Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons Daniel Gafford was a good pick

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - FEBRUARY 5: Daniel Gafford #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks reacts after a big play near the end of a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bud Walton Arena on February 5, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Commodores 69-66. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

1. Gafford brings a defensive attitude to a defensive-deficient roster

The Chicago Bulls were not a good defensive team last season, and that’s putting it mildly. With Wendell Carter Jr. missing much of the season and Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen struggling defensively, the team needed help. Badly.

Enter Gafford, who loves to play defense and gives the team a legitimate shot-blocker. He’s proven his shot-blocking prowess, swatting 3.3 shots per 40 minutes in his two seasons at Arkansas. The 20-year-old big man also averaged 1.1 steals per 40 minutes for his career.

The Chicago Bulls are selecting Daniel Gafford, a freak athlete who averaged 16.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG and 2.0 BPG (while shooting 66% from the field) as a sophomore at Arkansas.

He gave @HoopsHype a behind-the-scenes look at his pre-draft training. Check out his athleticism and length: pic.twitter.com/KlCVM3Ayng
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 21, 2019

With Gafford and Carter, the Bulls now should usually feature a big man capable of anchoring the defense at all times on the floor.

Next. Complete 2019 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams. dark

The Chicago Bulls did an excellent job drafting Daniel Gafford in the second round. Is it time for NBA Summer League yet?

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