Chicago Bulls: 2017 NBA Draft grades
Final grade
So to recap, the Bulls opted to move toward a rebuild rather than keeping their team intact. They did so by trading a three-time All-Star who has increased his scoring output in every year he’s been in the league, and who posted career-highs across the board — 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals per contest.
In return, they received LaVine — who was playing well for Minnesota last season, but is currently working his way back from a knee injury. Included in the deal was Dunn, a younger point guard who the Bulls coveted in last year’s draft.
Unfortunately, his numbers don’t exactly jump off the stat sheet. Furthermore, how will the Bulls utilize him among the rest of the point guards on the roster?
To cap off a rather strange draft night for the organization, the Bulls included their 16th overall pick as part of the Butler deal and they also sold their 38th overall pick — Jordan Bell — to the Golden State Warriors.
If the WARRIORS are offering you a ton of money for a pick to get a player, maybe think about what you're doing?
— Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) June 23, 2017
It is possible that LaVine bounces back quite nicely from his injury. It is also possible that Dunn becomes the player who will eventually replace Rondo as the starting point guard.
And maybe, just maybe, Markkanen becomes a solid fixture in the rotation at some point.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
Even if all those scenarios hold true — which is a big IF by the way — the Bulls should have held out for more considering that Butler was the team’s best all-around player.
Final Grade: D