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Chicago Bulls: A look at the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft

By Allana Tachauer

Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2017 NBA Draft is taking place on June 22, leaving the Chicago Bulls some time to decide what to do with their No. 16 and No. 38 picks.

Another year, another NBA Draft.

With the Chicago Bulls holding both the No. 16 and No. 38 picks, fans are anxiously awaiting to see who the organization is going to put its faith in next.

Finishing their 2016-17 run with a record of 41-41, the Bulls clinched the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference due to a tiebreaker over the Miami Heat; this earned them the No. 16 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

However, on May 16 during the NBA Draft Lottery, it was also confirmed they would have the No. 38 pick. Since the Sacramento Kings fell within the top 10 of the draft order, Chicago was granted a second round pick through the Luol Deng trade from three years ago.

The question now is, what does this mean for the franchise?

Well for starters, it is a potential opportunity to find a hidden gem — and not just at No. 16 either.

Although Jimmy Butler took a few years to really develop into the talent he is today, to say he is now a star would be an understatement. Having averaged a career-high 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game this past season, the No. 30 overall pick is currently one of the best in the league.

This, after falling last in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft.

So who are the Bulls looking at this year?

While there is still time for them to change directions, the members of Chicago’s front office seem to have their eyes on a couple of young bucks who could be game-changers.

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    • At the top of this list is Donovan Mitchell, a guard from the University of Louisville. The 20-year-old played 34 games in 2016-17, averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per contest, shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from downtown.

    What seems to really have gotten Mitchell noticed, however, is his physical build; despite being a 6-foot-3 guard, he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Because of this, the Connecticut native is effective on both ends of the floor, making him a better-rounded player.

    But since he was indeed a standout at the combine, Mitchell may not be available come No. 16. However, perhaps a guy like Justin Jackson would be.

    Jackson, a swingman from the University of North Carolina, spent three seasons as a Tar Heel. Last year, he averaged 18.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists a matchup in 39 games, while shooting 51 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond-the-arc. And of course, helped his team win the 2017 national title.

    Some are still unsure about the 22-year-old, with guys like Josh Ridell from Draft Express noting his athleticism is just average. But having more college experience does give him brownie points.

    As for prospects at No. 38, the name Semi Ojeleye has come up on occasion.

    A forward out of Southern Methodist University, the 22-year-old has also played for Duke University. Ojeleye averaged 19.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game on 35 matchups for the season, shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from three. The 6-foot-7 Kansas native would certainly help the Bulls space the floor.

    While the Chicago Bulls may not have the best draft history, the good news is that this year’s draft class does seem to be pretty deep.

    And there is also the possibility that the organization trades away one or both of their picks, depending on the likes of if Dwyane Wade sticks around and if they re-sign Rajon Rondo.

    Next: Chicago Bulls: 4 best Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade moments

    The countdown to the 2017 NBA Draft starts now.

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