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2017 NBA Draft: Top point guard prospects for the Chicago Bulls

By Carlos Nazario

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Monte Morris, Iowa State (6-foot-3, 175 pounds)

What better way to run your offense than to draft a player who ran your offense? Hoiberg coached Morris during his first two seasons with the Cyclones. In his four seasons at Iowa State, the offense didn’t rank below 12th in any season. He set the school record for assists and steals.

Here is another player with seasoning that the Bulls really love. His experience helped him in his assist-to-turnover ratio. For his career that ratio was an impressive 4.65/1. Adjusting to the NBA game won’t be too difficult as the Cyclones ran a pro-style offense.

Morris is not flashy or very athletic, but he is reliable. He’ll do what you need him to do and won’t make the boneheaded mistakes that a lot of the younger players commit. He has a high basketball IQ and a great feel for the game. His ability to stay calm under pressure is something many teams covet. That IQ and feel also help him on the defensive end. Added to his quick hands, Morris finds himself in the right place to steal the ball. He averaged 1.9 steals per 40 minutes in his career.

The fact that Hoiberg coached Morris at Iowa State is something that boosts his stock in the Bulls’ eyes. The adjustment to that offense would be short since he already knows what the offense entails and how to run it.

Morris is more of a share the ball-type point guard than one who will put up points. His shooting is adequate, but as the shot goes longer, the percentage gets lower. His mid-range jumper is good, as he shot 42 percent in his senior season.

If the Bulls don’t swing a deal with Boston for their lottery picks of this year and next, watch for them to go after Morris. He is a perfect fit for the offense and he’d be the coach on the floor to help his teammates understand what Hoiberg wants to make the offense succeed.

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