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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 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) dunks the ball during the second half of the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

Again, adding another player at the 4-spot may be the last thing the Bulls want to do, given the inconsistent play they have witnessed from both Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.

However, if they are in the market for a bruiser with an improving midrange game at the power forward slot, then Caleb Swanigan out of Purdue falls into that category.

During his sophomore season with the Boilermakers, Swanigan averaged a respectable 18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per contest on 53 percent shooting from the field.

The Good:

  • Increased production by 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per contest from freshman season.
  • Won Big Ten Player of the Year award and was named to All Conference First-Team.
  • Has potential to be perimeter threat. Converted 45 percent of attempts from three-point range (38-for-75).
  • Good decision-maker for a big man. Averaged 3.0 assists per contest.
  • Aggressive, does not shy away from contact. Not afraid to mix it up in the box.

The Bad:

  • Doesn’t have great speed in open space.
  • Has difficulty guarding on perimeter due to lack of foot speed. This especially holds true in pick-and-roll sets.
  • Not a great rim protector for his size. Averaged less than one block per contest (0.8)
  • Lack of explosiveness prevents him from contesting shots at the rim.

Sure, Swanigan will need to make improvements from a defensive standpoint. At the same time, though, he brings a lot to the table at the other end of the floor.

Next: Chicago Bulls - Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

Being that the front office is committed to taking the best player available, regardless of position, Swanigan makes for an intriguing selection at No. 38.

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