Bulls Looking to Trade DOWN in the Draft??
So, as we near closer and closer to the draft, which yes, I know is still weeks away, but as we get closer, we start to get more and more of an idea on who the Bulls are narrowing their focus on, what their plan and strategy is when it comes to the type of player they’re looking for, who they’ve been working out in private workout sessions, all that good stuff. And while we’ve done some draft prospect videos on what I believe are some of the better options for the roster based on who is slated to be available at number 12, there has been some recent reporting that would suggest there are players that have caught the bull’s eye and turning heads in workouts that would also suggest they may be looking to even trade down in the draft based on some of the prospects available that they have taken a liking to. What would that look like and who are the players you might ask? Well, let’s talk about it. So, what’s going on everyone? You’re listening to Bull Central here. Hope you’re all doing well. Now, all this came about after a recent report that came out from the Chicago Sports Network’s Casey Johnson that the Bulls have been really impressed by North Carolina’s Drake Pal, who I’ll be honest, hadn’t been on my radar, and part of the reason for that is he hasn’t been close to being mocked on any boards of going as high as number 12. Most mock boards have him slated to go in the early second round. But as Casey mentioned on a recent broadcast, Powell has in fact worked out with the Bulls, tested very well athletically at the combine, has interviewed well with teams, and could be coming back for another workout with the Chicago Bulls. Now, at a quick glance on some of the recent updated mock boards across various media outlets, you’ll see Pal has been climbing the draft boards and even into the first round, but at the highest one that I saw for Drake Pow, they had him slated to go number 27. So, the Bulls working him out and looking to take him number 12 overall would be a massive, massive reach and likely one that would be regrettable when they could very well just trade back in the draft to still get their guy in Drake Pal if they really want him, but also maybe look to acquire some additional assets by trading down. Now, in my view, trading down in the draft is always risky, especially if you’re doing so with one player in mind that you really want, because said player could very well be taken before you make your selection. But also, the last thing you want is to trade down in the draft and then have your original higher pick that you traded for become a star level player later on. That said, I am in favor of trading down, especially if the overall talent pool from where you’re selecting is somewhat negligible from where you would potentially be moving down to, but also depending on the type of return you get for trading down. Like if the Bulls were aiming to trade down to somewhere in the 20s and give up their 12th pick, but were also able to acquire a first round pick for next year’s draft, then you’re still able to get a first round pick for this year’s draft and two first round picks for next year’s draft, meaning their own selection, then obviously the pick that they acquired in the trade. If it’s trading down to just get a couple second rounders or taking on a bad contract to go along with the deal, then it’s not really worth it in my view, and you might as well just keep your pick. So, I just want to call that out when talking about trading down. like it’s very much dependent on what the Bulls would get in return for trading down before it’s going to get me excited. That said, I did some digging into Drake Pal and I can see why scouts are keeping an eye on this kid and why he’s been climbing most mock drafts. He’s insanely athletic with a high motor, jaw-dropping leaping ability. He actually ranked number one with the best max vertical leap at the combine. And yes, we all know the Bulls front office loves those big leapers and highly athletic players. When you look at their recent draft picks in Julian Phillips and Manus Buselis, he’s 66 and can play the guard or wing, but with a 7 foot wingspan who shows to be a very capable perimeter defender, especially with his quick lateral footwork. But it’s not even just his point of attack defense that has been impressive, but also his ability to defend the pick and roll for his size is what stands out to me, especially when the Bulls have greatly struggled defending the pick and roll for years. opposing pick and roll ball handler shot 32% when guarded by Powell because of his elite screen navigation and physicality. Now, the major downsides when it comes to Pal and why it would be a huge stretch to take him 12th overall is that he’s pretty limited offensively. Now, he was impressive in his freshman season at North Carolina with his shooting from behind the arc where he shot uh near 38% from deep, but that’s kind of where his offense stops and really just being a decent catch-and shoot shooter. Now, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. every team could use a 3 and D guy. In fact, those type of players are coveted in this league. But if that’s the extent of what he can be, then it might not be worth it to take him with the 12 pick considering there are players that are expected to be available around there and the talent level that you can get that pick with is much higher. Now, he does have a quick first step in being able to get by his defender and accelerating to the hoop, but his ball handling is somewhat limited and being able to do that consistently at the NBA level. All that said, though, there was a