The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Draft Lottery is Set

By Kohl Rast

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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24. . . PG. Trae Young. 7

MANNY: The Chicago Bulls will try its luck again with a high-scoring point guard. Trae Young will take his talents to the Windy City, joining an extremely explosive and athletic backcourt partner in Zach Lavine. After gutting the roster at the end of the 2016-17 season, it was clear that Chicago is in full rebuilding mode.

After shipping all-star swingman Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of last year’s draft, the Bulls used the No. 7 pick acquired in that trade to draft Lauri Markkanen out of Arizona. Having previously drafted Denzel Valentine in the 2016 draft, Chicago has a talented young nucleus of players moving forward.

LAWRENCE, KS – FEBRUARY 19: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the court during a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on February 19, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS – FEBRUARY 19: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the court during a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on February 19, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

One of the main things Chicago has been missing is a steady floor general to control the flow of the offense. The organization hasn’t had that since Chicago-native Derrick Rose left town for the New York Knicks, following the 2015-16 season. Young is coming off a spectacular freshman season at Oklahoma, where he showed that he is more than capable of leading a team.

With averages of 27.4 points, 8.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, the lightening quick 6-foot-2 point guard was as complete a player as any of his bigger counterparts. Young displayed all the heart, confidence and leadership anyone can ask of a young point guard.

Add that with his raw talent and ability to create offense for himself and others, and that’s what the Bulls will find most enticing. Chicago is a season or two away from returning to playing meaningful basketball. In the mean time, Young, Lavine, Markkanen, and Valentine can create some chemistry and give the city and its fans something to look forward to.

Next: Collin Sexton