to do with it. McCants was a problem guy and was as a pro. Danny Granger was 17, Nate Robinson 21, Jarrett Jack 22, Ian Mahinmi 28 and David Lee last in the first round at 30 and an All-Star. Ersan Ilyasova, Brandon Bass, Monta Ellis and Amir Johnson were second rounders.

He worked himself into a rugged, if limited, power forward, though most known for marrying a Kardashian person.  Al Jefferson went next at 15 with Josh and then J.R., the Smiths, 17 and 18. Tony Allen was 25, Kevin Martin 26 and not much of a second round with Chris Duhon 38.

He was in fashion for his shooting and as a clever ballhandling guard who drew USA Basketball attention. But he flattened out with limited athletic ability. David West became an All-Star at No. 18 and then there was Boris Diaw at 21 and Leandro Barbosa at 28. The second round featured Luke Walton Steve Blake, Willie Green. Zaza Pachulia and Mo Williams.

Ooops. Though he did average 10 points one season for Indiana and a better career than No. 5 pick Dajuan Wagner. Tayshaun Prince was 23, John Salmons 26 with a nice year for the Bulls as he bounced around. Matt Barnes 45, Rasual Butler 52 and Luis Scola 55 in a limited draft.

He had a few good years as a range shooting four ahead of his time before injuries stopped him. Zach Randolph was 19 and questioned even then with a wild history of misbehavior as the man who may have turned himself around the most to a fun loving, charitable guy. Gerald Wallace was 25 and Tony Parker 28 to then end the first round. Gilbert Arenas was a revelation at 30 and then deeper into the second round Mehmet Okur, Earl Watson, Bobby Simmons and Brian Scalabrine just because we like him.

Again, the mistake the pros make thinking because you won in the NCAA you are more than you are. Or capable of it. Sort of the Jack Givens effect, though that was 1978 with not much scouting other than watching on small TV screens. Cleaves was at best a career backup. Hedo Turkoglu was 16, Quentin Richardson 18, Jamaal Magliore 19 and then one of the best in the draft, Michael Redd at 43. This was the most brutal Bulls draft with A.J. Guyton, Jake Voskuhl and Khalid El-Amin with consecutive picks early in the second round. The Bulls did get Jamal Crawford swapping picks with No. 8 as Crawford went No. 7. The Bulls also got Marcus Fizer, No. 4, and Dalibor Bagaric in the first round, using six draft picks in what many considered the worst draft of all time. It’s the hard lesson of the value of draft picks. Better be lucky to have them at the right time.

Another big college guy, Duke, with little impact. Another mistake the pros often make is being oversold by their coach, and more so by famous coaches as Dean Smith was the master of that. Though he did have some good ones. Ron Artest was 16, James Posey 18, Andrei Kirilenko 24 and then a weak second round until a flier on Manu Ginobili at 57.

Could shoot a little, but just a little and being with a bad team he never did much. Matt Harpring went next and then Tyronn Lue at 23, Al Harrington at 25 and Nazr Mohammed last in the first round. Rashard Lewis was 32 with Ruben Patterson, Rafer Alston and Cuttino Mobley useful second rounders.

A big man with guard skills who seemed like he’d do more but didn’t. It wasn’t a great year with Brevin Knight 16, Bobby Jackson 23 and Stephen Jackson and Alvin Williams late in the second round.

One of the elite alltime shooters and a key part of a top Sacramento team in the early 2000s that was barely denied. The star of the draft went next at 15 with Steve Nash. Jermaine O’Neal was 17, Zydrunas Ilgauskas at 20, Derek Fisher at 24 and into the second round Othella Harrington, Malik Rose and Shandon Anderson. God Shammgod was 45. Just like to write that name.

Another sizeable guy who was considered a potential high ceiling with modest abilities. Brent Barry went next followed by Alan Henderson, both having greater roles. Then came Bob Sura. Michael Finley was an All-Star at 21 with Eric Snow at 43. The Bulls’ Jason Caffey was 20 and Greg Ostertag 28. The Fab Five’s Jimmy King also slipped into the second round.

