Ask Sam Mailbag: 06.20.18

I may be in the minority, but I really want the Bulls to take Mikal Bridges. I just have this feeling he's going to be a really good player -- maybe not 25 or 30 points a game, but I think he could get to the low 20s and play really good D, kind of Scottie Pippen-like. Why aren't more people talking about him rather than Michael Porter? Kris Dunn and Zach Levine will be the shot creators -- Bridges can spot up, come off picks. Too much risk with Porter, and Trae Young too small and no D. I would be disappointed if we took Carter also with #7.

Yvonne Sanders

Am I the only one the wants the Bulls to chase Kevin Knox this draft? He's a long athletic do it all forward with a lot of potential. I don't want Carter Jr. Can't move his feet on defense and does not have quick moves on offense. Modern offense does not allow you to hold on to the ball and take your time.

David Sinclair

The only certain in this draft appears to be the 1 pick and Chandler Hutchinson at 22 . Hah. Who do you think is most likely at number 7? Who do hope it is? Who do you hope it is not?

Jeff Lichtenstein

Who do you think the best three picks for the Bulls would be at 7? Guys that might actually be there with no deal? My personal top 3 goes Mo Bamba, Trae Young, Kevin Knox. Three totally different players and three totally different positions, I know. But the through-line to me with each is they have a chance to be special. And at 7, and after a year of tanking (outside of the Mirotic MVP run), you need to reach for the highest rung of the ladder. The optics with fans alone near demands it. And while I love Lauri's game and the future is yet to be written on their current Sort-Of-Big 3 (+Dunn and Lavine), I doubt anyone inside or out of the organization is certain we have a potential future MVP on the roster.

Dan Frystak

If you are MP Jr., why wouldn't you just forego the draft this year, play college a year, make a statement about your skills, then prove doubters wrong? This is a big gamble not just for the teams but also for him. If he mess up his rookie and sophomore season, it would be difficult to ask for a higher pay grade.

King Berango

The stage is set, unwittingly or otherwise, for GarPax to take advantage of the Bulls assets. They have draft picks, cap space, low expectations and a sold out stadium. And, they have a core to build from. Except, LaVine. Have you ever asked yourself, "What Would LeBron Do?". That is to say, does LaVine have the mental fitness to be a champion? If not, see if you can send him to Memphis with the #7 to trade up to the #4. Memphis needs performers to fill their stadium and LaVine can amaze. I think he would fit with Conley and M. Gasol and with the #7 they may be able to get Trae Young.

Mark Schweihs

The obvious question about Porter is the injury risk. If you were guaranteed that he would have a career like that of Branden Roy, how high would you draft Porter? Roy was a true star for a few years. Is that enough to spend a high pick?

Steven Schnakenberg

I have been a Bulls fan my whole life. I started watching when we drafted Derrick Rose. I've watched every single game and I have not missed one ever. Do you think getting Michael Porter Jr is a good step for the direction that the Bulls are in?

Giovanni Laboy

The Bulls have done OK at #7. Mostly good players like Kirk & Luol, one bust (Q), and – stay tuned - maybe one star in Lauri. The strangest thing is that whenever they've had two 1st round picks, the 2nd one turned out to be better than the 1st.

So, based on history, it's clear that the Bulls should try to trade #7 to the Clips for #12 & #13, but hang on to #22 because that's
where our next All-Star is coming from.

Art Alenik