lot of upside from this kid. Only 19, is already solid on defense. If he can develop his game on offense, then you’re talking about a player that a lot of teams are going to regret not taking earlier. The question is, how much are the Bulls willing to risk on that potential upside? And what’s the highest they would be willing to take him? Because we’ve seen this play out before, right? The Bulls took Patrick Williams super high with the fourth pick when most mock boards never slated for him to go that high. Like Pal, Pat Stock climbed quite a bit as we got close to the draft. And also like Patrick Williams, Drake Pal’s skill sets are somewhat similar in what he can do on the court. Although Pal, at least as of right now, is much quicker and more athletic than Patrick Williams is. So while I think it would be a mistake to suddenly take Pal 12th overall when he’s not even close to that range, would be a big mistake by the Bulls than just trading down in the draft, I also wouldn’t be shocked if they do it because we’ve seen this kind of thing play out before. And then when it comes to the Bulls potentially being open to trading down in the draft, the other player that comes to mind as an option who I talked about in my last prospects video and one where I called out would be a reach for the Bulls to take him 12th, but that’s Cedric Coward. Now Coward has been mocked higher than Powell on most mock boards. Uh he’s usually been in the middle to late first round range. So, sure, you can maybe talk yourself into or justifying taking Coward as high as 12 over someone like Pal, but even then, I just don’t see a scenario where a team is going to take Coward in the lottery. And if you know that to be the case, and he’s a guy you really have your heart set on, trade back a few spots, see what you can get, and select him later on. I mean, what I like about Coward, and I’m sure the Bulls are loving it as well, because we know AK wants these young players, but young players with experience that can start contributing right away, but that’s that Coward’s an older prospect, a more mature player that has a great feel for the game. He’s 21, will be 22 by the time the season starts, a four-year college player, has progressed his way up and playing division three level basketball all the way to transferring and having a prominent role for Washington State. He’s long, athletic, a great shooter playing off the ball, but he can also create his own shot inside. Very efficient player on offense, but also a very good awareness and knows where he needs to be on the defensive end. Like, I really do like both of these guys as potential prospects for the Bulls. I really do. But taking them at 12, it’s just too high for either of them. And you don’t want to run into a situation like you did with Patrick Williams or even Dalon Terrier for that matter where you overthought it and you took a guy way too high relative to his talent and upside potential when you instead could have traded back to get some additional assets as a potential fallback should those picks not have worked out which in the case of Pat and Den Terry ended up being the case. Most people look at those as now wasted picks. Now in other news, evidently the Bulls have been a little down on Derek Queen according to reports. Now whether the Bulls are intentionally making it seem like they’re out on this guy to tank his draft stock and hope that he just falls to them, who knows? Because this was a player that a lot of people thought the Bulls were going to be going after leading up to the draft given he’s a crafty big man that is a strong post presence but can do a little playmaking, a lot of upside with Queen. Uh but also uh a lot of bus potential. Queen is actually on my list of players that I hope the Bulls avoid as I feel the bus potential is higher than the boom. But I’ll save that topic for a different video as there are a few other players. I’m really just not as high on going into this draft that I think would be a mistake drafting for the Bulls. But I could be wildly wrong depending on how things shape out five years from now. But anyway, we’re going to hear more and more rumors and speculation pop up now that we are getting closer and closer to the draft. Now that we’re starting to get a sense of some of the pre-draft workouts that are taking place post combine, we won’t see any official trades happening until the finals conclude, which I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how things transpire this off season. not necessarily for the Bulls, but for the league at large, as there could be a lot of moving pieces this summer, including some of the biggest names in the league. Whether the Bulls get in on the action or not, well, that remains to be seen. But anyway, in the meantime, be sure to subscribe and I will see you guys in the next one.
Discussing the latest reports on the Bulls interest in Drake Powell and the desire to trade down in the draft.
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44 Comments
does thumbnail say "Draft tardes"?
I don't think 12 is too high for Coward. He may be the steal of this draft. If he's there at 12, you take him.
Trade down and go get Danny Wolf or kalkbreenner
Would you take the Miami Heat, Nikola Jovic, Kyle Anderson and the 20th pick for the 12th Pick and Jalen Smith?
Who else getting the Switch 2 wednesday night?
Bulls trade:
• Kevin Huerter
• Zach Collins
• #12 pick
To the Nets for:
Cam Johnson
#19
#26
This would give them the opportunity to get a young big like Sorber, Newell, Fleming or Wolf at 19 and also be able to take Drake Powell at 26. It also opens up a lot of cap space for free agents such as Naz Reid.
