Chicago Bulls: 2019 NBA Draft Lottery odds, first round mock
By Ryan Heckman
No. 2 overall: Point Guard Ja Morant, Murray State
If the Bulls do not end up with the top pick in the draft, they would still be getting a franchise-altering player in Ja Morant out of Murray State. A huge positive in drafting Morant would be that there is no question where he’d play. Morant would come in as the obvious starter at point guard, and the Bulls would have to figure out what to do with Kris Dunn at a later date.
Morant is the clear-cut top point guard in this year’s draft class, and for many reasons. His athleticism is out of this world, and reminds many of a young Russell Westbrook. That’s high praise, for sure.
This kid can score from all over the court, which is something you have to have at the NBA level now. Teams need a scoring point guard with an ability to get his teammates involved. You have to be able to do both as a pro. Gone are the days of pure facilitating point guards. The NBA has evolved, and Morant is ready for it.
Trending. Bulls: Post-NCAA Tournament mock draft. light
Last season, Morant averaged 24.5 points and 10.0 assists. He did everything possible to inflate his draft stock, coming from a smaller program. In this year’s NCAA Tournament, though his run was short, he dazzled. His first-round performance against Marquette featured a triple-double, which was the first in the tournament since Draymond Green several years ago.
Morant is exactly what the Bulls need. He fills the biggest void on the team and presents superstar potential. If Chicago ends up with Morant, they are immediately in the playoff conversation next season. I guarantee it.