According to the nj.com, the nets are looking to trade down in the draft because they see a similar level of talent at #11 as they do later in the draft. The Bulls, having two picks are one team they're talking to about trading with.
And yes, they're still mulling whether they can get as good a player at
18 to 25 (such as Williams) as they could at 11, which would create
some trade opportunities.
Toward that end, they're talking to teams with multiples -- Minnesota
and Chicago -- more than anyone else, with the occasional call to
Portland, which wants to move its (24th) pick.
Would the Bulls really trade up to #11 to grab someone?
First, I agree with the Nets assertion. By and large, there doesn't seem to be a large talent gap between #11 towards #20 or so. Thus, trading up isn't the most efficient of moves, especially since it also locks you into higher priced contracts.
On the other hand, the Bulls aren't in need of two rookies to develop, and the odds of getting a gamer at the back end of the first round don't strike me as so hot. Not being privy to the Bulls draft board, I don't know how big a gap they see between #11 and #16, but if there is a player they like at #11 that stands out it's well worth the #26th pick to move up.
I'd consider moving up for James Johnson or Jonny Flynn though I doubt Flynn will be there. At the same time, neither one are ideal fits for the present talent we have, and Johnson may fall to #16 anyway.
Filed under: Draft Coverage
Tags: chicago bulls, draft, nba, new jersey nets, trade rumors
I know you aren't the biggest fan of Blair, but he strikes me as the type of guy who might not be around at 16 but could at 11, and I think he could be worth it to go up and get. His college rebound rate was off the charts, and rebound rate generally transfers very well from college to the pros, and I'm pretty sure we all agree we could use a big who just goes in and puts in some serious work on the glass.
I have to say, considering the way a lot of PF types withdrew, Henderson is probably the one wing I'd take with our first pick (as much as I like Williams). There just aren't going to be many worthwhile big men left at #26. It would be tough to give up both #16 and #26 for that privilege, though. It's too bad the Nets don't have their 2nd rounder left to throw in. (Yes, for Harris)
I just can't see moving up for Blair, with all his question marks. Maybe for Clark, more likely for James, but Henderson seems like a great match next to Rose. Even if he doesn't have great range on his jumper at this point, his game has everything else, including facilitation abilities/mindset.
I'm still hoping Gar and Pax find a way to pick up a #7-11 pick to get Henderson, and hang onto the #16 for a shot at Clark or James. Or if Hill slips, grab him with the new pick, and get Williams at #16.
Any word on what the Griz are asking for #2? Have the Bulls shown any interest? I'd guess they want #5-7 + whatever, so they can get Flynn or Curry without overpaying. OTH, they'd have to step in front of the Knicks to get Curry, unless the Knicks can get Rubio, so...
all occurrences of James = Johnson
me and my wandering mind...
The only thing i see with the bulls taking the 11th pick is to open themselves up to taking a possible big man with the 16th pick being Johnson or dare i say Mullens (gurrrr-an-tee!).
This would allow the Bulls to address their two areas of concern being guard and center depth. i just dont see what Guard is worth moving up for at the 11th. Williams and Henderson dont seem to be two totally different players in my eyes at least.
If the Bulls did make this deal i think it would be in the mindset of them taking a big with the 16th instead of the 16th being guard and 26th being the big man help.
Is it me or does year after year, the pool of talent (depth wise) coming into the NBA seem lesser and lesser? Dont you think the Bulls should trade those picks for a proven NBA player, rather than for another raw college player like they have been the last seven years. I know easier said then done, but other teams seem to make it happen.
I do like T Williams, and wouldn't be at all disappointed if we picked him. He's 3rd on my list of guards, in fact, and like his ability to guard SF, SG, and many PG. But Henderson has a lot of the same abilities (a little shorter, longer wingspan, measurables otherwise comparable), but makes fewer bad decisions with the ball, and is a MUCH better FT shooter. To the point where I think Henderson will be a better NBA 3pt shooter, even though Williams had much better 3P% numbers in college. I wouldn't mind any of the four: Henderson, Johnson, Clark, and Williams.
But I LOVE the idea of Harden next to Rose (can you say the Pippen to our Jordan? (not to elevate Rose too much)), and would probably spontaneously start singing in the streets if Gar and Pax made it happen.
I don't see NJ making this move until they are on the clock.
With all the uncertainty in this draft(see SI mock today) no one really has any idea who is going anywhere starting with the #2 pick Minny.
So, NJ has to wait until draft day and see who is on the board at 11, if someone they like alot falls to them they keep the pick if not maybe the make the move with the Bulls.
That being said, I'm not sure who is available at 11 that we have to have. Henderson is the obvious choice, maybe DeRozen if he gets past the Raps.
I would be more in favor of this if we were able to keep the #16.
I wonder what Thabo would be worth today, probably more than the #26 pick, I hated the trade then and I don't care for it now.
Doug, you have almost convinced me that James Johnson is the best pick, although I still covet Mullens.
He is just a kid now, but I've always been an upside guy.
Saw some tape on Mullens on NBA TV. He just kills fininshing at the rim, and showed some nice moves too.
Looks like a way better finisher than either Noah or Thomas, or Deng for that matter.
Might be Tyson Chandler to Rose's Chris Paul.
The best thing about picking Johnson is that he potentially makes Deng trade bait. Of course my ultimate hope is that he(Deng) eventually becomes the bait in a sign and trade for Lebron next July.