It was early in the international player process and he was big. Big bust as it were. Eric Piatkowski, who had a nice run as a shooter, went next with Aaron McKie at 17, Wes Person at 23, Monty Williams 24, Charlie Ward 26 and Jim McIlvaine and Voshon Lenard into the second round. It was a tough year.

Nah, didn’t work out. Another tough year if you weren’t near the top as Acie Earl was 19, Scott Burrell 20, Chris Mills was 22, Ervin (the other) Johnson 23, Sam Cassell 24, Corie Blount 25, Gheorghe Muresan 30, Bryon Russell 35 and Nick Van Exel at 37.

We’re going with the scouting not as sophisticated back then. Doug Christie was 17,  Tracy Murray 18, Don MacLean 19, Hubert Davis 20, Jon Barry 21 and Latrell Sprewell at 24 the best of this late bunch if also the most troublesome (cool commercial, though, to continue feeding his family), P.J. Brown 29, the late Sean Rooks 30 and Matt Geiger 42.

I kept writing back then it realty was the local broadcaster and their NBA numbers weren’t that different. Chris Gatling at 16 made an All-Star team, there was Rick Fox 24, Randy Brown 31 and Bobby Phills 45. I mention LaBradford Smith at 19 only because of one of the most famous stories when he so infuriated Michael Jordan in a Bulls win by scoring 36 points Jordan spent a day fuming and promising to get 36 in the first half the next night in the back to back against Washington and Smith. Jordan got 35.

This was one of my favorite only for then Kings coach and executive Dick Motta saying if his three first round picks weren’t stars it was his fault. Mays was one and they all flopped. It was Mays, Lionel Simmons and Duane Causwell in the top 18. Motta would have done better with Terry Mills at 16, Dee Brown at 19, Jayson Williams at 21, Elden Campbell at 27 and Toni Kukoc at 29 in the second round. Antonio Davis and Cedric Ceballos also were second rounders. And I can’t leave out personal favorite second rounder Jud Buechler.

Good one. I use this story a lot. I recall talking to Pacers GM Donnie Walsh then, who was one of the better ones. He was telling me he needed a point guard and liked Hardaway. But with Magic dominating you needed big point guards. So he took George McCloud, who was a nice ball handling forward. The point was there was only one Magic. Like one Stephen Curry. Pick guys with talent and not to change them into what you need, and then adjust to their talents and them not to your beliefs. Or don’t take them. Hardaway had an excellent career. The best was Shawn Kemp in his pre dirigible days at 17, B.J. Armstrong, voted an All-Star starter, at 18, Vlade Divac at 26. In the second round were Sherman Douglas, Cliff Robinson, Doug West and Dino Radja.

Thunder Dan didn’t bring a storm, but he was a solid shooting and defensive big wingman. Rod Strickland went 19 and then another DePaul guy, Kevin Edwards, at 20, Brian Shaw at 24 and in the second round Vinnie Del Negro, Grant Long, Micheal Williams, Vernon Maxwell and Steve Kerr the last pick in the second. Anthony Mason proved a good third rounder.

Another of those NBA draft bromides was that if you make a mistake, make it big. As in better to be wrong with a big man than a small man because if you are right with a big man he’s better. Maybe not so much anymore, obviously. Frank, the Gary native, was of that guess big theory and was off playing in Europe pretty soon. Mark Jackson with a long career was 18 and then Ken Norman 19. Reggie Lewis was 22 and then Steve Alford and Brad Lohaus in the second round. Billy Donovan from Providence was a third rounder with Chris Dudley and Jack Haley in the fourth round. Sarunas Marciulionis as a good sixth round risk. The Bulls made their title team in that draft with Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen.

