Grading Bulls’ Last 5 First-Round Picks
By Zach Elliott
2019 #7 Overall: Coby White, Guard, North Carolina (A-)
We’ve reached the dark ages. Gar Forman and John Paxson lead the franchise. Most people don’t own masks. Offices still exist.
White being third on this list reflects how unfortunate the Vučević trade ended up being for bringing in new prospects. Regardless, GarPax may not have been able to bear the fruit of this pick, but White’s breakout has justified it.
A one-and-done player coming out of North Carolina, it took White a few years to find his footing – and be granted the role to thrive. Averaging 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds with career-best shooting percentages across the board, he transformed into someone that genuinely took over games. A short stretch where LaVine was injured early in the season had him looking like an All-Star. He was robbed for the most improved player.
What elevates this pick into the A’s is White’s youth. Even with the late breakout, the Bulls have a cheap ($12 million the next two years), 24-year-old borderline star to build around. Assuming Josh Giddey is his backcourt mate, White’s shot creation and spacing is going to help him and any of his cohorts’ development. It’s unclear what the Bulls’ next step is, but White will be leading the way.
2018 #7 Overall: Wendell Carter Jr., Big, Duke (B-)
This is not to call Wendell Carter Jr. a B- player. Being taken 7th and becoming a career 12.5-8.5-2.0 strong defensive starter at center is a huge win. It would just be more ideal if he was still on the team.
In his truncated time in Chicago, Carter Jr. struggled to remain healthy or grow as a jump shooter. Always showing good touch around the rim and at the line while maintaining strong defensive instincts, I would argue GarPax might… *looks around, ensures no one is listening* deserve a little more credit for their draft work. Carter Jr. is a hit.
Even with his health struggles, he was also a key piece of the Vučević trade – no small honor considering Vooch was still considered an All-Star-level offensive force at the time. A few more years starting in Chicago, and he’d have been graded more rosily.