NBA Draft rumors 2022: 5 targets for the Chicago Bulls

2. EJ Liddell

Liddell is a big-bodied wing who really raised his stock after getting feedback from scouts last offseason. The appeal to him in Round 1 is that he should be more prepared to play right away than many of his peers.

The former Ohio State star has a solid, but unspectacular perimeter shot that will force defenders to guard him all the way out to the three-point arc. Any meaningful development in terms of jump shot quality or versatility could really raise Liddell’s ceiling as a pro.

There’s also significant optimism that he can grow into a plus defender on the wing. He certainly has the strength and physicality to handle big wings, but NBA scouts could be concerned as to whether or not he has the quickness to handle smaller players off the bounce. Liddell’s best role might be as a frontcourt defender in small-ball lineups for Chicago.

Liddell lacks the sizzle the Bulls should be looking to add at No. 18 but he should be a quality contributor before many of his draft classmates are ready to hit the floor. That could be very tempting for Chicago if he’s on the board when they go on the clock.