This was one of the most star crossed drafts in NBA history with the death of Len Bias and perhaps half the lottery in drug rehab. Scott Skiles was 22 and recently out of jail on a minor drug possession. Skiles may not even have done it, but true to his nature he wouldn’t turn anyone in so they jailed him. Dell Curry was 15 and Arvydas Sabonis a good bet to end the first round. NBA team slowly began looking at Europe then. This was an amazing second round, probably better than the first, with multiple All-Stars and the second round starting with Mark Price, Greg Dreiling, Dennis Rodman, Larry Krstkowiak , Johnny Newman, Nate McMillan. Kevin Duckworth and Jeff Hornacek were second rounders, Drazen Petrovic third and the Bulls’ Pete Myers in the sixth round.

I was writing mostly sports stories then in a six-month stint with the Tribune Sunday magazine. I spent a few weeks writing a profile of Loyola and Hughes, sort of the life of a college sports star. Hughes was the prototype smaller college star scorer. Then I was stunned to see him in the top half of the draft. He didn’t last long in the NBA, one season. But nice kid. The legendary Bill Wennington was No. 16, Joe Dumars 18 (yes, Bill was taken before a Hall of Famer), A.C Green 23, Terry Porter 24. And into the second round Ty Corbin, Manute Bol, Gerald Wilkins, John “Hot Rod” Williams, Sam Mitchell and Michael Adams in the then third round.

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NBA Draft: Players Drafted at #14

Remember March Madness, the NCAA tournament. Yes, it was pretty exciting the way it finished with that last shot by Villanova. What’s more difficult to remember is the elite star from those games who is about to step into the NBA. Heck, there may not even have been a future NBA starter on the all-tournament team.

Yes, welcome to the 2016 NBA draft, which will be conducted Thursday in New York City. You’re taking whom?

Sure, there are some players with intriguing talent. And there always are a few players who emerge as surprise exceptions in the NBA because the college game, for the most part, is too coach controlled and often badly. So some players excel in the pros despite doing less in college.

But looking at this draft class, headed by a player who could not even get his team into the 68-team tournament, it’s difficult to find the stars of tomorrow.

LSU’s Ben Simmons is expected to be the No. 1 selection, though he apparently has declined to work out for anyone as he may be asking the Hall of Fame to waive its five-year waiting period for enshrinement. Duke’s Brandon Ingram is the rest of the 1-2 entry, though mostly you hear it will take some time as he’s about 15 years old.

Buddy Hield can shoot, but is not too big and not too good with the dribble. Kris Dunn can run a team, but what about his shot? Jamal Murray can shoot, but can he run a team? Questions, questions, questions.

With Simmons and Ingram expected to be the first two picks, it’s yet another so called wing draft with the top players mostly small forwards, though some who don’t shoot that well and others who don’t dribble or pass. There’s then the overload of smallish power forwards, which was the label hung on Draymond Green. This draft is probably weakest at point guard with three, perhaps four point guards who figure to go in the first round. But there are a few Isaiah Thomas types. He went 60th and became an All-Star.

It doesn’t look like one of those drafts everyone will look back on as changing the league, like 1984, 1992 and 2003. But there is some talent there; it’s just about finding it.

Here’s a look at this draft by position:

It’s the weakest position in this draft, though some see Dunn and Murray as special pros.

He may be more suited to shooting guard, but then it might be tough to even get to five point guards if I leave him out. A better shooter but probably could play point in this scoring point guard era.

Considered the closest to pro pure point guard with scoring guard abilities. Though he’s had some shoulder injury issues.

3. Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame, 6-1, 193

A junior, which makes him a wily veteran in these drafts. Has good all around abilities. Smallish, but not among the smallest and with that toughness teams like.

He was likened to Spencer Dinwiddie on one of key internet draft sites. The Bulls just picked up Dinwiddie for Cameron Bairstow, who rarely played. That doesn’t sound like first round material.

Every pro guy says they are impressed with him and then add the dreaded but of being small, no really, really small. But the Chicago kid can really, really run a team and is really, really a great competitor. So he won’t be an All-Star. Well, they said that about Isaiah, too.

