The offseason is here, and NBA Draft is just one week away. The NBA season came to a close on Monday night when the Boston Celtics took down the Dallas Mavericks to win it all, and the draft is the first big event of the offseason. The Chicago Bulls had another disappointing season as they failed to reach the playoffs, so the offseason started a long time ago for them. The NBA Draft will be huge for the Bulls as it is the start of what will be a crucial offseason for the organization. They need to do a good job.
The Bulls finished the regular season with a 39-43 record. They did get a win against the Atlanta Hawks in their first play-in tournament game, but they once again failed to make it into the playoffs. Chicago was just one win away and a victory agains the Miami Heat on the road in the play-in tournament would've sent them to the playoffs, but they couldn't get the job done.
So, another season is in the books for the Bulls. After starting 5-14, things went pretty well, but they are still far from satisfying this hungry fan base. No one really expected this team to make it to the postseason in the early stages of the year, so making it this far was exceeding expectations, but the fan base wants more. The Bulls front office has said that they are going to make some changes this offseason, but fans will believe it when they see it.
The first thing that the Bulls need to do is have a good NBA Draft. The draft is coming up quickly as it is on June 26th. Chicago currently has the 11th pick in the draft, but they could try to make some trades to move up or add some picks. Right now, it's just pick number 11 for them, and here are their two best options for that spot.
Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Dalton Knecht was a star for the Northern Colorado basketball team before transferring to Tennessee, and a lot of people wondered how his game would translate over to the SEC. Well, he got even better. Knecht had his best college season as he averaged over 21 PPG last year, and he was the heart and soul of the Volunteers squad. If the Bulls can take him, they should.
Some players just have that it factor that allows them to go and get a bucket when their team needs to score. The Bulls could use a young star like that, and Dalton Knecht could be that guy. Chicago does have Coby White who is emerging as a similar type of threat, but Knecht could end up being on a different level as a scorer. Obviously, things will be harder in the NBA, but he scored over 30 points eight times last year. That doesn't happen often in college basketball.
Dalton Knecht has the potential to be a superstar, and the Bulls could have a chance to land him.
Donovan Clingan, UConn
Donovan Clingan is now a two-time national champion as the UConn basketball team has won two straight national titles. Clingan is a winner, and he is also a very intriguing prospect because of his size and athleticism. He is 7'2″, but he doesn't move like it. He has the ability to quickly move up and down the floor.
If the Bulls do want to take a big man, Donovan Clingan is a great option. It's not often that you find someone with his size that moves the way he does. It would be pretty surprising if he is still there at 11, but if he is, Chicago should take him.
