2019 NBA Draft

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The Bulls are excited about what Coby White &amp; Daniel Gafford will bring to the table next year, but preached patience from fans to allow the rookies to develop their games at the NBA level.

We have a pretty good idea about Bulls second round draft pick Daniel Gafford, even if hardly anyone had heard of him before last Thursday. He's an athletic, dunking 6-11 center who, in his own words, "runs like a deer" and in NBA language is another version of Clint Capella, DeAndre Jordan and Nerlens Noel.

The Bulls with 6-10 Wendell Carter Jr. slated to start at center next season and free agent Robin Lopez unlikely to return, the bouncy 38th pick in the NBA draft seems like a comfortable and welcome fit for the Bulls.

"I'm mainly a center," the first Arkansas player to be drafted since Bobby Portis told reporters Monday at an introductory media session. "Sometimes, I try to be a forward, but I get ahead of myself a little bit. The Clint Capela comparison, I've been having that comparison ever since freshman year. I've watched his game a lot. I see similar aspects of our game. He does pick-and-roll situations, finishes around the basket, finishes through contact or at least tries to. He runs the floor like a deer. And he has built his game defense first and offense second. Some of those aspects are similarities."

Though the larger question for the Bulls coming off what they said was a successful draft night is just who is Coby White, the No. 7 overall selection from North Carolina, a flashy 6-5 guard who one day could be driving an exciting Bulls backcourt alongside Zach LaVine.

"I guess Coby White," the genial White said as he sat alongside new teammate Gafford, Bulls executive John Paxson and coach Jim Boylen.

Family members, friends and business partners filled the low slung bleachers along the side of the basketball court in the Bulls Advocate Center as White and Gafford met reporters, posed for pictures and began to get accustomed to the practice facility where they'll spend perhaps more time than sleeping these next few years.

Gafford, equally congenial and approachable and excited to be throwing out the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game later this week, was expected by many to be a late first round selection last year. That he fell somewhat to No. 38, he admitted, was a bit of a disappointment. But in an encouraging sign of his maturity, he admitted he wasn't emotionally ready for NBA life last year, decided to return to school and has no regrets. You'd hope more youngsters maintained his perspective.

Paxson was quick to point out once you are in the NBA, you can excel no matter your draft position. Recent second rounders emphasize the point, like Draymond Green, Nikola Jokic, Patrick Beverley, Marc Gasol, Malcolm Brogdon and the aforementioned DeAndre Jordan.

Gafford, who turns 21 before the start of the season, appears to fill a role immediately for the Bulls as an athletic, defensive oriented center to support Carter. Gafford won't score much and never even attempted a three-point shot in two years at Arkansas. Though he set school records shooting 66 percent. He's very good from three inches away.

His models have become important players in the new spaced out, three-point shooting NBA in which a guard and big man run a high pick and roll. The center screens and then rolls, presumably taking with him a defensive player for a lob dunk if there is a switch or perhaps for a guard to pass for a corner three.

Which could be White, who may be the very important enigma for the Bulls.

White is a tall point guard — Boylen repeated several times about how vital his "positional size" is to the Bulls — who is fast and a competent shooter whom some talent evaluators ranked second among point guards in this draft to the highly regarded Ja Morant. Point guard Darius Garland from Vanderbilt, a more skilled facilitator but smaller, was selected No. 5 by Cleveland. Some believed White would be selected No. 6. So for all the disappointment of dropping to No. 7 in the May draft lottery, the Bulls believed they got a measure of providence with White being available at No. 7.

The Bulls were bubbling with enthusiasm, especially since Paxson said general manager Gar Forman was lighting up Paxson's phone after watching White blitz Texas for 33 points and seven threes in November.

"All I can tell you is Gar saw Coby play out in Las Vegas early in the year and my phone was blowing up with texts from Gar," Paxson said. "That was the moment he was on the radar for sure."

But just who is this kid as a basketball player?

White was one of the TV stars of the draft with his Bulls baseball cap sitting atop his expansive hairstyle like a small boat in the ocean. But especially for his passionate and animated response to hearing his teammate, Cam Johnson, also was a lottery pick. This sure looked and sounded like a great teammate. Plus, earlier in the week in the Players Tribune web site White wrote a touching dedicatory piece about his late father.

