New mock draft has Chicago Bulls taking controversial wing

The talent is there — but so is the baggage.

It might be a bit early to start thinking about Chicago Bulls draft prospects even before the 2024 NCAA Tournament is even over. But for the analysts who make their living by projecting the NBA draft like Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, this is the thick of their high season.

And for the 2024 NBA draft. Wasserman has a prospect in mind for a player he sees the Bulls taking 12th overall. We’ll avoid the implications of what it would mean for Chicago’s postseason aspirations if they did indeed draft from that position, but we have some reservations about the prospect he has in mind for Chicago.

That would be Illinois’ Terrence Shannon Jr., a 23-year-old combo wing who plays like Kelly Oubre, Jr. if you squint enough. “There isn’t a prospect in the draft with a more dangerous one-two punch of explosive slashing and perimeter shot making,” writes Wasserman.

“He’s made real strides this season, optimizing his speed and quickness to create advantages, easy-basket chances and trips to the line,” adds the draft expert. “And he took another step forward with his jumper, drilling 38 catch-and-shoot 3s and 30 off the dribble.”

However, as Wasserman notes, Shannon has a pending case against him for sexual assault. Should he be unambiguously cleared in a court of law, the pick might make sense.

But anything less than that should be avoided like the plague, as the stain he would carry would far offset anything he could bring to the team on the court.

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