"Embrace the Suck"

(The new era is here, "the Kraken"(24),"Dunn Deal"(32), "Dunkatron"(8). Nicknames pending other then "the Kraken".)

So as many bloggers have already started to do, today the focus is on a positive perspective into the future (current front office foolery pending).Giving hope to a season upcoming, where die hard fans will have to adjust to being upset with a win and elated with a productive loss. It will be rough, adjusting to a losing mindset is not something the city of Chicago will ever be content with. But to "Embrace the Suck" is truly the quickest, as well as the cheapest way to build a future in the NBA. Although the Bulls have cheated the system before, landing the #1 pick (Derrick Rose) with only a 1.7% chance in the NBA Draft Lottery. Such dumb luck doesn't happen so often when it comes to the lottery. Building team chemistry, while falling just short of the win is the best outcome of any game next season. That being said, good culture is more then half the battle when it comes to the game of basketball, as the Bulls recent inconsistencies with two Hall of Famers (Wade and Rondo) and a rising star (Jimmy Butler) proved in raw form. Promoting tanking is never a good foundation to start on, but promoting the competition between players younger than twenty four on a starting roster is needed for development and generally results in a lop sided loss to win ratio. Which in this case is WHAT WE NEED.

The end of one draft just begins the scouting process of another, and although I'm unsure our front office follows the same agenda. The initial research has already taken off at a rapid pace with the likes of Michael Porter Jr. entering his first and expected to be, only season for the Missouri Tigers (6'10 athletic small forward), or Luka Doncic (6'8 shooting guard with uncharted skill potential) the Real Madrid protégé who has been practicing with the Euro League basketball team since thirteen years old. We will continue an extensive breakdown of the (those) top two prospects at the end of this organic outlook on the Bulls future. As I'm sure most readers already have a general idea or have heard the previous names mentioned. The lottery can be cruel, so with some pending karma from the basketball gods, we should prepare for the unexpected.

(Trevon Duval giving you some flashbacks of the unspoken one who also wore #1)

Starting with the 6'3 point guard committed to Duke, who gave me chills in his high school highlights. Trevon Duval will give many Chicago Bulls fans a double take. With an almost 6'10 (6'9.5) wingspan, as well as elite athleticism. Duval loves making a poster of the biggest of "children"(probably 6'7 + seventeen year old as pictured), but also a willing, creative and unselfish passer. Still developing his jumper, but at least at the high school level no ones letting him get a step past the half court line without manning him up. He has a very high basketball IQ, student of the game, surely he was inspired by the youngest MVP in NBA league history (just go look up Trevon Duval and see for yourself). The Bulls do currently have three very young point guards in Cameron Payne (22), the recently acquired Kris Dunn (23), and Jerian Grant (24,). But if the Bulls out perform expectations or become victims to lottery karma. Taking the best available in a rebuild takes priority over fit. With coach Mike Krzyzewski, guiding this young "Gatorade baby" with great defensive potential on top of his already mind blowing explosiveness, seeing him top 5 wouldn't  baffle me. Don't sleep on him to challenge the top spot in the draft as the NCAA season plays out. If a team in need of a future point guard lands the top spot, Trevon may be in the talks for #1. How symbolic.

(Colin Sexton with pure attitude)

Next up on the list of prospects is Colin Sexton, committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide. For those who don't recall the 2008 NBA Draft, Derrick Rose went #1 overall and the reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook went #4. The symbolism doesn't stop with our first underdog. But it prevails into this portion about his counter part. Colin plays with several bags of chips on his shoulders, he comes at you on both ends with a competitive fire resembling the triple double machine. Sextons natural athleticism is his biggest flaw, only 6'2 with a 6'5 wingspan. Still a very active defender with a drive that you cannot teach. Although an inconsistent shooter from deep, don't let him get on a roll. This mans game is fueled by his confidence in himself. He would stand as Trevon Duval's arch rival, which is almost bone chilling given the situation. You can find the two top point guard prospects going into the NCAA, going head to head with a simple search of either, that will lead you down a fun trail to their matchups. The edge this young man plays with is extremely fun to watch. Some may not like the trash talking, angry antics of players, but even they would be impressed with his determination. 

