The lottery didn't help the Chicago Bulls as they'd hoped. They will pick 12th this year, marking the fifth year in a row they either pick outside the top 10 or don't have a 1st round pick at all. That makes life difficult for Arturas Karnisovas, who is trying to build a genuine winner for the first time. The VP of basketball operations has only one playoff trip in his tenure and has been stuck in mediocrity for years, constantly falling short in the play-in tournament. A strong showing in this draft might change their fortunes.
That is almost impossible unless they get lucky. Or create their own luck. According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, there are rumblings that Chicago is exploring the idea of moving up in the 1st round this year. Their target would be Rutger guard Ace Bailey.
Multiple sources have also relayed intel about Chicago exploring the possibility of moving up in this year's draft should Bailey be passed on by the 76ers, or another team that trades up, with the third pick.
How the Bulls could possibly move up from the 12th pick to have a chance at selecting Bailey would be the ultimate question should the Rutgers star fall in the top five.
Bailey was an immediate standout as a freshman for Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks. Thanks to his mix of offensive prowess and elite athleticism, he's drawn comparisons to Paul George and Tracy McGrady.
The Chicago Bulls need a lot of help to make this happen.
Two things must go their way. First, Philadelphia must be wary enough of Bailey not to take him 3rd overall. Whispers about his selfish play and lack of natural playmaking skill give him the highest bust potential to some. If the 76ers pass, the Chicago Bulls would have to get one of the teams at #4 or #5 to show interest in a trade package that would likely feature only future 1st round picks. There isn't much interest in any players on the roster. Coby White would be an obvious choice, but neither the Hornets nor the Jazz needs point guard help.
That makes it tough for Karnisovas to make anything happen. Bailey would undoubtedly be a tremendous swing. His talent is All-Star caliber. The best part is that Chicago is well-positioned to accept a player like him—somebody who needs a couple of years to develop. A combination of him, White, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey could be fun.
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