NEWSLETTER
There are two ways to land a superstar: (1) Draft one, and (2) attract one.
While I’m sure “trade for one” is a third path that comes to mind, I consider that to fall under the “attract one” category. In today’s NBA, so rarely will you land a superstar via trade without that superstar putting that franchise on a short-list or giving his stamp of approval.
All things considered, it’s almost impossible to accomplish both No. 1 and No. 2 at the same time. Sure, perhaps taking the No. 1-overall player in the draft will make your franchise a more attractive destination, but does that ever happen right off the bat? Most of the time the franchise that received the top selection is a couple of years away from winning, thus a couple of years away from proving they are a suitable and respectable place for a superstar to go.
So if you can’t do both at the same time, you basically have to pick a lane. Either angle yourself toward a high lottery pick (#Tank) or build a reputable product through free agency and trades. The Chicago Bulls have opted for the latter, and I hope they get a chance to see that process through.
• No one is denying that the Bulls lack a superstar. While I’m not going to completely rule out the possibility of LaVine playing at that level someday, I think it’s safe to assume he’ll fall below it. You know, closer to a No. 2 on a championship team than a true No. 1. But does that mean the Bulls should move on from LaVine? Not in the slightest. The 2x All-Star is an absolutely pivotal piece to the path this organization has chosen. Not only can his talent help keep the Bulls competitive, but his talent is one that we’ve already seen mesh well with other All-Star-caliber players. In other words, he helps make the organization attractive to others, and we can’t forget how valuable that is in the Bulls’ chosen team-building process.
• If LaVine were to leave in free agency, though, I have to wonder if the Bulls would immediately pivot to the other method of landing a superstar. Assets may be diminished, but perhaps the organization could restock those assets by moving the other pieces on their roster. As great as DeRozan was last season, and as good as Nikola Vucevic’s resume has been in the past, I’m not sure either would make the franchise as attractive as LaVine would long-term (both are nearing the end of their “prime”). So, yeah, the Bulls might have no better option than blowing it up, unless AKME can get crafty and turn LaVine into a similarly talented player (which feels nearly impossible in a sign-and-trade situation).
• Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer dropped some encouraging words in his latest write-up about the draft:
This draft is considered deep in talent between Nos. 12 and 40. Multiple agents and league executives at the combine told B/R they expect varying rankings from each team, where players that one front office deemed in the lottery may actually be available in the 20s, and vice versa.
• I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel pretty good about Karnisovas’ chances to land a quality player in this draft. If he can do it with No. 38, he can do it with No. 18.
• How much longer of a leash can the Bulls give Coby White? We talked a lot more about him earlier this offseason, and Jason Patt wrote his own good post on the front office’s dilemma below:
Latest @ForbesSports is on Coby White and the decision the Bulls have to make on this summer. After it looked like he was finding his groove, he faded down the stretch and stunk in the playoffs. Is it time to just move on despite Bulls' need for shooting? https://t.co/vxHrL6s1Ds
— Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) May 20, 2022
• Scotty Pippen Jr. is a smart man:
Combine transcript
Reporter: "Who had the better career at Vanderbilt, you or @Will_Perdue32?"
Scotty Pippen Jr. "Uh."
Reporter: "You don't have to answer that. It's a joke."
Pip Jr. "Will Perdue is a legend. He played with my Dad. I can't throw any shade at him."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 20, 2022
• Just make the team better, please.
Jed Hoyer Speaks: Contreras Extension, Trade Deadline, Timeline for Contention, Davis, Morel, Killian, More – https://t.co/UtOptrijaD pic.twitter.com/ZTCWCrVPeR
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 20, 2022
