One or both picks being shopped. The Bulls have made it known throughout the league one or both of their first-round picks in Thursday’s draft are available. In an attempt to save salary-cap space for additions this summer, the Bulls are trying to avoid adding two rookie-scale contracts - See more at: http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/444/article/p2p-80580234/
Re: One or both picks being shopped. One way or another, it sounds like the number of 1st-round rookies on the Bulls' roster this coming season will be 1 or zero. Given that the team intends to be a contender this coming season and that Snell is still pretty raw, it makes sense that they wouldn't want to commit a lot of roster spots or cap space to "green" prospects.
Couldn't agree more about waiting until the summer plays out before drawing conclusions about what sort of team the Bulls figure to have.
God, I just find myself constantly agreeing with you. I expect them to amnesty Boozer which would put them under the salary cap which in turn would make paying the LT in 2014-15 pretty much a mathematical impossibility. As I recall, you don't believe that they'll amnesty Boozer unless they need to do it to bring a superstar on board. Is this right? Just to be ornery, I'll say that, if the Bulls don't amnesty Boozer, they'll pay some LT in 2014-15 (not much though because they'll want to stay below the LT "apron" so they can use the full mid-level exception (MLE) on Mirotic).
They're more likely to use near MLE on Bagaric. EDIT: but only because the Bucks get us into a bidding war. (Hint: if the Bucks want anyone, we really don't)
Chicago Bulls (from Charlotte): Shabazz Napier, Connecticut, PG, 6-1, 175, Sr. – The Bulls are said to be hot on Napier, who has been invited to the NBA draft's green room. https://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nba-mock-draft--take-4-051318863.html 19. Chicago Bulls: Gary Harris, Michigan State, SG, 6-4, 205, So. – The Bulls probably would likely prefer a post player, but inside options are limited at this point of draft.
Could go that way, but DraftExpress.com would be at least mildly surprised. They have Harris going to the Suns at #14 and Napier lasting until #24.
I've yet to see a mock that has Harris slipping to #19, but it's also a good idea to keep in mind that most mock drafts are probably the product of groupthink. A lot of rankings are likely based off what other people are doing and not what specific teams actually think of each player, so it really shouldn't be surprising if a player rises or falls outside the range of what most mocks have a player pegged at. I'd be okay with a Napier/Harris draft. In general, I think it's best to evaluate our draft in conjunction with our FA plans, which is inherently difficult to do since we can only use conjecture as to what those may be. Assuming we don't use the picks in trades (a big if), it'd be best to use our picks on reliable, un-interesting prospects if we feel comfortable with our chances of getting a big FA, and better to take larger risks if we don't.
Chicago Bulls have had multiple talks with the Orlando Magic involving the #12 Pick + Arron Afflalo. Bulls have also engaged in conversations with the Denver Nuggets (#11 Pick) and Sacramento Kings (#8 Pick). Chicago Bulls focus is on drafting Doug McDermott but also have interest in drafting Gary Harris and Nik Stauskas. Credit RumorPress for being the first to report Doug McDermott back in 2013 and being the first to report they spoke with the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings on May 25. Additionally, we will add that we have been reporting this on @BullsSource and on this page for several weeks now. Chicago Bulls scouted Doug McDermott on Nov 9, 2012, Feb 2, 2013, Jan 7, 2014, Jan 12, 2014, Feb 19, 2014. Worked out in Chicago on June 17. Chicago Bulls GM Gar Forman, VP John Paxson, Assistant GM Brian Hagen, and Scottie Pippen have all scouted Doug McDermott. Have interest. http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/sto...izzlies?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
I've heard the move up is for Gary Harris. The Bulls have a lot going on right now. EDIT: The Bulls would want to add shooters around Rose and Melo if they landed him. Ralphb07 @ http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1329168&start=160
Shooters? Unless I'm looking at the wrong stats, he shot 42.9% and 35.2% from 3pt. They surely like him for his 6'6.75" wing span.
I'm a fan of Napier. He is an good shooter. But he also has good vision. Can run an offense, which seems to be troublesome without Rose. And gives us another ball handler.
To be honest, I really feel out of the loop with the new advanced analytics and statistics. I stopped the message board scene right before it started to become mainstream. I feel left in the dust. The Curry and Chandler failures broke me, Jay Williams crash shattered the pieces. I followed the team causally because I just couldn't stop caring... But I needed the hiatus to repair my wounded fandom. .