"He has a soul and a spirit, which I think is important, and he's been just awesome to deal with," Boylen said about White. "By the grace of God he fell to seven. I don't know how, but he did, and we're thankful for that. Moving onto Daniel, there's an art in the world of kind of knowing who you are, and he has a great feel for who he is as a player. He adds to our vertical spacing, he adds to our athleticism, our length, our competitiveness, and again (like White), he looks you in the eye when you talk to him. He has a great spirit, and so we've got two high-character guys that we targeted, and wanted, and got. So it's a great day for us."

Paxson was quick to attempt to lower expectations, and he was correct to do so. Especially regarding White, a 19-year-old who was a long shot to even be drafted this year coming into North Carolina last fall.

"I'll say this too about this process leading up to training camp," said Paxson. "These two young men, this is going to be their first experience with the NBA in any setting. We've had guys over the years who have been juniors and seniors in college who come in and Summer League can be difficult. You can struggle with the newness of the game and all that is thrown at you. Our goal is to put them in the best position to succeed."

"We're not going to judge anything on what happens in the next week or couple of weeks through Summer League," Paxson said. "We just want them to learn and grow. We had Ben Gordon. He struggled in Summer League (Paxson didn't add, but so did Derrick Rose). We've had guys like that. We all hope they go and light it up. But this is part of the process of getting them ingrained in the league and this organization and what we're about. We'll provide them with the support and resources."

But No. 7 get scrutiny, especially after a 22-win season, especially a point guard in this NBA era in which the point guard is the most important player, the center of the 1960s and 1970s. The previous four league MVPs have been point guards with Giannis Antetokounmpo winning this year, and he does the majority of the Bucks ball handling.

The teenager joins a team on which the incumbent point guard, Kris Dunn, who was a former No. 5 overall pick in the draft, is on shaky footing after two injury-plagued seasons. Can White win the job? Should he even be asked to given his age and experience? Sometimes success can come too fast for the long term benefit.

"I'm just coming in ready to compete," White said. "My whole life, I've competed for everything, I've earned everything I've got. When I came into Carolina, there were questions, 'Would I start?' I competed for that spot and I earned it, so it's not new to me."

The possibilities of a 6-5 flash like White playing with a super athlete like the 6-6 LaVine are tantalizing. Which with the 6-8 Otto Porter Jr., the seven foot Lauri Markkanen and the 6-10 Carter sets up that so called positional size Boylen talks about. Which, in theory, translates to improved defense.

But is it fair or even realistic to begin thinking about White in that regard?

The scouting reports have seen him more as a shooting guard trying to become more of a point guard. That doesn't translate often in the NBA. Though that's more of an antiquated description in the NBA. Guards primarily are scorers now with playmakers also at forward and center, often in setups teams consider "positionless."

White did acknowledge in college he played primarily at one speed—fast.

Which sounds entertaining, though most NBA offense comes out of half court play because NBA teams are too good at getting back in transition.

"At Carolina, coaches kind of wanted me to really just go one speed and that's fast all the time," White acknowledged. "I think coming into the league, I can use my change of speed and change of pace better. I've been trying to work on that a lot. Those two things are really key for me."

Though Boylen wasn't diminishing what a player with White's speed and abilities could do for the Bulls sometimes sluggish offense.

"The most important thing for us is when the ball is in his hands, we have to run with him," Boylen said. "We want to play faster. We want to play smart, but we want to play faster when it's appropriate. He's a guy that can make decisions on the move. We've got to get the rest of our team to run with him. That's going to be our job, and I'm excited for that. That was part of our meeting we had on how do we use his strengths of being able to push the ball and get the ball over the timeline as fast as anybody, I think, in the league right now. We're not going to put him in this box where he just has to play this way. We're going to use what he does well and we're also going to add to what we think he can do."

Which means probably patience, exploration, hope and anticipation.

Does this mean the Bulls have their starting five? Dunn still will have a say in that. Coby White has the size and speed. He figures to produce superlatives. Will it lead to success? And if so when? Or how much?

Paxson knows the Bulls hardly are a finished product despite the possibilities. And the anticipated free agency period which begins this weekend should lead to several veteran additions to the roster.

