How the Chicago Bulls can draft the next Kawhi Leonard

With the NBA Lottery just a few days away, the Chicago Bulls are expected to end up with the sixth pick. There should be a number of good players available but one, in particular, stands out.

Can the Chicago Bulls come up with the monster draft steal in Mikal Bridges, who shares a resemblance with the most formidble two-way player in basketball?

After a season that teetered on the line of a full-blown tank, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in a bit of “no-mans land.”

The NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for Tuesday, but the Bulls are a long-shot to end up with a top-three pick. Instead, it is looking like they will end up with the sixth overall pick.

However, not all hope is lost, as there will still be a number of quality players when the Bulls are on the clock. In fact, one player in particular has the potential to turn into much more than that.

Mikal Bridges, a critical component of the Villanova University 2018 National Championship team could fall into the Bulls’ laps. If he is available, the Bulls would be wise to run up to the podium and announce the pick.

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While much of the focus of this year’s draft is on players like Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley, Mikal Bridges has the chance to have as good an NBA career. Furthermore, Bulls fans wondering just how good he can be might want to look to the San Antonio Spurs for their answer.

The Kawhi Leonard situation has been puzzling, to say the least. Rumors abound about his future in San Antonio, leading some Bulls fans to hope their team makes a move for the 6-foot-7 superstar talent.

However, when he is on the court, there may not be a more versatile superstar in the game. Leonard is the epitome of a two-way player.  He plays lock-down defense and stretches the floor from multiple offensive positions.

However, teams might be leery of dishing out a max deal for Leonard after the way things have unfolded this season. The good news for the Bulls is they might not have to.

What if the Chicago Bulls could get a player like Leonard for a fraction of the cost? Is that something you might be interested in Bulls fans? Well, Mikal Bridges could be that player.

Bridges and Leonard have a similar build. They are both 6-foot-7, and each has around a seven-foot wingspan.

Like Leonard, Bridges is an extremely versatile small forward who can score in many ways. Bridges can take his man off the bounce and create his shot as easily as he can spot up from three. He also has an extremely quick, high-arching release making his shot difficult to block. At the next level, Bridges should have no problem finding ways to score points.

However, what makes Bridges so intriguing is his defense. One of the attributes that make Leonard so good is his commitment to both ends of the floor.

Bridges was a terror to opposing offenses. He utilized his impressive wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots in the paint. However, while he’s tall and long, he’s quick enough to guard multiple positions. He has the length to take on a power forward, but the speed to stay with most guards.

Consequently, he’d be a perfect fit for the Chicago Bulls. The team has a looming decision on Zach LaVine. Whether they bring him back, Bridges game would mesh well with Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen. He could pick up the scoring slack if the Bulls don’t resign LaVine. On the other hand, he could slide into a more complementary role if they did. Either way, Bridges would be a dynamic addition to a talented young nucleus.

Next: Why the Bulls will resign LaVine

Bottom Line

Although the Chicago Bulls are unlikely to have a top three pick in the draft, they should still be able to get a very good player. In fact, if Mikal Bridges fall into their laps, they could end up with the next Kawhi Leonard. Bulls fans would surely sign up for that.