Tag: 2024 NBA Draft

Should the Chicago Bulls trade their No. 11 pick of the 2024 NBA draft?

Chicago’s habit of chasing competence in the present for potential future greatness ought to play a role.

Should the Chicago Bulls trade their No. 11 pick of the 2024 NBA draft? Such a question will always and forever be followed by the counter-inquiry “for what.” And that is the core of the dilemma posed by Bleacher Report NBA analyst Zach Buckley in a recent breakdown of what he believes all lottery teams in this year’s draft ought to do with each pick,

Pointing to Chicago’s front office and their habit of chasing competence in the present for potential future greatness, Buckley suggests that “there is certainly a scenario in which the Bulls try shopping the 11th pick for some type of proven producer.”

Still, he rightly cautions against this attitude, writing that it “sounds disastrous, even without knowing how that hypothetical deal would take shape.”

“There should be ‘young help wanted’ signs plastered around the United Center, if for no other reason than the Bulls’ brass would know that doing anything with this pick other than investing it in one of the draft’s 11 best players would be a waste,” he adds.

“Getting a wing or multi-dimensional big man would be ideal, but if the best player is clearly a guard, Chicago should grab him and figure out the fit later.”

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Should the Chicago Bulls be looking to trade up in the 2024 NBA draft?

Is there a prospect that Chicago would think is worth the gamble of spending additional assets to land?

Should the Chicago Bulls be looking to trade up in the 2024 NBA draft? On one hand, it is fair to ask whether it makes sense for the Bulls to use their limited draft capital and tradeable player contracts to get themselves a better pick in a draft widely seen as lacking in top-level star power.

On the other, given the lack of high-end talent, it might also be cheaper than usual to move up in the draft, especially if a team thinks they can get their preferred target anyway. Is there a prospect that Chicago would think is worth the gamble of spending additional assets to land?

The hosts of the “Locked On Bulls” podcast, Haize and Pat the Designer, took a closer look at what sort of players might be in range for the Bulls to take at No. 11 overall on a recent episode of their show.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say.

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Colorado State point guard Isaiah Stevens named his most NBA-ready traits

Isaiah Stevens established himself as one of the top point guards in the country and believes he is ready to contribute at the next level.

Isaiah Stevens established himself as one of the top point guards in the country at Colorado State, and the 23-year-old believes he is ready to contribute at the next level.

Stevens was named to the All-Mountain West first team after averaging 16 points, 6.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 44% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked fifth in the country in total assists (245) and 11th in assist percentage (38.5).

The 6-foot standout was a five-time all-conference selection and left as the all-time leader in career points (2,350) and assists (863) in program history. He left as the only player in conference history to be recognized five times on an all-conference team.

After recently working out with the Golden State Warriors, Stevens named the qualities of his game that he believes can translate immediately to the NBA.

I think the main thing right now that is NBA-ready is just my playmaking, organization (and) command on the floor as a point guard. (I’m) also able to step out and knock down the 3-ball at a high clip and be somebody that is trustworthy behind the arc. The main thing I’m going to continue to try to work on is navigating NBA offenses from a defensive standpoint. There are a ton of ball screens (and) quick-hitters, so just be ready at the point of attack to go out there and be disruptive.

Stevens was invited to the G League Elite Camp last month, averaging 3.5 points, four assists and 2.5 rebounds in two scrimmage games. He also had a strong showing in the strength and agility testing, registering a 35-inch max vertical jump.

He projects to be a player who can step in and provide on-court leadership as the floor general. He is also considered one of the top marksmen in the draft this year after converting 40.2% from 3-point range in 153 games with the Rams.

Stevens has also worked out with the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. He will have additional visits ahead of the draft on June 26-27 and is looking to showcase himself at a high level in those sessions.

“Just go out there and be yourself,” Stevens said. “For me, that is a leader, communicator, team-first guy with the ball in my hands who can also make plays off the ball and let others shine, as well. I can always count on bringing energy and effort everywhere I go.”

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All-American Jaedon LeDee names Celtics forward as NBA comparison

LeDee was one of the top power forwards at San Diego State and is looking to showcase himself at a high level in predraft workouts.

Jaedon LeDee was one of the top power forwards in the country this past season at San Diego State and is looking to showcase himself at a high level to teams in predraft workouts.

