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Chicago Bulls: 5 options for pick No. 38 in 2017 NBA Draft

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) high fives fans after Purdue clinches the Big Ten League Championship after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) high fives fans after Purdue clinches the Big Ten League Championship after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dunks as USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) defends during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dunks as USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) defends during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Johnathan Motley, PF, Baylor

The Bulls may not be in the market for another player at the 4-spot, given the inconsistent production they’ve seen from Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.

But if they do decide to take add another player to the frontcourt, Johnathan Motley could be a viable option.

During his junior season with the Bears, Motley averaged 17.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest while shooting 52 percent from the field.

The Good:

  • Sports elite measurements for a power forward with a 7’4″ wingspan and a 9’3″ standing reach.
  • Improved scoring average in each of his three seasons at Baylor.
  • Finishes well at the rim. Converted 62 percent of his attempts around the basket and averaged 1.3 points per possession.
  • Effective low-post scorer. Averaged 0.89 points per possession.
  • Capable rebounder. Pulled down 4.8 offensive rebounds and 8.0 defensive rebounds on an adjusted 40-minute scale.
  • Size allows him to absorb and finish through contact.

The Bad:

  • Not an explosive leaper in traffic. Will need to rely on finesse at NBA level.
  • Lacks experience in NBA traditional defensive coverage, as Baylor played in zone schemes.
  • Despite size and length, Motley averaged just 1.1 blocks per contest during his junior season.
  • Tore MCL to conclude collegiate career.
  • Must improve decision-making. Averaged 3.8 turnovers per 40 minutes.

In spite of the inconsistent motor from a defensive standpoint, Motley possess the size, length and agility to operate in small lineups.

As long as he is able to develop a more polished offensive game and improves his effort on defense, Motley has the potential to be a solid rotational player down the road.

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