There’s no next Ray Allen here. Or Klay Thompson. Actually, not a great position for this draft, either. Help! There are some good shooters, but not so much the take your breath away types. Thompson went 11th in 2011 right after Jimmer Fredette.

Looked like the best shooter in college. Another Ben Gordon type?  Remember, Ben could really shoot it and didn’t do much else, which some say is the question with Hield.

2. Malachi Richardson, Syracuse, 6-6, 200

Sort of began to run out of names after Hield. Some can handle and pass, some shoot, but just decently, like Richardson. He’s the right size and can make plays, but he can be streaky.

More of a classic shooter, but thin and young players coming from overseas generally need more time to fit in and find a spot.

4.  DeJounte Murray, Washington, 6-5, 175

A lot of good stuff about him, but, well, he doesn’t shoot all that great for a shooting guard. At least yet. Has that Jamal Crawford handle and elusiveness to get to the basket. Which is something.

The right size and speed and regarded for his defense and hustle, but why do they have to have shooting in the position name? He needs some improvement there, but has a decent stroke.

The position of the draft with Simmons and Ingram. Though Simmons has that unique talent in handling the ball and passing, his shooting is considered questionable. Would you pass on him, regarded publicly as the top talent, for a developing Ingram with more skills? Tune in Thursday.

You hate to make the Royce White comparison because of all the other issues, but he is similar with that size and the ability to run a team like a guard. But do you turn your team over to a freshman? And in this NBA you better be able to shoot. He hasn’t shown much of that yet. Ladies and gentlemen, your No. 1 pick?

Athletic, skilled with fluid movements, and then he disappeared at times in the tournament with a lack of strength. You have to be patient, and fans don’t want to be with No. 1 or 2 picks.

Some see him as a shooting guard, though, again, some shooting inconsistencies. More a wing player and strong finisher, though opinions differ among scouts of his effectiveness for the NBA.

4. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, 6-6, 210

Pros like those rising ceilings in the draft, and his won’t be as he will be more what you see now. Which is pretty good; not an athlete, but a shot maker, clever and skilled who can step in with an NBA team more quickly.

More a defensive player with open court abilities who’ll need to improve his shooting. But not by that much and if he does his energy becomes a big plus.

The next most talent in this draft with a varied group and perhaps the most depth of any of the positions for this draft

1. Marquese Chriss, Washington, 6-10, 233

There’s always a guy who rockets up the draft boards, and he’s been this year’s. He’s drawn the athletic comparisons to Amar’e Stoudemore before the apostrophe and Tyrus Thomas before the acting out. Has that vaulted ceiling the pros love in their new acquisitions.

Everyone will want to make him another Porzingis, but he’s more skilled with the ball like a Toni Kukoc type. But, again, teams don’t turn the ball over to guys like this too quickly and he could have to learn to be a corner three-point shooter.

Not particularly athletic, though the Brian Scalabrine comparison on some draft boards was a low blow. Good handle with the ball and can make plays and shots with enough mobility and size to help a team.

One of those raw athlete types who need development. Needs to put on weight and get experience, but has that sky high ceiling.

Might be the advertisement for players actually playing at the predraft camp. Wasn’t much considered a first round pick until his energy and enthusiasm was electric. Others like Deyonta Davis and Brice Johnson have been generally regarded higher, but Diallo made an impression in Chicago.

This could be a good area for the Bulls as there are several promising big men, if not many who look like dominating starters. But in a small man’s basketball world these days there are several guys who will play in the NBA for awhile.

He’ll run the floor and shows good coordination, if not an overwhelming offensive game. But there are more inside big men in this draft than usual. Especially as so many of the big kids want to become shooters these days.

The son of the great Hall of Fame center doesn’t have his dad’s uncanny skills. But he’s a worker with inside scoring potential.

More the so called old school guy with the inside game. A bit small but with a big wingspan. More below the rim, but with a physical presence.

