June 25--The two basketball courts inside the Advocate Center were covered Thursday evening in preparation for the NBA draft.
That they've been filled with activity of late should remind all that the last two first-round acquisitions -- Tony Snell in 2013 and Doug McDermott in 2014 -- could make it tough for whomever the Bulls select at No. 22 to crack the rotation.
The Bulls hope to add a future rotation piece with most speculation centering on a backup point guard in a draft deep at that position. Assuming Notre Dame's Jerian Grant is off the board, Utah's Delon Wright and Lousiville's Terry Rozier are two of the strongest possibilities for the Bulls' selection should they opt for that position.
Among his other duties, new coach Fred Hoiberg has busied himself with the draft process. After spending five seasons coaching in college at Iowa State and four seasons previously in the Timberwolves' front office, Hoiberg's input continues the theme of harmony and inclusiveness touted so heavily in the wake of Tom Thibodeau's dismissal and Hoiberg's introduction.
This is the 13th draft for executive vice president John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman. They've had some success hitting on picks between Nos. 20 and 30, adding Jimmy Butler, Nikola Mirotic and Taj Gibson.
The jury remains out on Snell, selected 20th overall, and McDermott, whom the Bulls traded up to snare in the lottery last season. Hoiberg's hiring is projected to jump start their regular rotational turns, something for which Thursday's pick likely will have to wait.
