2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

Team Needs:

Shooters (perimeter and in general), Bulls ranked 28th in 3-point makes and 25th in field goal percentage.

Free Agents:

• Michael Carter-Williams – RFA
• Cristiano Felicio – RFA
• Joffrey Lauvergne – RFA
• Nikola Mirotic – RFA
• Anthony Morrow – UFA
• Dwyane Wade – UFA

Roster Gaps:

The Bulls are infamous for hoarding wings but lack depth up front and none of their point guards can seemingly function in Hoiberg’s system or capitalize on the wig assets they have. There are gaps all around Butler and the myriad of wings. Therefore the priority should be adding a  point guard with 3-point accuracy. The problem is Chicago also need copious bigs who are versatile enough to space the floor, offer offensive versatility while also providing defense and rim protection.

Ike Anigbogu:

As for Ike Anigbogu in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"As Kevin O’Connor points out Anigbogu displays a similar quality to Clint Capela. His leaping, rebounding and blocking ability are solid reasons for the comparison.  He showcases fluid motion and lateral quickness which are best demonstrated via his stellar defense. Unlike many prospects his body is well suited for the NBA and he may find his talents also better suited for the pro level. Anigbogu tested well at the combine which had a few teams sitting up and taking notice. Specifically, his recorded weight of 250 pounds was 20 more than his initial weight at season start. He also has a huge wing span of more than 7’6″, extremely large hands and a solid lower body with as one scout put it “legs like tree trunks“. Considering the comparison to Capela these latter points are extremely compelling given the Rockets center started his pro campaign needing to add weight and more on the scrawny side. Bottom line Anigbogu isn’t necessarily the prototypical new age center, but for any squad requiring a rim protector and defensive specialist (ah- there is the Capela comparison again), he potentially offers the perfect elixir."

Overview:

It’s been a struggle in Chicago during the Hoiberg era. Players added during his reign assimilated to his style but the Thibodeau contingent never fully succumbed to his system. Rather, they’ve fought him from the start.

Rumors spread last season Rajon Rondo, Jimmy Butler, and Dwyane Wade would completely ignore his time out play calls and have no respect for him. That makes succeeding as a team virtually impossible. Chicago’s brain trust refuses to acquiesce to the players as their penchant has been to work with an admin friendly coach.

The resulting effect is a top-15 talent vacillating between trade rumors one day and recruit the next.  Ultimately a culture change is a key priority for the Bulls and unfortunately, a rookie or two won’t address those concerns.

Butler will continue to be a highly sought after talent who could realistically by the missing puzzle piece to push a team into title contender territory. For it to happen in Chicago too many additional holes have to be filled. The big question is whether trade threats will give way to reality. The old adage is about the boy who cried wolf – could this evening result in the Butler who screamed Bull.