Chicago Bulls: The draft pick they shouldn’t make, but probably will

The Chicago Bulls have a few needs, but that might not prevent them from making a big mistake in the NBA Draft.

When you start to think about what the needs are of the Chicago Bulls, there are a couple of obvious choices.

First, they probably need to upgrade the point guard position, whether they choose to move on from Kris Dunn or not.

Second, another deadly, knockdown shooter would provide a big lift to the team, especially if Zach LaVine (who may or may not get traded) continues to improve his three-point shooting, as he did last season.

However, my guess is a 6-foot-11, 220-pound power forward/center isn’t exactly what comes to mind. Why? Probably because they have a couple of those already — you know — the last two players they selected with the No. 7 overall pick. Of course, I’m referring to Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr.

Obviously, Markkanen and Carter have different styles of play. Lauri is more of a perimeter player, while Wendell does most of his work down in the trenches so to speak.

Which is why it makes little sense that the Bulls seem to be linked to Jaxson Hayes out of the University of Texas.

Not only does this pick make little sense for the Bulls given their current roster construction, but it makes even less sense at the No. 7 spot. While Hayes possesses physical attributes for days — he has a 7-foot-4 wingspan — he is incredibly raw as a basketball player.

He only played one season at Texas and didn’t blow anyone away with his production. In 23 minutes per game, he averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. Not exactly the kind of production that would get you jazzed up, especially for the 7th overall pick.

Moreover, take a look at what NBADraftNet.com had to say when talking about Hayes in their player profile:

"“He’s likely far away both skill and body wise from being an NBA contributor, a team is taking the risk that he doesn’t produce much offensively before his first contract is up.”"

Not exactly what you want to read about the player your team has been linked to. What’s more disconcerting is that such a developmental schedule doesn’t seem to fit with their current timeline. We’re not talking about a player who would be ready to contribute after a year of getting accustomed to the league. We’re potentially talking about a player who won’t have any impact until their second contract.

If the Bulls are looking to dig themselves out of this rebuild anytime soon, they can’t afford to take a chance on a longshot like Hayes. While they could sell taking a chance on a high-upside player like Cam Reddish, who is a lot closer to contributing than 3-4 years from now, Hayes just doesn’t do anything for them in the near future.

It makes you wonder, if they take Hayes, whether they are considering yet another major overhaul of this team. So while this player is the one that makes the least sense (in terms of players linked to the Bulls) it would be just like the Bulls to make it happen.