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Chicago Bulls: Top 5 realistic 2017 NBA Draft targets

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) moves the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers forward Nathan Adrian (11) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Morgantown, WV, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason III (0) moves the ball past West Virginia Mountaineers forward Nathan Adrian (11) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Luke Kennard
Dec 31, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Luke Kennard, Duke

Age: 20 (will be 21 just after the draft)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 196 pounds
Wingspan: 6-foot-5
2016/17 Stats (per game): 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a 43.8% three-point percentage.

You might be seeing a trend here. The Chicago Bulls clearly need more outside shooting to help space the floor and a huge majority of the players who they should be targeting in the 2017 NBA Draft need to be able to do that. Up next, we have arguably the most natural outside shooter in the class.

Luke Kennard has commonly been connected to the Chicago Bulls at number 16 and it is a fit that makes a ton of sense in my eyes. The former Blue Devil lacks elite quickness, length and athleticism and it will limit his upside at the next level. That being said, Kennard is an incredibly savvy player who would make a difference in Chicago.

This part of his scouting report put together by the guys over at Draft Express explains his offensive game perfectly:

"Kennard possesses outstanding scoring instincts from all over the court, but his advantage on offense starts with his elite-level shot-making ability. He converted a sky-high 44% of his 3-pointers this past season, with many of them coming on very high degree of difficulty attempts. He moves off the ball intelligently, constantly relocating based on where the ball is and how the defense is reacting, and only needs an instant to get his shot off thanks to his super quick release and excellent shot preparation. Far more than a spot-up shooter, Kennard is excellent coming off screens, and is also lethal pulling up off the dribble. He has very good footwork and timing attacking closeouts, using head-fakes, pump-fakes and terrific body control to shed his initial defender. He will not hesitate to use side-steps to quickly relocate behind the arc, or take one dribble inside the arc and pull-up for a mid-range step-back, often throwing in a slight fade for good measure."

Now doesn’t he sound like a player who the Bulls could use? Kennard lacks elite upside but he is a safe prospect who fits their needs well. He is never going to be a huge star but Kennard could be an important part of what the Chicago Bulls do on offense going forward.

He has a good chance to be a reliably third or fourth scoring option on a competitive team. Luke Kennard should be among the Bulls’ top targets with the 16th overall pick.

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