3 players the Chicago Bulls could reach for at No. 7
Kevin Knox, SF- Kentucky
Kevin Knox stands 6-foot-9 just like the aforementioned Miles Bridges. However, Knox weighs in at 215 pounds, or about fifteen pounds lighter than Bridges. And while Knox is unlikely to mix it up down low, he is quicker and much better around the perimeter. Knox’s shooting ability would be a welcome addition to the Chicago Bulls’ lineup.
34 PTS on 17 FGA for lotto pick Kevin Knox in Kentucky's comeback win over West Virginia. He's shooting 9-for-12 from 3 over his last two & is now 35.4% on the year. Really benefitting from playing more at the 4. Explosive, two-way forward at 6-9 with defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/0INwgMMen5
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) January 28, 2018
Obviously, Markkanen can stroke it from outside, and LaVine has decent range. However, Knox’s ability to come off of screens or spot up from behind the arc would help the Bulls better space the floor. Having a third shooter on the court would open up the lane for Kris Dunn to drive and dish, or simply give Markkanen more space to work in the paint.
Knox shot 50 percent from two-point range and 34 percent from three-point range last year for Kentucky. While those numbers are good, what is even more encouraging is that he’s only nineteen-years-old. Knox is just scratching the surface of what he can do and has a fairly high ceiling.
The New York Knicks who currently hold the ninth pick are rumored to be very interested in Knox. Like the Bulls, the Knicks have a smooth shooting seven-footer for whom they’d like to find a complementary player. Therefore, for many of the same reasons, he makes a lot of sense for the Bulls.
One knock on Knox has been his motor. However, I am starting to think that this is a criticism of nearly every 18-21-year-old prospect currently entered in the Draft. Those types of concerns will be thoroughly researched prior to draft night. By then, the Bulls will know whether Knox has the passion to become an elite player at the next level.
Next: 5 potential targets at No. 7
Bottom Line
As previously stated, outside of the top three players in the Draft, all come with multiple question marks. In light of that, the Chicago Bulls may choose to take a chance on a player with high upside who fills an immediate need. This may upset Bulls fans who will want them to take the highest rated player on the board. If only the “tank” had been more successful.