Chicago Bulls: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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8. Elton Brand (PF/C) — No. 1 pick in 1999 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Bulls): 155 GP, 20.1 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 2.9 TOV, 47.9 FG%, 69.5 FT%

On the heels of winning six championships in the span of eight seasons, the Bulls came crashing down to earth following the dismantling of their modern-day dynasty. During the lockout-shortened 1998-99 campaign, they compiled a 13-37 record.

The only positive from that less-than-memorable season was the Bulls secured the top overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. No one would have blamed them for going with Steve Francis, Lamar Odom or Baron Davis.

Instead, they selected Elton Brand from Duke University.

During his inaugural NBA season, Brand posted averages of 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest en route to winning co-Rookie of the Year honors with Francis. The following season, it was more of the same as the big man averaged 20.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in 74 appearances.

With that kind of consistent production, the Bulls appeared to have a centerpiece to build around on their journey back to relevancy. However, Krause sent Brand to the Los Angeles Clippers for Brian Skinner and the rights to the second overall pick (Tyson Chandler) in the 2001 NBA Draft — an infamous choice that will be forever remembered by diehard Bulls fans.

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