"We're in the process right now of evaluating the talent that's out there," said Paxson. "There's a lot of money out on the market this summer (for free agents) and a lot of teams are going to be out there spending. They'll be a tier that goes and then there will be some fallbacks. We have a very good idea of what we want. But we're going to have to wait until the 30th to go at it. We know we need to add some veterans. With that said, we also have Otto Porter and Zach. Lauri is entering his third year now. Through experience, there's some leadership that goes on through that. But definitely we're looking for a couple of veteran guys that fit well with this young group, be pros, show these guys every day what it means to be a professional. Most guys that last a long time in this league, they last because they've been pros. They take care of themselves, they've played well, they've done all the right things. And that's always best example for young players."

Paxson said he's seen some glimpses of that already from White.

The precocious point started the season uneasily, averaging 11 points against teams like St. Francis, Elon and Wofford. Then came the breakout game against Texas, but then a wakeup in the ACC with nine points and six turnovers on three of 14 shooting his first game at Duke.

"As we watched Coby and we talked a little about it when he was here, the first time he played at Duke, he kind of struggled," Paxson noted. "He talked about it when we did our background that he wasn't going to have that happen again and the next two times he played Duke, he had really good games and learned from it."

White had 21 points and four three pointers the next game against Duke. That was just after 34 points against Syracuse and 28 against Clemson to close out the regular season. But White then showed his age in the NCAA tournament, shooting 35 percent and 27 percent on threes.

"They're young men who have yet to experience the NBA," Paxson noted. "They're going to take some lumps along the way. But if they keep working and persevere---they're both very talented---we believe that combination of talent and ability to persevere and that heart and desire you're going to be a success that way. What that means, that's up to them. They're going to be as good as they want to be."

And so the work begins. The Bulls will have a closed mini-camp next week and then Summer League starting July 5 in Las Vegas.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," White admitted about coming to the NBA. "I'm still in awe. It just feels crazy to me just because of what I've been through and how this wasn't really the plan for me coming into college. So I think overall, it's obviously a blessing. I'm very excited, especially the organization I'm coming to. I still have a lot of stuff to work on. It hasn't really hit me yet. I'm still looking for that moment.

"I don't want to be compared to anyone," said White. "I don't know what else you want me to say. I'm Coby White."

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White & Gafford Make Strong Impression on First Day

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Highlights: Coby White and Daniel Gafford's Press Conference

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2019 Bulls x Budweiser Draft Party

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Photo Gallery: Coby White and Daniel Gafford at the Advocate Center

Bulls introduce Coby White and Daniel Gafford

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Sam Smith

Coby White looks to be as good as we could have expected at that slot. Now comes the hard part. I know its not supposed to happen but I'd keep Robin, I want guys like him on the team. Other than that I don't know enough to even suggest a move at this point, considering all that goes into making a trade and/or FA signing work. But if we let Robin go, we're going to need an upgrade on the bench at the front line position.

The Bulls haven't revealed their plans, but I would not expect Lopez to return. Moving on, and all that. With Wendell Carter and especially drafting a center—yes, I know a kid and not ready, and, ah yes, still having Felicio on the payroll—I think the Bulls have other free agent priorities. The question about a veteran point guard will remain even though executive John Paxson Thursday talked about Kris Dunn being with the team into next season. Which is not unreasonable despite concerns about the position given that White is hardly ready to be an NBA starter. But perhaps the way the league is now not all that far away. Though Robin is a great teammate and solid presence, he's not much outspoken and has made it clear he doesn't like coming off the bench. Carter is the starter. I assume Robin takes a run at seeing where he can play a starting role, and the Bulls can hardly promise him that.

Now that the Bulls have made their selection and gone with Coby White - hopefully their PG of the future. Do they still look for a point guard in free agency? I can't see them offering a giant deal to Brogdon or Russell, but what about a 1 or 2 year deal for Pat Beverly? He'd bring some veteran leadership and stability to the team and would let White ease into the role off the bench.

