Nothing big expected from Bulls in draft
Free agency is just a week away, so in comparison, tonight's NBA draft doesn't carry much excitement for the Bulls.
They own one pick, No. 17 in the first round, and the chances of landing a major contributor appear to be slim. Then again, they found Taj Gibson at No. 26 last year, and he became the starting power forward, so anything is possible.
The Bulls wouldn't mind trading down in the draft or packaging the pick in a larger deal. General manager Gar Forman promised Wednesday he won't sell off the pick.
"There are a lot of different options and a lot of different things we're considering, some of which the pick is involved with," Forman said. "We're not just going to move the pick for financial consideration."
Some players the Bulls will consider are Oklahoma State shooting guard James Anderson, Kentucky power forward Patrick Patterson, Kentucky point guard Eric Bledsoe and West Virginia forward Devin Ebanks.
It would be a surprise if Kansas guard Xavier Henry, Butler forward Gordon Hayward, Nevada forward Luke Babbitt or Fresno State forward Paul George fall to 17.
"It is going to be the best player available," Forman said, "because we have a lot of spots to fill as far as putting some teams together and creating some depth."
LeBron can wait: New coach Tom Thibodeau was asked Wednesday if he has dreamed of coaching LeBron James, but no one associated with the Bulls is allowed to talk specifically about free agents until the negotiating period begins on July 1.
"There's a lot to sell here," Thibodeau said. "Obviously the rich tradition of this organization, a great city, a great nucleus to build around. So there's so much to offer, I can't imagine why any free agent wouldn't seriously consider this team."
General manager Gar Forman was asked if the team needs to sign one of the top free agents to consider the summer a success. He gave the same response he has since the season ended.
"If we can continue to get better and build around this nucleus of players, in my mind, it will be a success," Forman said. "Nobody knows until July hits. Just like when we prepare for a draft, it can go in so many different directions.
"Our job is to prepare ourselves for all the different directions it can go."
Draft shift by Nets: There does appear to be a shift in direction at the top of the NBA draft. New Jersey seems ready to take Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson at No. 3 instead of Georgia Tech power forward Derrick Favors.
Favors could end up going fourth to Minnesota. The next question is where Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins lands. Sacramento reportedly is deciding between Cousins and Georgetown's Greg Monroe at No. 5.
Golden State and Detroit are the next two teams on the board.
Asik closer to NBA: Omer Asik is working out at the Berto Center and is said to be healthy. The 7-foot center from Turkey was a second-round draft pick two years ago and is expected to sign with the Bulls this summer.
He missed the majority of last season with a left-shoulder injury. Other players spotted at the Berto were Joakim Noah, Joe Alexander and Rob Kurz.