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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Every Team’s Ideal Fit

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn (3) celebrates with Providence Friars forward Ben Bentil (0) after a play against the USC Trojans during the second half at PNC Arena. The Friars wins 70-69. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies forward Marquese Chriss (0) shoots the basketball against Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 10, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies forward Marquese Chriss (0) shoots the basketball against Oregon Ducks forward Chris Boucher (25) during the first half of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Chicago Bulls: Marquese Chriss, Washington Huskies

Position: Power Forward

Age: 18 (7/2/1997)

Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’8.75″, 225 pounds, 7’1″

Slash Line: .528/.351/.670

Season Averages: 24.7 MPG, 13.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 ORPG, 0.8 APG, 1.6 BPG

This is the first turning point of the 2016 NBA Draft. What the Chicago Bulls do at No. 14 will go a long way towards deciding who goes where from hereon out, and it all comes down to a battle of immediate fit and long-term value.

Denzel Valentine is a Fred Hoiberg type of player, but the very same can be said about Marquese Chriss—an excellent shot-blocker who can convert from beyond the arc.

Valentine makes sense from the perspective that he’s a do-it-all offensive contributor who fits the mold of a Georges Niang or Royce Young—two of Hoiberg’s best players as a college coach. He wouldn’t be much of a reach at No. 14, either.

The reality is, Chicago is primed to lose both Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah to free agency, and Chriss is the type of player who can fill their void.

Chriss actually fits Hoiberg’s offense well as an explosive athlete who can work the pick-and-roll and space the floor from beyond the arc. He’s a bit of a project, but he’s already an excellent shot-blocker with the athleticism to be an impact player at the next level.

There’s logic behind selecting Valentine, but Chicago would benefit more from signing a veteran and developing a younger prospect to operate alongside Bobby Portis—a player who could be moved to a small-ball center.

Next: Denver Nuggets

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