Drake Powell = Julian Phillips Mk2
We took PWill with the 4th pick not 12 tho so that plays a factor and he may have that PWill kind of play style but a way different mentality Powell is going to Attack and can only get better he's 19 years of age he will grow into his body man if I'm the bulls I'm taking this kid or Egor Demin if he's still available at 12 that is his draft stock has shot up like a Rocket Egor or Powell my top choice
An ultra athletic, defensive oriented player whose offense is limited to catch and shoot 3s? Drake Powell sounds like a Julian Phillips clone. If we're targeting someone like him at 12 we're cooked
Patrick Williams 2.0 😂
I would rather take Paul George’s contract and their 3rd overall pick as a payment. What’s the argument here? Cap space? 😂. What have they done with the cap space when they had it available?
I'm sure our front office won't mess this up.
I'm hoping this title is click bait and not fact Jamal 😭
I’m not taking anyone with the last name Coward.
Vucevic and 12 for Claxton and 19
Coward is worth it like if they trade down you don’t want to go past 18 or it would be a risk so the trade down won’t really get you anything more than a older player that will take playing time away from our young guys
Give me Coward at #12 , Powell sure, if we would get another pick via trade in 20-30 range
I think drake powell is to high for 12 , i think we should go for a big depending who is there
Do the video for Derick queen , i would like your opinion on him as a Maryland resident lol
CARTER. BRYANT. NOW.
Brooklyn, San Antonio and Atlanta have multiple selections with many after 12. The reason I mention this is because I think these teams may take more high risk/high reward picks and in the late 1st round. So your sleeper may be gone. I would like the bulls to trade to get a late 1st or
Move up our second pick. Small but possible significant moves. I like Beringer and Zikarsky video is really impressing me. He is super long and he doesn’t appear to be a stiff.
Is it me or everybody that talk about bulls want us to pick a under the basket small big or trade back but haven't look at rasheer flemings and he got everything that you need that can't be taught he's 6'9 7'5 wingspan athletic can jump and dunk over the top of people who plays defense who has a jumpshot that can even shoot 3's has a high motor high motor. He plays defense and has a high motor that alone he should be drafted.
Wouldn’t mind coward as the safe pick. Definitely don’t think there’s star upside there, but he’d end up being a solid contributor
Coward is the guy I want. Nothing against the NC kid……but the dude is raw.
If Queen is available draft him. If not draft the best available player.
This Drake Powell fits in well with the High Flying Bulls.
You will do a second round pick video what steals are out there for the Bulls at #45…..Dosunmu #38 Phillips #35
Whatever happened to Adama Sonogo? What's the inside story on whiythe Bulls never gave him a chance? Why they just cut him? Especially when we were so thin in the front court? This seems like another dumb move by Donovan.
Trade down for a two 1st round pick
how about this we trade vuc ,ayo or lonzo for a mid 20s pick and then at 12 draft a center
I'd be afraid to take Coward at 12. There, I said it
Trade with the 21th pick which is Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler and future first round picks for Vucevic, pat or ayo
For Coward, do the bulls really need another Guard?
Go get Maluach with the 1st rd pick, then get Johni Broome or Amari Williams in the 2nd..
Build from the inside out at this point while they find a suitor for Vuc and look to trade White (if they pay Giddy over 25M/yr – they will be trying to trade white, and if they give them both big contracts they are not smart and will never learn and the team is cooked for the next 4-6 years). Solidify the Inside for the future while determining what to do about the 12 piece Wings dinner that they have on the roster.. These picks are for the 26-27 season, MB should be rising to a #1 or #2, With the inside rotation taken care of for cheap (these draft picks), one of either coby or Giddy, They will have a chance to add a real max player this year or next at wing/guard and put him in a situation where they can legit be playoff contenders.. Next is a transition year – cant expect to much but franchise shaping personnel decisions..
Cant just look at players play today, you have to look at the financial salary cap impact these choices are going to have in the next couple of years – the new CBA is real.
no way for drake powell we got dalen terry bro
Another Patrick Williams AK don’t even do it
Overthinking it is when the Bulls pass on a player because they think he's not worth the only 1st rd pick they have. Trading down is a good option, but it takes two teams to make a trade deal. The other team has to be really high on a particular player while the Bulls will be taking a gamble on whether their player falls to them.
Mock drafts don't mean a thing.
Just please not another f*****g guard
People out here talking about why draft this kid if we have guys like phillips, williams and terry. But failed to realize that this is what drafting the beat talent available. Not drafting on position based. So what if we have guys like Phillips/williams/terry. So far they haven't been a hit for us. Look what happened to the portland blazers back then. They didn't draft jordan bec they already have drexler. The rest is history
Please no Queen…He will be Sanogo 2.0 and not make it out of the G League. I promise you that.
My ideal draft day scenario would be trading down to get Maxime Raynaud, while also securing another 1st round pick this year or next year.