(From "the Kraken's" former alma mater Arizona Wildcats, DeAndre Ayton) 

Moving onto the needed fits, as well as the highest regarded prospects after Doncic and Michael Porter. De'Andre has a standing reach of 9'5 and a wingspan of 7'5, so he has the length to be a rim protector in the NBA. Although he does currently lack the defensive awareness most are looking for in a NBA center. He is only eighteen years old without a single year of college level coaching under his belt. Ayton isn't as efficient from long range as our latest #7 pick Markkanen is, but he has a jumper friendly to potential. With the Bulls currently projected to pick #3 in 2018, by many 2018 NBA Draft projections, DeAndre Ayton poses the potential of a second coming of the "twin towers" (Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry, no relation to Steph Curry). In the new age, defensive lacking NBA, Ayton's defensive potential makes him very intruging at any pick in the next draft. As a rim protector with a high motor, who can also stretch the defense to create driving lanes is the most coveted skill set in the game today. Maybe the Bulls end up with an extremely lengthy Wildcat duo that make driving lanes as clear as the highway at three in the morning, due to their combined shooting abilities. Could the second time around be a successful attempt at "twin towers"?

(Mohamed Bamba, the Texas Longhorn commit)

As we continue with the tales of rivals, Bamba and Ayton are each others greatest challenge for top big man off the board in the 2018 NBA Draft. Bamba is 7'0 feet tall with a standing reach of  9'6. With a still developing lower half, Mohamed's strength training in a college system unafraid of over working the future NBA big man, could make a giant improvement in his durability down low. He does lack the long range potential of his counter part, but has a soft touch around the rim. The head to head low post drill matchup between Bamba and Ayton during the "Jordan Brand Classic 2017", was almost not fun to watch as they both dominated each other down low. Bamba seems to move effortlessly gliding up and down the floor. He has a very fluid right hook shot, but as most true big men, he would prefer to put players on dunk posters.

(Guaranteed to excel with great coaching, Kevin Knox commit of the Kentucky Wildcats)

The underrated, overly athletic small forward no one is talking about due to Michael Porters hype. Knox  is 6'8 and growing, as one of the youngest potential lottery picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. Yet to turn 18, the Kentucky commit, with the system most recently known for producing the most elite talent in many previous drafts. Already has the superior athletics to pose a threat in any NBA system, even without filling out his young frame and improving his jumper. Knox is my sleeper going into early scouting. To see this young man going top five next year would not surprise me in the least. As the NCAA season plays out, Kevin may steal the shine at a prestigious university while MPJ carries his assistant coach fathers, college team along. Kevin looks to improve the consistency of his three point shot and add some more muscle to his 17 year old frame. It's weird to even say, 17.... but look for this Kentucky freshman to be making lots of splashes in the NCAA before entering next years draft.

(The late 2017 NBA Draft withdrawal, Kentucky Wildcat Hamidou Diallo)

Moving from rivals, to college teammates. Many dedicated fans are already aware of the fact that Diallo posted the best vertical (44.5) at this years NBA combine. His age made him eligible for this years draft after enrolling to Kentucky mid-year, but even with posting elite numbers at the combine. His draft stock fell to the late first, or early second round in all mock drafts. So Hamidou opted to bet on himself, impressing scouts of his potential as a highly athletic 6'5 shooting guard for the Kentucky Wildcats next year. The Kentucky guard may lack some strength, but he does not lack fear. As his impressive vertical puts him at heights out of reach, of any average defender. Diallo would not shoot for teams at the combine, but doubt he goes a day without improving himself. He is an extremely gifted, dedicated young man (19 years old). Hamidou along with his elite leaping ability has almost a seven foot wing span (6'11) making his defensive potential very high. Look for Diallo and Knox to compliment each other greatly. Potentially moving them up the draft boards, as winning is something NBA teams look for.

