2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves
By Chris Stone
Luke Kennard
SG, Duke
The Chicago Bulls have a superstar in Jimmy Butler and building around him should be the priority. Like most teams, that starts with surrounding him with enough shooting to open up the floor for him to operate, which is why Duke’s Luke Kennard is an awesome fit for the Bulls.
Kennard made 43.8 percent of his 201 3-point attempts last season while shooting it well from the free throw line. His jumper is quick and comes off the dribble in a single motion. It should translate well as he moves out to the 3-point line, too. Kennard even has some potential to offer Chicago more offensively. He is the best pick-and-roll creator in the 2017 draft class on a points per possession basis (min. 50 possessions) in large part because of his ability to shoot off the dribble. However, he also has decent vision when it comes to finding shooters in the corner. The Bulls might be able to run some interesting Kennard-Butler pick-and-rolls in time that could create some good mismatches to attack.
Defensively, there are bigger question marks for Kennard. He doesn’t have plus length and didn’t do much statistically at Duke. However, he’s a smart enough player to be a good team defender, which should be enough to keep him on the floor given the immense value he brings on offense.