If the Bulls can’t find a taker for their No. 1 draft pick Wednesday–and they are trying–just who’ll look good wearing a suit on the sidelines during next year’s playoffs?
The problem is the new rules require all first-rounders to get a three-year guaranteed deal, the No. 29 pick at least $1.5 million over three years. The No. 30 pick gets $200,000. So the Bulls really don’t want to make that pick.
But if they have to, here’s a look at the most likely prospects for the Bulls’ draft choices:
– Brian Evans, Indiana, 6 feet 8 inches, 220 pounds: He’s a good shooter and can play some shooting guard besides forward.
– Jermaine O’Neal, Eau Claire High School, 6-11, 226: The South Carolina youngster could easily slip from the first round because he’s far away from helping, but with free agency guaranteed in three years, would any team take a chance?
– Eric Gingold, Williams College, 7-4, 295. The Bulls don’t like to take chances on long-term projects, but this kid who played one year of high school basketball and rarely at Williams College before getting into a serious car accident has some Gheorghe Muresan in him.
– Priest Lauderdale, Greece, 7-2, 280. The Carver High School product shouldn’t slip this far, but if he does he may be too inviting for the Bulls to pass as they remain committed to four centers.
– Jeff McInnis, North Carolina, 6-4, 190. Passing some of the postseason camps sent his stock plummeting. He may not get down to the Bulls, but he’s their kind of big point guard.
– Dontae Jones, Mississippi State, 6-7, 220. Another fading prospect, in part because of injuries, but he’s a big talent and all-around player.
– Othella Harrington, Georgetown, 6-9, 235. A team never has enough power forwards.
– Marcus Mann, Mississippi Valley State, 6-8, 245. Another Krause kind of player, tough guy from a small conference.
– Doron Sheffer, Connecticut, 6-5, 197. Big point guard and a native of Israel.
– Derek Fisher, Arkansas-Little Rock, 6-1, 200. Quick point guard to help out against smaller players.
– Ryan Minor, Oklahoma, 6-7, 220. A poor senior season and injuries at the postseason tournaments have sent him plummeting, but he’s an all-around player.
– Mark Hendrickson, Washington State, 6-9, 220. Another power forward who’ll be available.