Sort of the mystery big man of the draft. He showed impressively at some camps and then NBA scouts lost track of him as he dropped in and out all over the globe. Has good skills and size, but essentially a high schooler.

Recently had surgery for a torn pectoral, but it’s not considered a problem for starting next season. Nice touch and a worker with good size, but doesn’t produce as much as it seems he should. Croatian Ivica Zubac and Stephen Zimmerman from UNLV will get looks.

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NBA Draft 2016: Top 5 in each position

Let the bidding, trading and speculation begin.

The order for the NBA draft is set with the results of the draft lottery Tuesday that gave the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the league’s poorest record, the No. 1 overall selection. The Los Angeles Lakers received No. 2 and the Boston Celtics No. 3.

The Bulls, with the lowest odds to receive a higher draft pick among the lottery teams, will draft No. 14.

Philadelphia general manager Bryan Colangelo indicated the 76ers will keep the top pick, who is expected to be versatile LSU small forward Ben Simmons. Though teams are loath to declare their intentions this early, it makes sense for the 76ers to retain the pick. The same with the Lakers at No. 2, who likely will select Duke small forward Brandon Ingram. Both are talented players, but not the super talents who would seemingly yield an All-Star type player in trade given they are freshmen.

After those two selections, the potential of the next group of players is said to drop off some. Which could make for some intriguing trade scenarios since several teams have multiple first round draft picks, including the Celtics at No. 3. Boston has all but said it would like to trade the pick and perhaps several others for a veteran player.

Similar scenarios are said to exist with the Denver Nuggets, who have the Nos. 7, 15 and 19 first round picks, Phoenix with Nos. 4, 13 and 28 and Toronto with Nos. 9 and 27. The 76ers also have selections No. 24 and 26. In addition, the Minnesota Timberwolves with pick No. 5 are said to be in the market for a veteran under new coach Tom Thibodeau. However, point guard Ricky Rubio is somewhat out of favor in Minnesota, which could lead to the Timberwolves opting for a highly regarded point guard, like Providence’s Kris Dunn.

Here’s an early look at a potential first round:

Ben Simmons, LSU, 6-9, 240, small forward. With their hodge podge of big men and Simmons with star potential with his ball handling and passing, he’s an obvious choice even as some executives favor Ingram for his shooting. Simmons isn’t a good shooter.

Brandon Ingram, Duke, 6-9, 200, small forward. They’re always in more of a hurry than other teams and always could trade. But they don’t have a small forward among their young players. His star potential seems too risky to waste. They’ll go big in free agency with Kobe Bryant’s salary off the books. DeMar DeRozan has been rumored and always Kevin Durant, but Russell Westbrook’s 2017 free agency often is mentioned since he attended UCLA.

Jamal Murray, Kentucky, 6-4, 200, shooting guard. They could use shooting, as most can. But they’re anxious to trade, most believe. They supposedly offered multiple picks last year to try to get Justise Winslow and have more to offer this year. They’ll likely be out there with various offers that include players as they likely don’t want to add yet another young player.

Dragan Bender, Croatia, 7-0, 220, power forward. They pretty much need everything but point guards, and they’ll probably look to trade some of those. So they’ll figure to be in business perhaps with a player and that No. 13 pick, which isn’t a bad package. The quick development of  New York’s Kristaps Porzingis has the European market up again. He’s not Porzingis, but said to be more like former Bull Toni Kukoc with all around exceptional skills. A good piece for a developing team.

Kris Dunn, Providence, 6-4, 220, point guard. Most everyone figures new coach/president Thibodeau will want a veteran. But they can do that in free agency. With uncertainly surrounding Rubio and Zach LaVine regarded more as a shooting guard, Dunn could be a strong future fit as the pros see him as the top point prospect in the draft.

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, 6-5, 212, shooting guard. Eric Gordon is a free agent, however little he played, anyway, and they could use space shooting to open the floor for Anthony Davis. He’s one of the biggest names in college ball, and they can use the star attention.

