Fansided

NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Chicago Bulls

By Luke Norris

Dec 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A view of the Chicago Bulls logo on a pair of game shorts at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 102-91.Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A view of the Chicago Bulls logo on a pair of game shorts at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 102-91.Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Bulls draft prospect
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

Justin Patton may not fall all the way to No. 16 but if he’s there, he’s a steal. Creighton was the only D-1 school to offer the Omaha native a scholarship and after redshirting his freshman season, Patton made the most of it.

At 7-foot and 230 pounds, Patton isn’t just a big, physical center; he’s quick as well. He’s got a phenomenal first step and can get out in transition and run with any big man in this draft, not to mention that he’s extremely long with a 7-foot-2.25 wingspan and can make an impact on the Bulls offense immediately. Yes, Chicago has Robin Lopez under contract for two more seasons but if Patton could come in and do the types of things he’s capable of doing, the Bulls could attempt to dump Lopez at the trade deadline, especially if Patton can keep up his 20.3 points per 40 minutes average.

Patton is extremely efficient at the basket and made an impressive 74.8 percent of his shots around the rim. It’s not his style to create his own shot but Patton is fantastic at the pick-and-roll and his athleticism makes him a prime target for the lob. He has soft hands and has shown some potential away from the basket as well. His perimeter shooting isn’t the greatest and his mechanics need some work but it’s not terrible by any means. If he can improve his mid-range jumper, he’s going to be very dangerous. He’s a solid passer, knows how to read a defense and would fit nicely into the Bulls’ offensive scheme.

Defensively, Patton might struggle early on due to his lack of aggressiveness and his ability to rebound in the NBA might be a bit of a problem as well. He’s not known to be very physical but again, his athleticism is going to do wonders for him as he has the quickness to stay with guards in a pick-and-roll scenario. He does tend to get into foul trouble sometimes by trying to block too many shots and discipline will be key. Overall, however, he’s got a tremendous future and the Bulls would be wise to take a hard look if he falls in the draft. He’d have to lose that No. 23 jersey though, wouldn’t he?

Home/Chicago Bulls