Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons Daniel Gafford was a good pick
3. Gafford gives the Chicago Bulls freakish athleticism in the frontcourt
The Bulls’ roster is loaded with young talent and Thursday’s draft provided the franchise with more depth, depending on what happens with future offseason moves. With Gafford, he gives them a freakishly athletic rim protector who can rebound and swat away shots with the best of them.
For his collegiate career, Gafford averaged 2.1 blocks and hauled in 7.4 rebounds per game in 67 contests, 58 of which were starts.
So Daniel Gafford goes No. 38 to the Bulls. Truly believe Gafford will end up as one of the steals of the draft. If all he does is play hard, rim run, protect the rim and rebound, he will have a 10-yr career. Look at what Kevon Looney is for the Warriors. That's Gafford's future
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) June 21, 2019
What’s impressive about the big man from El Dorado, Arkansas, is that he only averaged 2.8 personal fouls in 28.7 minutes per game last season. That low number illustrates his ability to impact the game defensively without the propensity to fall victim to foul trouble, an underrated skill.
He won’t shoot from the perimeter much, having never attempted a single 3-pointer in college, but he should be active around the rim and is a strong finisher at the basket.
While Lopez provided the Bulls with consistent and steady play, his athleticism has continued to elude him. Gafford brings his bounce and energy and should provide quality depth behind Carter and Lauri Markkenen.