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Chicago Bulls: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2017 NBA Draft

By James D. Tillman III

Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16), guard Jerian Grant (2), center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) huddle during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16), guard Jerian Grant (2), center Robin Lopez (8) and forward Jimmy Butler (21) huddle during the second half against the Orlando Magic at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots the ball past Rhode Island Rams forward Kuran Iverson (23) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) shoots the ball past Rhode Island Rams forward Kuran Iverson (23) in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Justin Patton

As of right now, the Bulls are pretty much set at the backup center position. Should they choose to add another big man to the roster, Justin Patton — who stands at 6’11” — could be one option they choose to pursue.

During his lone season at Creighton, Patton averaged 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest.

The Good:

  • Has a high motor and is generally the first big man down the court, which translated to respectable 1.47 points per possession in transition.
  • Excellent finisher at the rim and excels with put-backs, while making an excellent lob target.
  • Efficient shooter. Converted 68 percent of his two-point attempts and shot 51 percent overall.
  • Adequate pick-and-roll defender and has the ability to close out on smaller players.
  • Decent rim protector, as he averaged 2.3 blocks on a per-40 minute scale.

The Bad:

  • Not a great free-throw shooter. Converted just 51 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe.
  • Has a tendency to shy away from contact and his 3.8 free throw attempts per outing was the second-lowest among Draft Express’ top 100 players at the center position.
  • Below average rebounder and often fails to put a body on opposing centers.
  • Picks up unnecessary fouls. Recorded at least four fouls in 11 of the 34 games he played.

In spite of the deficiencies in his game, here is what Patton had to say in a recent interview with CSNChicago.com when questioned about his potential to play the stretch-5 position.

"“If they’re looking for a stretch-5, they come to me, and find the right person. My skills translate perfectly. I can put the ball on the floor, I can shoot the ball with range, and I’m a willing passer, and a great passer too, and I have a high IQ.”"

Obviously, Patton is not lacking confidence by any means. However, if he wants to make a name for himself at the next level, he will need refine his offensive game and become a better rebounder at the very least.

The Bulls are not likely to take a big man in the draft, unless they don’t re-sign restricted free agent Cristiano Felicio. If that is the case, then Patton makes for an intriguing option.

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