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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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Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots the ball between Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) and guard Frank Howard (1) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) shoots the ball between Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) and guard Frank Howard (1) during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Luke Kennard

The Bulls were ranked in the bottom third of the league in three-point shooting. Needless to say, they should be looking for a player or two who can fill it up from the perimeter.

One player who fits the bill is Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard.

The Good:

  • Capable scorer. Increased his points per game average from 11.8 during his freshman to 19.5 in his sophomore campaign — the second highest scoring average in the ACC.
  • Improved long range shooting percentage. Converted 44 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc following a freshman season in which he shot just 32 percent from distance.
  • Can keep defenders off balanced due to ability to change speeds.
  • Makes for a difficult cover with a quick release.
  • Uses array of different moves to get off his shot.

The Bad: 

  • Doesn’t have a quick first step and struggles to turn the corner against quicker defenders.
  • Similar to Josh Hart, Kennard is not overly explosive, and does not get to the rim at a high rate. This will will more than likely result in a low number of free throw attempts.
  • Struggles from a defensive standpoint, due to average lateral quickness.

Overall Analysis:

The bad news is Kennard will remind Bulls fans of Doug McDermott, who was regarded as a scorer, but failed to make the grade on the defensive end of the court. On the flip side of the coin, Kennard excels in both catch-and-shoot situations and coming off screens as well.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Blake Griffin in free agency

Additionally, if he can improve how he defends, his offensive versatility will be an asset for a Bulls squad that ranked 24th in three-point shooting.

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