That was the big question after the draft—I know, I know, other than the hair, though it didn't seem to impact Joakim Noah's career—though my sense is the bigger name free agents are out. My sense is the Bulls use their approximately $22 million in salary cap room (depending on the appeal with Omer Asik) to spread among two or three veterans to enhance the bench and veteran presence. Though there's always the possibility of a trade regarding Kris Dunn since after the musical chairs are filled, several teams still will need a point guard. And it's often a good risk to try for a former lottery point guard on his second or third team. Or fifth like with Chauncey Billups. The Bulls were able to get White because teams needing a point guard and selecting ahead of the Bulls, like the Suns and Timberwolves, passed on White. That's either good for the Bulls because they got their guy by surprise, or bad for the Bulls because those teams know something. It's probably that those teams want to go the veteran point guard route, which suggests the bidding might be extensive for the point guards with perhaps even Beverley looking at maybe $20 million annually in a tight market. With the need for veterans to fill out the roster and probably replace Robin Lopez since they also cannot be certain about Denzel Valentine and Chandler Hutchison after injuries, it makes sense to give Dunn another chance and thus time for White to begin to develop. The way John Paxson talked Thursday night it sure sounded like Dunn is coming to camp even if it was clear he wasn't being given any job and would have to earn his starting job. It might be just what he needs again because he played his best with the Bulls the season when Jerian Grant beat him out in training camp.

I don't love the Coby pick and hate passing on Bol Bol in 2nd round. I like bringing Dunn back and let's compete at PG. Loved Darius Garland but glad they didn't overpay. Hope I'm wrong on Coby. I think Bulls fans are underestimating Otto Porter Jr. He will have career year and be a big reason they make playoffs this year.

Actually, I've generally gotten more positive reaction about this draft than most of the last several. The fans poll we did on bulls.com this week had White as the leader, and one of my top behind the scenes draft gurus, the White Sox' Brooks Boyer, wrote me before the draft, "1. Coby White. Bigger DeAaron Fox. Potential to be a star." Who can argue with a Sox marketing guy (he actually played basketball for Notre Dame. I know, but still). I also got a lot of mail about passing on Bol Bol. Which I think might be medical given how far he fell. I like the profile of the Arkansas guy, though I have never seen him or heard him talk in the third person like Bobby Portis. There seems a lot to like about White with the potential for his game—athletes, yes!—his spirit and even what seems like a great attitude about the team. He seemed happier about his teammate being picked in the lottery than even himself. Are we talking the Bulls Across Your Chest logo man?

Well they got him! And frankly, he may have been worth tanking for. I really think he's a perfect fit. GarPax should feel lucky.

The Coby White pick also seems to be cutting into the hobby of Chicago fans to demand massive organization firings. It's early, I know.

With the addition of Coby White, do you think my favorite point guard, Ryan Arcidiacono, will still be a Bull this season?

I do. I'd want to retain Ryan because he's the ideal teammate for that position at the end of the roster, a guy who will practice hard and always—try running the load management crap by him—and be ready, and if he doesn't play for 10 games come out in that 11th game as if he's been there every minute of every game. He knows the system, whatever that may be for now, the players, the organization, the city. Among all the G-league guys and undrafted and second round picks, he's the one I would bring back. And probably just Blakeney since he's on the books at a small price for next season.

I see a lot of freshmen is this draft. Seems more and more are entering too soon before they're fully developed and end up being a bust. Two years of college at least maybe three.

Though it sounds like the players' association for reasons I can never fully fathom appear to have persuaded the NBA for the next collective bargaining agreement (either side can opt out after 22-23) to return to the direct from high school to the NBA model, a precursor, obviously, to drafting LeBron's grandkids shortly thereafter.

What's with the trade scenarios having the Bulls trade LaVine and the #7 pick for whomever? I suspect it's all just talk/speculation from the outside and not coming from the Bulls, so I take it with a grain of salt. But isn't LaVine considered one of their pieces of the future, likely with All-Star status, even more upside to his game, a hard-working guy always seeking to improve? And, even if it was for a higher draft pick, what are the odds the player chosen would be an improvement over LaVine, either currently or in the future? It would not be a good move, in my opinion!

