The ball is now in Arturas Karnisovas’ court.
A draft pick sure isn’t. The Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations made sure of that, trading draft assets for Nikola Vucevic back in 2021, and then opting to try and win games late this season rather than tanking to try and keep the possibility of a top four protected selection in play.
With no second-round pick thanks to the mistake that was Jabari Parker, next Thursday’s NBA Draft could be a very quiet one for Karnisovas & Co.
But will it be?
If Karnisovas was being transparent with the media during his end-of-the-season address back in April, continuity is the path the organization has been on and will stay on. That means they could acquire a second-round pick or maneuver a late first-round selection with Portland that will eventually be owed, but the core will stay the core.
Executives are paid to lie, however. Could Karnisovas actually have a major facelift planned, sending out the likes of a Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan for a package that could also bring back a high draft pick? Never say never.
So here it is, the annual Mock Draft Sure to Go Wrong by Pick No. 4:
1. San Antonio Spurs – C Victor Wembanyama, Metropolitans
Guess which onetime Western Conference dynasty is looking for a return to prominence? Wembanyama is one of the most-hyped athletes in recent history, and could live up to all of it on both ends of the floor. Can’t miss? Can’t wait to see.
2. Charlotte Hornets — SF Brandon Miller, Alabama
Could MJ be in on bringing Zion Williamson back to the Carolinas? The rumors are flying this time of the year. Miller is the safe selection, and could be an elite scorer at 6-foot-9.
3. Portland Trail Blazers — PG Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
There’s more than just smoke on Henderson and this pick being traded. Could the Bulls be in on this spot? It’s not a short line.
4. Houston Rockets — PG Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
If James Harden is truly bound for a Houston reunion then Cam Whitmore could be the pick here. Amen Thompson, however, has a ridiculous ceiling if he can get his jumper working more consistently.
5. Detroit Pistons — SF Cam Whitmore, Villanova
The Pistons don’t really need more frontcourt help, but Whitmore has surpassed Jarace Walker on the workout circuit, and would be huge boost to the wing defense.
6. Orlando Magic — PG/SG Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
Here’s where AK and his front office should be focusing on. The Magic have a logjam at the guard spot, and the whispers are Jalen Suggs would like to be elsewhere. Go get him, AK!
7. Indiana Pacers — PF Jarace Walker, Houston
The backcourt is in good hands, and now it’s time to add some physicality to the frontcourt. Walker is that guy.
8. Washington Wizards — PG/SG Anthony Black, Arkansas
Will the Wizards finally part with Bradley Beal? If so, it’s time to rebuild the backcourt and that starts with Black.
9. Utah Jazz — PF Taylor Hendricks, UCF
Black is on Utah’s radar, but if he’s gone they also need to add some more muscle to play alongside Lauri Markkanen.
10. Dallas Mavericks — SG/SF Gradey Dick, Kansas
Again, a very interesting pick to keep an eye on as the trade rumors continue swirling around the Mavs.
11. Orlando Magic (from the Bulls) — PF Noah Clowney, Alabama
The reviews on Clowney have been mixed in the workouts, but he definitely has a Bobby Portis feel to his game.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder — SG/SF Bilal Coulibaly, Metropolitans
The Thunder have reportedly been all in on scouting “the other French player” in the lottery, and could be looking to add the versatile play-maker.
13. Toronto Raptors — PG/SG Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
The Raptors need outside shooting and play-making – especially if Fred VanVleet is on the move. Hood-Schifino has dazzled in workouts.
14. New Orleans Pelicans — PG/SG Kobe Bufkin, Michigan
Would it be ideal if Hendricks slid and the Pelicans could add some depth behind the often-injured Williamson? Absolutely.
15. Atlanta Hawks — C Dereck Lively II, Duke
In a draft with very few first-round centers, Lively gives the Hawks another frontcourt presence. The Hawks need another rim protector.
16. Utah Jazz — PG/SG Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
A projected top 10 pick early in the season, injuries derailed Smith Jr. a bit. Keep an eye on the former top recruit coming out of high school in 2022.
17. Los Angeles Lakers — SG Jordan Hawkins, UConn
The Lakers lived in the paint and need to stretch the floor more. Hawkins was one of the elite three-point shooters in the country last season.
18. Miami Heat — PG/SG Cason Wallace, Kentucky
Kyle Lowry is near the end of a great run, and Wallace is one of the best on-the-ball backcourt defenders in the draft.
19. Golden State Warriors — SG/SF Jeff Howard, Michigan
Versatile enough to play multiple positions and can space the floor? A perfect fit for the Warriors, who steal Juwan Howard’s son with this pick.
20. Houston Rockets — SF/PF Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State
His rise this season was a bit of a surprise, especially his ability to shoot from outside. If Sensabaugh can continue improving his defense, the Rockets get a sleeper.
21. Brooklyn Nets — SG Keyonte George, Baylor
George has worked out well for several lottery teams but is also a slide candidate. He had some inconsistencies as a freshman and needs to improve his decision making.
22. Brooklyn Nets — SF Jaime Jacquez, UCLA
One of the few upperclassman with top 20 talent, the Nets can grab Jacquez with back-to-back picks. He’s a high-IQ wing who understands how to impact winning.
23. Portland Trail Blazers — C James Nnaji, FC Barcelona
A mobile big with still untapped talent? If Portland packages Jusuf Nurkic, Nnaji could be pushed into the starting lineup and go from project to prospect.
24. Sacramento Kings — PF Kris Murray, Iowa
The best way to keep impressive rookie Keegan Murray happy about staying in Sacramento long term? Draft his twin.
25. Memphis Grizzlies — SG Brandin Podziemski, Santa Clara
What the Grizzlies really need is a great veteran player in that locker room, but with Ja Morant facing a suspension, young backcourt help doesn’t hurt.
26. Indiana Pacers — SF/PF Leonard Miller, G League Ignite
Miller is the poster boy for a big-swing project that could be the steal of the draft. He has a 7-2 wingspan, but needs time to develop.
27. Charlotte Hornets – SG/SF Dariq Whitehead, Duke
Foot surgery messed with his freshman season, but Whitehead was a top five recruit coming out of high school.
28. Utah Jazz — SG/SF Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers
A great defensive player, Rupert needs some serious work on his offensive game, but will have time to develop in Utah.
29. Indiana Pacers — PF Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette
Prosper had a great combine workout and moved himself into a first-rounder because of it. The Pacers continue adding talent and depth.
30. Los Angeles Clippers — SG/SF Ben Sheppard, Belmont
Another combine standout who displayed first-round talent, Sheppard could even jump into the low 20s on draft night.
