Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 2017: Sleepers Chicago should consider
2. Frank Mason, PG, Kansas
Age: 23
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 189 pounds
Wingspan: 6-foot-3
2016/17 Stats (per game): 20.9 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals
The Chicago Bulls already have a ton of point guards on the roster. However, it is not like any of them has shown the ability to make a significant long-term impact at the position. Adding another point guard to the mix may seem odd on the surface, but Frank Mason is one of my favorite second-round prospects in this class and needs to be under consideration at number 38.
Mason had a ridiculous senior season at Kansas, filling up the stat sheet and leading a loaded Jayhawks’ squad. His play during the 2016/17 season earned him the National Player of the Year award across the board.
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Despite his domination of the college game, NBA teams would rather take a shot on the upside than take the college senior. Plus, his lack of ideal size is not a mark in his favor.
That being said, there is so much to like about Mason’s game. He is a tough and fearless player who is not afraid to take it to anybody. Mason is an extremely aggressive player on both ends of the court. Simply put, he will come out and outwork you.
On top of that, his quickness and explosion on the court are top notch. Mason can change speeds quickly and can play above the rim despite his limited size. He is not much of a facilitator but Mason undoubtedly has a lot of upside as a score-first point guard.
Perhaps most impressively, Mason is a knock-down shooter from the outside. He hit an incredible 47.1% of his three-point shots last season, showing the ability to shoot off of the catch and the dribble. Having Mason on the floor would undoubtedly help the Bulls’ issues with spacing.
His size will always limit him defensively. That being said, Mason’s strength and aggressiveness allow him to be a solid perimeter defender with some upside. He will likely be an average defender at the next level.
There are certainly some questions about Mason’s game, but there is a ton to like here. If he is still available at number 38, the Chicago Bulls need to think long and hard about this college star.