LeDee was named an All-American after averaging 26.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals on 56% shooting from the field. He ranked sixth in the country in total points (772) and fifth in total rebounds (263).

The 6-foot-9 standout, speaking recently after working out with the Golden State Warriors, wants teams to know that he can play any role at the next level. He is willing to do the dirty work, like set screens, rebound and bring effort off the bench.

LeDee pointed to a role like Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman Sr.

In my interviews (with teams), I’ve talked about a guy named Xavier Tillman as someone I can come in and play just like that. Right off the bat, I feel like I can do that role now, so somebody like that just to get my foot in the door and help a team win and be successful. … (He) is somebody who I’ve been watching in the playoffs and watched at Memphis, as well. (He) is someone who I can come in right off the bat and fill that kind of role.

Tillman was the 35th pick in the 2020 NBA draft out of Michigan State and was with the Grizzlies until his trade to the Celtics in February. He has career averages of six points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 227 regular-season games.

LeDee competed in the G League Elite Camp last month, averaging 11 points and 5.5 rebounds in two scrimmage games. He has also worked out with the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns in the predraft process.

The 24-year-old wasn’t invited to the draft combine following that performance. He was upset about the snub for about “10 minutes” but has since used it as motivation going into his remaining workouts ahead of the draft on June 26-27.

“My biggest thing is: Control what you can control,” LeDee said. “They don’t want to see me there, that’s fine. … Throughout my career, really nothing has been given to me. When I seen it, it was just another step in the journey. Just keep working.”

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Former Clemson center PJ Hall wants to prove himself as a consistent shooter

After an inconsistent year shooting the ball, PJ Hall is looking to prove himself from beyond the arc in workouts ahead of the draft.

After an inconsistent year shooting the ball, former Clemson center PJ Hall is looking to prove himself from beyond the arc in workouts ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.

Hall was named to the All-ACC first team after averaging 18.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocks on 48.8% shooting from the field in 36 games. He was one of nine players in the country to average at least 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.

The 6-foot-10 senior shot 31.5% from 3-point range, down from a career-high 39.8% the previous year. He started the season off hot, shooting 39.6% in November and December, but struggled in January after converting just 18.9% (7-of-37).

He wants his shooting to return to his junior-year form.

It took a dip this past year. (I) had a bad shooting stretch in the middle of the year, and picked it up to get back over 30(%) after my junior year shooting it 40%. I’m trying to get it back up and prove I’m a good shooter and consistent. My mechanics and shot are feeling great right now.

Hall is considered a potential second-round pick. He projects to step in at the next level and provide scoring and rebounding, given his mobility and athleticism. He has worked to extend his range after finding great success in the paint.

The 22-year-old tested the predraft process last year and emerged as one of the top performers at the G League Elite Camp and draft combine. He skipped the scrimmages this year but performed well in the athletic testing after recording a 39 1/2-inch max vertical.

Hall worked out with the Golden State Warriors on Friday and will have additional visits scheduled before the draft on June 26-27. He is enjoying the process and is eager to continue proving himself.

“The thing I enjoy the most is kind of seeing how different teams operate,” Hall said. “The different kind of things they put you through and different kind of guys they want to see (with) certain kinds of matchups and stuff that’ll fit their system.”

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Rumor: Bronny James could add more workouts ahead of NBA draft

The former USC guard is reportedly open to adding more workouts with teams ahead of the draft.

Former USC guard Bronny James is reportedly open to adding more workouts with teams ahead of the 2024 NBA draft, according to Marc Stein on Substack.

James opened the predraft process by planning to visit the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. He reportedly received at least 10 workout invitations but was said to be selective with the organizations he wanted to audition for.

The 19-year-old completed his workout with the Suns on Wednesday. He and his agent, Rich Paul, are now weighing their options and could add more stops to his itinerary.

Bronny James, to this point, has planned to restrict his in-person visits before the draft to two teams: The Suns and the Lakers. However …Bronny’s agent Rich Paul told The Stein Line that there are “a few more” invites under consideration they are still evaluating for potential workouts. James, who turns 20 in October, is projected to be a second-round pick on Day 2 of the draft later this month on June 27. He auditioned for the Suns on Wednesday.