If the Bulls organization is aiming to retain Josh Giddy, along with the idea of going out of the mocking status of any NBA organization that was a high-caliber team in the past, such as the Pacers and Knicks, which are all having a blast this season, being the top two teams in the East. Having that said, they must try to read and have this lined up for the next season:
G Josh Giddy *
G Shaedon Sharpe
C Luke Kornet
F Naz Reid
F Matas Buzelis *
G Egor Demin (R)
G Kevin Huerter *
C Ryan Kalkbrenner (R)
F Jonathan Isaac
F Julian Phillips *
G Ayo Desunmo *
G Gui Santos
C Grant Nelson (UR)
F Braxton Key
F Alex Toohey (R – 2nd Round)
Cam Spencer (Two Way)
Anton Watson (Two Way)
Remy Martin (Two Way)
While Matas was a great piece but the PF alongside the center of the Bulls were really flops as Nikola, along with Patrick Williams, and Jalen Smith weren't ready against the great PF and Centers of the others. Zach Collins was a great addition, but like the mentioned individuals, he could not have a one-on-one with Towns, Mobley, or Giannis. That's why I am suggesting Luke Kornet, Ryan Kalkbrenner, along with Naz Reid and Jonathan Isaac, will be a great fit as these guys have a tremendous basketball IQ, shooting and rebounding skills, and have an excellent defensive mindset under and far from the ring. I know Luke was a previous Bull, but his skills then were not yet refined, unlike now, which is why I think he is now a credible frontman for the team. I chose Shaedon as well because he has incredible basketball skills and character, such as high hops, passing, ball handling, and shooting prowess like Zach LaVine, but the only difference is that Shaedon can really defend players even in transition. He, along with Kevin and Gui, are well-suited at shooting guard as all of them have that game tenacity, shooting efficiency, and great play mindset. Yeah, if the bulls really would like to pursue in making Josh to stay with the team, Egor is a great partner with him, along with Ayo at point, for their play making, finding the right man, ball handling along with their shooting and defense are key points in making the team reach the top. And Matas for me is well suited at SF alongside Julian and Alex due to their build, compared to PF, wherein they have an advantage as well in other SF players of other teams, as they have versatility, hustle, and shooting, especially beyond the arc. The only comment I would like to express is that Julian and Matas should also practice post-up plays more and shooting beyond the arc with strong defense on their face. Braxton and Grant are also key people to make the Bulls move out of the mockery, as these players can lift days when other players are off, and Grant can be a great support leader. And for leadership, I heard from reports that Josh and Matas are vocal in winning games, but leading players, I think Ayo is the only player vocal on leading, but because of their consistency, that voice is not really felt. And due to this, Jonathan, along with Naz and Grant I think can help to motivate and encourage players to bring their 100 % A game every day, as big players tend to have a voice in the locker room. And with Naz's experience recently, along with Luke and the big voice of Jonathan, especially the incident in 2020, is a testament to his leadership and voice. For me, the list still has that high percentage in terms of shooting, especially beyond the arc, as all of them can shoot 3s efficiently. The only difference now is this list has great depth up front, wherein can really provide that needed defense, especially in transition.
Aside from this, please fire Billy D. For 5 years already, the team has not achieved any progress. Like the previous coaches of the Bulls besides Tom Thibodeau, they haven't provided that spark, drawing up great plays in crucial games after the regular season.
I would rather take a chance on Adou Thiero out of Arkansas simply because he 10x better defensively and is more explosive in the paint.
I'm very convinced that the Chicago Bulls are not looking for no top ranked athletes but projects that will eventually take up to theee years ti develop into All Stars instead of deafting players that will contribute right away ! Also if they draft any if these players and they turn our to be Busts then I'm done being a Chicago Bulls Fan because it's going on 30 years and no NBA championship or final appearences ! Derrick 🌹 / Joakim Noah / Luol Deng had almost gotten us there but the front office could never find that important player coming out of college ir through Free agency ! I seriously believe that Asa Newell / Noa Essengue / Flemming is our guy this year !
Another guard
Ill be the tarheel fan that says he may be 6 6 but hes clearly a forward ..
If you can't find a player you really like, then trade down. It's not that hard. Are the Nets interested in the 12? Great. Give me the 19 , and the 24. Give me Noah Clowney while we're dealing.
OKC, want to consolidate your roster? Flip me the 15 & 24, and I will send you the 12.
Orlando, want to select a stud you like at 12? I need the 16 and 25.
I detest these weirdos. I really do. Every year they prance around, acting like they're making money moves. And every year they are outclassed by moderately more competent
teams who acquire draft capital, and select good players.
Pick a lane, fellas. Are you rebuilding, or star hunting?