Chicago Bulls 2021 NBA Draft: 5 second-round point guards to target
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bulls second round point guard targets: Sharife Cooper, Auburn
One of the more intriguing possibilities for the Bulls is Auburn point guard Sharife Cooper. Last year as a freshman, Cooper only played in 12 games, therefore his season averages weren’t good enough to officially rank amongst the nation’s best. However, if he had played enough games (minimum 16), Cooper’s line would have been one of the most impressive in all of college basketball.
In those 12 games last season, Cooper averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds. Those 8.1 assists would have been good for second in the entire nation, only to Jalen Moore, who averaged 8.4 per contest.
Cooper is leaving Auburn for the NBA to become yet another one-and-done for the Tigers, with last year’s Isaac Okoro choosing to do so as well. Cooper is a kid who could end up sneaking into the first round, but also has many second-round grades on him. He’s one who, if he slips into the first couple picks of the second round, the Bulls may even consider trading up for him.
The best trait about Cooper’s game is his playmaking ability. He is an incredible passer and sees the floor well. His handles are elite and he’s a true point guard. He doesn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but in terms of a pure passer and facilitator, Cooper is up there with the best of them in this class.