Tyrese Haliburton wants to be a Bull.
That in itself should be applauded considering the reputation of the organization the last few years, especially with the circus that was the former coaching staff.
“I think I fit well in Chicago,’’ Haliburton said on a Zoom call earlier this week. “Obviously with two guards in Coby [White] and Zach [LaVine] who can score at a high level, I think I can come in right away and be somebody who can take the burden off them and facilitate. But also, with them wanting the ball in their hands at the same time, I can be a guy that plays off the ball and knocks down shots. So whatever is needed in Chicago, or any organization for that matter, I’m ready to do.’’
No doubting that.
The Iowa State product has worked out for the Bulls and obviously interviewed with them. According to a source, he knocked both out of the park.
No one was surprised by that.
Haliburton was considered to be both a high-IQ player, as well as a young man very gifted in conveying his winning personality.
But is he worth being the fourth player selected in next week’s NBA Draft?
Welcome to the question that hovers over the Advocate Center these days.
Not just if Haliburton is worth No. 4, but is there another player that the new regime sees as being a better fit? Whether that’s LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman or Deni Avdija, the consensus is that all four of these prospects have positives that can make them difference makers, but also have the potential to bust out in three seasons.
Welcome to the 2020 NBA Draft!
What executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has working on his side, however, are options.
Sure, he could play it safe, stay at four, and take the best available player on his board. Whether that’s Avdija, power forward Obi Toppin, or the combo, play-making guard that is Haliburton remains to be seen.
But Karnisovas also has the flexibility to move up or down in this very mediocre draft, or even look to make an immediate impact to the roster by trading the pick in a package that could land him the likes of a Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul or Jrue Holiday — each rumored to be on the block.
Here’s the problem with the latter path: With just 22 wins in the books last season and a roster with more questions than answers, adding an aging veteran point guard with a big contract feels more desperate than decisive.
Westbrook has $132 million left over three years, and the next young player he makes better will be the first. Paul would be a great fit, but not at $85 million over the next two seasons with a historic 2021 free agent class on the horizon and Paul on Hole No. 17 in his career. Then there’s Holiday, who makes $53 million over the next two seasons, but is better served to play with superstars at this point in his career rather than play baby-sitter for a rebuild.
Now, if a certain Greek two-time MVP named Giannis Antetokounmpo would be offered up for No. 4 overall and any Bulls players of Milwaukee’s choosing? That’s a deal that gets done, no questions asked. Otherwise, the Bulls are better positioned to make a draft pick on Wednesday, and continue the process of evaluation for one more seasons.
That doesn’t mean it has to be the fourth pick, though.
The latest draft intel has Minnesota moving closer to going all in on Ball, Golden State at No. 2 enamored with Wiseman or trading down for Avdija — a call the Bulls would definitely have to take — and Charlotte feeling good with Anthony Edwards.
Draft intel, however, is usually nothing more than who is the best liar.
According to a source, the Bulls also feel like Ball would be a game-changer for them, so could they look to move up in exchange for future assets or hope that the Ball-Timberwolves hype is more smoke than fire and he slides.
Then there’s another scenario. One that would put a smile on Haliburton’s face. Maybe he’s the guy the Bulls want all along, and they move down to No. 7 — currently occupied by a Detroit franchise looking to move up — with Haliburton falling right into their open arms.
“I enjoyed it,’’ Haliburton said of his interview. “The guys in Chicago are real cool.’’
And maybe real stealthy.