(Michael Porter Jr. , the most hyped college prospect going into the next NCAA season, the Missouri Tigers controversial commit)

Porter initially committed to the University of Washington, but after the firing of  Lorenzo Romar (ex Washington Head coach), and the hiring of his father at the University of Missouri as assistant coach. Michael opted to play for the Tigers of Missouri in the only expected year of his college career. With all the natural athleticism in the world and a nearly 7'0 wingspan, MPJ has the tools to be beyond elite at the next level. Humble but motivated, this young man can do just about anything on a basketball court with ease. With an accurate long range shot, only hindered by his long release, due to an exaggerated motion in his early up-swing. Porter has everything to prove, as well as everything to lose. Playing for a team that is sure to boost his averages, with lack of talented committees. His team could miss the madness in March as former #1 overall picks, Ben Simmons (2016), and most recently Markelle Fultz (2017) have. Whether his excellence can propel his underrated team into the tournament is to be witnessed, but it will surely raise questions come draft night regardless of individual stats. Its hard being critical of such young men, but when you're great at something there will always be critics. Staying close to home and playing for his father does show good character as well though. As Porter could have gone anywhere he would've liked on a full ride. Family values are often overlooked, but basketball teams are a giant brotherhood, you team is your family. MPJ has the kind of natural athleticism that cant be taught, with crafted skills and a humble nature. Passing on him at #1 next year would be very hard to do.

(Luka "the Don" Doncic, the Euro League phenom who has played professionally since 16 years old)

Luka "the Don" Doncic, the 6'8 shooting guard protégé of Real Madrid. The Don has been practicing with the international Real Madrid team since the ripe old age of thirteen. Hence where the term "protégé" comes in. Doncic is my favorite prospect as things stand. As anyone who has been contributing to a professional team in any country
(since 16), apposed to making high school kids look and feel non existent (MPJ's highlight reel) shows more to me personally. Luka is the more proven, skillful prospect. The argument of "genes" or athleticism being unmatched, is only confronted head on with his pure skill. Size, height, and superior strength can only be outmatched by conquering every aspect of the game. From the scouting I've done, mixed with the character aspect of rebuilding a team. Doncic would be my first pick given his insane skill level and dedication to becoming the best. Follow that up with being lengthy for a shooting guard, with incredible vision and the uncanny/un-guardable nature of his hesitation moves. Luka would fit perfectly in a Bulls uniform next the recently acquired Kris Dunn. Who plays both ends of the floor with a 6'10 wingspan. Allowing for "the Don" to take defensive responsibilities of the lesser of any NBA back court duos, as defending quicker guards may be his only downside. With LaVine playing for a big contract, coming off an ACL injury, where the Bulls land in the lottery could determine the future of 2x NBA Dunk Champion. Pending an early extension for LaVine, Doncic could be the superior, cheaper replacement as the youngest player on the team at nineteen. (Only achieved by a losing season) But he is versatile, as he can play any where from the point guard position to the small forward. The Don is a point master with the ball in his hands, from hesitations that'll leave a defender confused, Steve Nash like passing abilities and a silky smooth jumper from deep (Euro League three point line is most comparable to the NBA's). Making for a potent three combo of Dunn, LaVine and Doncic, if LaVine comes back with a fire the Bulls cannot let walk in free agency. As well as "the Kraken" and Bobby Portis holding down the front court.... The future is bright, I believe they say "its always darkest, before the dawn", whoever they are I hope they're right.

Having the worst record at the end of the year doesn't guarantee a transcendent talent, but in the NBA, it does give a team the best odds at the cheapest, most realistic chance at going from "rebuild" to next contender. As drafting correctly in consecutive drafts, allows the cap space to sign a veteran like we just gave up (Jimmy Butler), to take a freshly built culture from "potential", to true contenders. While all this maybe solely resting on the current front office, if you land in the top 3, even the money hungry trolls we call Garpax will have to face logic dead in the face. Making the wrong decision is hard to muck up if you land in the top three, when the talent at those picks usually speaks for itself. This is the first prospect list of many, as I will reevaluate any and all prospects to keep an eye on, leading up to next years draft. My unshakable love for this currently "rebuilding" team will never waiver, join me on the ride to finding the right pieces for our teams future.