NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Chicago Bulls
By Luke Norris
1. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State
There are a lot of big-name point guards in this draft but with names like Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox getting the majority of the press, Dennis Smith Jr., the freshman from North Carolina State, might get overlooked. And if teams decide to pass on him early, the Bulls might just have their replacement for Rajon Rondo.
Sure, there are already a lot of point guards on the Bulls’ roster but if Smith is there, they need to take him. He came to NC State off a torn ACL and while he didn’t exactly endear himself to the Wolfpack faithful, he was named ACC Rookie of the Year (not an easy thing to do with all the talent that comes into that conference) and was also Second-Team All-Conference, also not an easy thing to do.
At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Smith’s body is ready for the NBA on day one. He’s strong, athletic and explosive and while his jumper still needs some work, he can get to the basket in a hurry and could create a lot of shots for his teammates. He averaged 18.1 points and 6.2 assists, meaning he can both score and dish, and he plays solid defense as well, averaging nearly two steals per contest.
His explosiveness is his biggest weapon. He’s an excellent ball handler and his first step is as good as any in this draft. He gets to the free throw line quite often but does need to improve that aspect of his game after shooting just 71.5 percent this past year. He shot only 35.9 percent from the three-point line, which is something the Bulls desperately need help with, but that will likely improve over time. He’s very inconsistent with his shot at this point. There are games that he’ll light it up from the perimeter and games where he can barely graze the iron. But again, that will improve over time.
His ability to make plays makes him a strong prospect for anyone in this draft and if he’s there at No. 16, the Bulls have an instant playmaker. Smith is mostly projected as a top-10 pick so this is fairly unlikely. But maybe there’s even a scenario for the Bulls to trade up and get him.
Next: 10 biggest mistakes in NBA Draft history
And there you have it. Who would you like to see the Chicago Bulls draft? Feel free to join in the conversation in the comments section below and be sure to check back in with FanSided each and every day as we break down targets for every team in the NBA leading up to the draft on Thursday, June 22.