Jaylen Brown, California, 6-7, 222, shooting guard. A mostly young team that believes it needs a veteran and likely would deal a few of their three No. 1s. Plus, the rumors have been they might part with Kenneth Faried to sweeten a deal. If they stick with the pick, Brown makes sense to go with their athletic rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay.

Jakob Poeltl, Utah, 7-1, 240, center. They’ll be another likely looking to trade the pick as they’re—once again—determined to be a playoff team. But maybe it’s time to begin to prepare post-Boogie. Will they hang onto DeMarcus Cousins with another losing season? Poeltl is the anti-Cousins as a defender who’ll hustle and not shoot.

Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey, 6-7, 180, shooting guard. They are an international city, after all. He’s said to be a big time shooter with good size and the rumors have been they may not want to meet DeMar DeRozan’s supposedly maximum salary demands. He’s young, so not surprisingly didn’t play much for his team. But is said to have all the tools.

Henry Ellenson, Marquette, 6-11, 242, power forward: Local favorite? It’s more than that as he has size and nice skills and probably makes it easier for them to trade Greg Monroe, who ended up going to the bench after a big free agent signing.

Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 202, point guard. Another team that likely will look to trade the pick—who exactly is trading for all these lottery picks?—as they are desperate for veteran help with their young team. After the first seven or eight players, it’s the usual “eye of the beholder” as one team can have a player slotted 10 and another the same player 20. He’s generally been rated lower, but perhaps a more traditional point guard to go with Elfrid Payton.

Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga, 6-10, 240, power forward. They’ve been desperate for a point guard, but they should have Dante Exum returning from injury. Sabonis is a multi talented player who could fit in around their big guys.

Brice Johnson, North Carolina, 6-10, 210, power forward. Also with three picks and that excess at point guard and Tyson Chandler not quite a fit with Alex Len coming on. So they could prove to be very active. Johnson is a more ready to play senior who plays hard and is athletic and could fit in more quickly.

Dejounte Murray, Washington, 6-5, 175, shooting guard. The speculation has been the Bulls will look for a point guard, and there are some available, like Notre Dame’s Demetrius Jackson and Baldwin could still be on the board along with Kentucky’s Tyler Ulis, a natural point guard but small. I don’t expect a major trade to move up in the lottery, though you never know with so many teams in the market. My view remains the Bulls most need shooting and athleticism, and he’s got a lot of both, though he is thin. There are comparisons to a young Jamal Crawford and not just because they come from the same area. The Bulls could use that sort of Crawford ball handling and basket attacking with their perimeter shooters of Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic.

Deyonta Davis, Michigan State, 6-10, 237, power forward. If they do want to include Faried in a trade, he would be a reasonable replacement.

Malik Beasley, Florida State, 6-4, 190, shooting guard. They have plenty of guys at all positions, but as we say these days you can always use shooting.

Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame, 6-1, 193, point guard. Just in case they can’t retain free agent Mike Conley. Though they may be closing in on a complete rebuild.

Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, 6-6, 210, small forward. They’ve got the starting lineup, and now they need the bench. He’s not the great athlete, but ready to play, smart, a good shooter and leader. And staying home?

Marquese Chriss, Washington, 6-10, 233, power forward. More of a project who came fast as a freshman with good skills to perhaps be a stretch four at some point.

Tyler Ulis, Kentucky, 5-10, 150, point guard. They sure need a point guard. You don’t get great ones this far down in the draft, though the pros agree he’s the best pure point guard in the draft. But the 5-10 measurement is with shoes. With lifts? His height scares teams away, but it did with Isaiah Thomas, too.

Timothe Luwawu, France, 6-7, 205, small forward. They already have one as he’s in the Thabo Sefolosha mold, but they like to spread the floor with shooters and he’s shot well overseas.

Taurean Prince, Baylor, Baylor, 6-7, 220. They now favor the long shooting and defense game and he should be a fit in that.

Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV, 7-0, 235. A versatile big man who isn’t quite ready, but they have several of those as well.