The Chicago Bulls finally have a first-round pick this year, their first since 2022. With how things are shaking out, they’re currently slated for the 11th overall pick.
The Bulls don’t have another pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but can easily trade into the second round, as they’ve done in years past. So which players could Arturas Karnisovas target in June? Some of them will be playing in the Final Four this Saturday. Let’s take a look at one player from each team the Bulls should be evaluating.
Donovan Clingan – UConn
The Bulls need a center. Nikola Vucevic is aging and Andre Drummond likely won’t re-sign as he seeks a starter role elsewhere next season. Enter Donovan Clingan. Coming in at 7-foot-2, Clingan is a menace at both ends of the floor. This season, he has averaged 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.
Clingan dominates in the paint and easily subdues opponents to assume a dominant offensive position but also has a soft touch. On the boards, he cleans up on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Clingan employs skilled footwork for his size, allowing him to protect the rim and paint while also clogging passing lanes. He doesn’t shoot threes but has the form to develop one to keep the defense honest.
Clingan is the biggest — literally and metaphorically — reason why the Huskies have an excellent chance to repeat as NCAA champions. He and UConn seek to accomplish the feat for the first time since current Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators, led by Joakim Noah, won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007.
Most NBA mock drafts project Clingan to come off the board between pick Nos. 5-10, but there’s a chance he could fall to the Bulls at No. 11. If the Bulls really take a liking to the big man, they could trade up to get their center to pair with Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White.
Zach Edey – Purdue
Purdue and Zach Edey have been the talk of college basketball this season. The Boilermakers have been favorites from the start, and Edey has now captured back-to-back Player of the Year awards. Purdue’s middle man is a 7-foot-4 center who’s effective at both ends of the floor. He can protect the paint defensively and do damage with his back to the basket on offense. Edey is averaging 25.0 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He’s helped Purdue’s guards play offense inside-out as his size draws focus away from the three-point line and opens lanes for cutters.
Unlike Clingan, Edey is viewed as more of a project. His defensive footwork limits him to solely guarding the paint. Despite his size in height, he’ll need more strength to bang with the likes of Joel Embiid and Deandre Ayton on the boards at the NBA level. Offensively he’s better in half-court sets with his back to the basket, a play style that’s being phased out of the NBA.
Scouts and NBA analysts don’t have a true consensus on where Edey will come off the board in the draft. Many project him as a second-round pick, but others believe he could undrafted. If the Bulls are happy with Vucevic for the present and want a cheaper, long-term project with a high ceiling, they could take a chance on Edey.
Mark Sears – Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t receive much attention during the regular season but have entered the spotlight during their run to the Final Four. One of their core pieces, Mark Sears, is starting to climb NBA Draft boards. Sears averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in 2023-24. He’s a ball-handling sharpshooter with excellent athleticism for his size. Any time a player shoots 43.4% from beyond the arc, regardless of competition level, it’s an eye-catching stat. Sears has also played solid defense at the college level.
However, many scouts question if he can take the next step with a 6-foot-1 frame. Sears would be outsized in nearly every defensive matchup at the NBA level, relegating him to more of an assist role. He also lacks that quick first step that separates the men from the boys.
If Sears and Alabama finish strong this weekend, don’t be surprised if an NBA team takes a flier on the guard in the second round.
DJ Burns Jr. – NC State
NC State has been the biggest surprise of the NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack made it to the dance thanks to a thrilling run to win the ACC Tournament, resulting in an at-large bid.
NC State is anchored by 6-foot-9, 275-pound forward DJ Burns Jr. The big man has enjoyed a late-season breakout that culminated in ACC Tournament MVP honors as he averaged 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Burns Jr. has taken his game up a notch in the NCAA tournament, averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest.
Burns Jr.’s offensive play comes with his size as he typically bulldozes his opponent. However, his appearance is slightly misleading because he still has quick, technical footwork and can play with finesse as needed. When doubled, Burns Jr. can pass out of pressure and find his teammates for open looks. However, Burns Jr.’s game lacks when it comes to shooting outside of the paint, and his offensive footwork doesn’t translate to lateral mobility on defense.
Burns Jr. will likely be an undrafted free agent in June. His physical attributes and track record of success in the tournament should translate to a Summer League or training camp invite.
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