Chicago Bulls: Three draft options with the New Orleans Pelicans pick

Keita Bates-Diop, Forward, Ohio State University (Senior)

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the biggest surprises this season.

Under first-year head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes started out Big10 play 9-0 before losing to Penn State last week. During that game, Keita Bates-Diop hit three three-pointers in the last two minutes to tie the game after the Buckeyes trailed by nine. It ended in a loss, but Bates-Diop’s effort and command of the game did not go unnoticed.

The overall emergence of Bates-Diop has been one of the leading causes of the Buckeyes breakout season. The Normal, Illinois native is averaging a Big10-leading 19.6 points per game, in addition to nine rebounds per game.

The guard excels in his versatility and consistency, as he shoots over 50% from the field, 37% from behind the arc and 81% from the line.

Bates-Diop can also play and guard all five positions on the floor. Bates-Diop’s versatility and consistency has drawn him comparisons to Golden State Warriors superstar Draymond Green, who was also grossly overlooked entering the draft.

The only thing in the way of the Chicago Bulls landing Bates-Diop could be the fact that his stock has been soaring throughout the season. If the pick stays where it’s at, Bates-Diop would almost certainly be off the board, given that he continues his success this season.

Best-case scenario, the Chicago Bulls land a future difference maker in Ohio State’s Keita Bates-Diop.