Chicago Bulls take interesting offensive creator in 2017 NBA Mock Draft
The Chicago Bulls find themselves an extremely interesting offensive weapon in this 2017 NBA mock draft.
The Chicago Bulls are in a tough spot this offseason. Trading star Jimmy Butler would seem odd on the surface but the Bulls have been overdue for a rebuild for a long time. Bringing back Rajon Rondo and Dwayne Wade to team with Butler is by far the most likely scenario, but it does not get them any closer to being championship contenders.
Trading Butler would signal the start of a long-needed rebuild by the Chicago Bulls. That being said, unless they get a godfather offer from someone like the Boston Celtics, do not expect it to happen.
Instead, their most interesting move will likely be simply adding a prospect in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. The Bulls hold the 16th overall selection in the draft. The 2017 draft class is deep with talent but it is difficult to expect a major playmaker to be added to the mix in that area. That being said, in a recent mock draft by Chris Stone over at FanSided, the Bulls find an interesting player who would fit their needs extremely well.
Stone pairs the Bulls with Duke guard Luke Kennard in his most recent mock draft. Kennard is a strong outside shooter who shows an impressive overall offensive skill set. Surrounding Butler with shooters is arguably the best plan of attack for the Bulls going forward. If they can find a few guys who can hit an outside shot like Kennard, it should create much more space in the middle of the court for Butler to operate.
Kennard’s outside shot makes him an extremely interesting prospect but he has a more well-round offensive game than you may expect. Stone talks about his ability to create in the pick-and-roll game.
"(Kennard) is the best pick-and-roll creator in the 2017 draft class on a points per possession basis (min. 50 possessions) in large part because of his ability to shoot off the dribble. However, he also has decent vision when it comes to finding shooters in the corner. The Bulls might be able to run some interesting Kennard-Butler pick-and-rolls in time that could create some good mismatches to attack."
In today’s NBA, outside shooting and the pick-and-roll game are the best ways to attack the defense. Teams who can run a quality pick-and-roll and space the floor with shooters are much better off than teams who cannot.
The Bulls have guys who can create in the pick-and-roll but it certainly would not hurt to add another to the mix. Plus, Kennard’s ability to shoot from the outside would help create opportunities for others on the court.
Next: Butler traded for the first pick in NBA mock draft
It is hard to find huge impact players in the middle of the first round. That being said, Kennard is an extremely interesting offensive playmaker who would fit what the Chicago Bulls need extremely well. He should be considered a major target for the team with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.