James, the eldest son of LeBron James, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting from the field in 25 games with the Trojans. He scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 15 points and three assists on Dec. 30.

He measured in at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches barefoot with a 6-foot, 7 1/4-inch wingspan at the combine last month and averaged 8.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in two scrimmages. He shot 19-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and registered the sixth-best max vertical (40 1/2 inches).

James is projected to be a second-round pick this month. The Lakers are reportedly considering drafting him with the 55th pick, which would allow him to join his father on the team.

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Should the San Antonio Spurs keep or trade their lottery picks in the 2024 NBA draft?

We would not at all be surprised if the Spurs elect to move at least one of those two lottery picks.

Should the San Antonio Spurs keep or trade their Nos. 4 and 8 overall lottery picks in the 2024 NBA draft? San Antonio’s front office is reportedly looking to speed up their rebuild after seeing what French forward phenom Victor Wembanyama was capable of while still in his rookie season.

Open to moving those picks if that is what presents as the best opportunity to improve as a ball club in a hurry, we would not at all be surprised if the Spurs elect to move at least one of those two lottery picks, if not both of them. And that is the perspective of Bleacher Report NBA analyst Zach Buckley as well.

“The Spurs can and should poke around for a premier playmaker, and they might already be doing so,” writes Buckley. “If San Antonio isn’t trading for a playmaker, then drafting one is a must.”

In his eyes, the proper approach is to “draft at least one” of the two lottery picks, but San Antonio ought to be on the hunt for help with at least one of those selections.

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Could the San Antonio Spurs end up drafting G League Ignite small forward Matas Buzelis?

Would he be the right call for either of these two lottery picks?

Could the San Antonio Spurs end up drafting G League Ignite small forward Matas Buzelis with one of their two lottery picks (Nos. 4 and 8) in the 2024 NBA draft?  The Hinsdale, Illinois native has been projected as a top five pick in many recent mock drafts, but has been falling in more recent ones, so he could be in play at either of the Spurs two selections in the lottery.

As a -6-foot-10 wing with an equally wide wing span, Buzelis value as a rebounder and rim protector as a small forward as evident. But his poor efficiency from beyond the arc (just 26.1% from deep last season with the Ignite) is a concern, as is his middling efficiency (69.6%) from the free throw line has some analysts worried.

Would he be the right call for either of these two lottery picks given all of that?

The folks behind the “TSR Sports” YouTube channel recently took a deep dive on the possibility of San Antonio drafting Buzelis. Check it out above!

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Did the Chicago Bulls make a draft-day promise to Providence College point guard Devin Carter?

It is a contingency that should at least be considered.

Did the Chicago Bulls make a draft-day promise to Providence College point guard Devin Carter? With rumbles currently making their way through the Bulls media sphere that the PC guard may well be expecting his name to be called when the Bulls are on the clock for their No. 11 overall pick of the 2024 NBA draft, it is a contingency that should at least be considered.

A 6-foot-4 floor general with a near-6-foot-8 wingspan who can play as more of a traditional floor general when called on but prefers to play as a score-first option, Carter rebounds well for his position and can block shots in ways reminiscent of Derrick White of the Boston Celtics.

While he might never hit such a plateau in his own career, it is an intriguing combination of skills nonetheless.

The hosts of the “Locked On Bulls” podcast, Haize and Pat the Designer, took a closer look at the rumors and the fit on a recent episode. Check it out above!

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What should the Chicago Bulls prioritize heading into the 2024 NBA draft?

What should the Bulls prioritize, then? Talent? Fit? Potential?

What should the Chicago Bulls prioritize heading into the 2024 NBA draft? Should they be looking to add one of the better big men in the draft, and hope a prospect like University of Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan falls in range of their No. 11 pick?

Should they be looking to add a scoring forward like University of Tennessee sharpshooter Dalton Knecht? Or perhaps a guard to shore up their backcourt of the future in a player like University of Kentucky floor general Rob Dillingham? In a draft as even as this one, with no major names but plenty of solid prospects, it can be tough to tell who will fall where on draft night.

What should the Bulls prioritize, then? Talent? Fit? Potential?

The hosts of the “Locked On Bulls” podcast, Haize and Pat the Designer, took a closer look on a recent episode. Rake a look at the clip embedded above to hear their thoughts.

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