Obviously, that did not occur, and just to be clear, though I hate this era's questioning of the media as a whole whenever someone makes up something—yes, it happens, but generally not with respected publications and media—LaVine never ever never ever was being discussed in any trade scenario. Yes, I suppose if the Warriors were offering Curry, though the point is all those rumors about LaVine and No. 4 and all that stuff was a fabrication. The Bulls also were able to figure out, OK, where are we getting his 24 points from? Case closed.

I thought that you might enjoy this headline in the Washington Post sports section this morning:

Zion Williamson isn't a lock to win NBA rookie of the year

I didn't think that we would be discussing rookie of the year awards before a rookie has even signed with a team, let alone played his first NBA game.

The Bulls see him in their third Summer League game next month and if Wendell dominates will it be fair to say Zion could be a bust? Look, we rarely have time for contemplation in this era. We have so much to do!

So the Harden/Paul pairing didn't end well, with reports that Paul has to be traded. However at his age, with his injury history, and his massive contract that will prove difficult. Do you see any contenders making a move for him? If not, do you think the Bulls would kick the tires on him given their need for a PG and veterans? Porter and Dunn?

Obviously you sent this before the Bulls landed rookie of the year contender Coby White. Hey, we can put pressure on our guy, too! I never thought the Paul/Harden thing would work because of the way Paul controlled the ball. But it did seem to be working, and they surely did have a chance for the title in 2018 before Paul was hurt. Paul always has been difficult to play with because he is excellent finding fault in others. Apparently, Harden explained who had the MVP trophy. We all understood-as did Houston, most likely—Paul's contract was to take a shot like Toronto did with Kawhi. It almost worked; it didn't. When it doesn't, it looks bad, as it would have if Kawhi had sat out most of the season and they lost in the first round, which was equally possible. Sometimes you are not the A-team and a plan doesn't come together.

Is there a chance Wade comes out of retirement to join LeBron, AD, and others in L.A.?

How cool would that be and how much less value would those souvenir signed jerseys have? Wade probably made too much of a production of last season, and, remember, LeBron sent him packing back to Miami the last time they were together. But this could be the return of Carmelo.

Am I crazy to think D Rose goes to the Lakers now?

And he wouldn't even have to move. He's actually the kind of veteran who makes sense now for LeBron to fill out that roster. We've heard Rose would love a return to Chicago, but the Lakers are back in the title hunt with Anthony Davis. Rose went to Cleveland to join LeBron for that reason, so even if it didn't end well last time, he and LeBron seemed to do fine and maybe a second time. It would be good to see Rose finally in the Finals somewhere.

I'm done letting anyone convince me that signing DRose and Taji-woo is a bad idea. Both Rose and Taj have put up better numbers in the last 2 years, than we had seen in what we consider their respective primes. DRose did that in 10 less mpg. He's smarter and knows better than ever when to assert himself during the course of the game. Taj is Taj. Just more efficient, effective Taj. We talk about culture all the time and i think these two were crucial parts to the ECF team culture that can get behind a Thibs lite, Jim Boylen. With what we added in the draft i feel like our roster needs mentors that can cause almost immediate impact from sharing experience while being able to still outperform the mentee. Im content with GarPax after this draft. I dont know if Coby is a superstar in the making or if he even needs to be. But i strongly feel like the right pg can unlock both Lavine and Lauri's superstar. Its on our roster. We need to facilitate greatness this summer and the vets will be crucial.

Now my hopes 4 FA: Any of these signings make me happy:

And I'd check to see what Jamal Crawford is up to.

Yes, that's next week. Obviously a lot depends on the status with Dunn, though I'd say the way things are going Rose seems a lot less likely than Taj. Obviously Julius Randle is big money and they seem to be looking for quantity with quality. I'd take a look at Jamal given his shooting and scoring abilities even at his age, though Seth Curry with all the playoff exposure probably priced himself out. I do believe the roster will look a lot different and a lot better with a lot fewer former undrafted types.

Except for the part about Ben being unable to dribble.

Why in the world would the Bulls pass on drafting Bol Bol, who has unlimited upside and wingspan, and instead take Gafford, who by all draft analyst reports I've read, is a one dimensional, low ceiling 8-10 minute off the bench 3rd quarter rotation guy?

Well, at least the Bulls have a lot of company since Bol didn't go until 44. What it suggests is physical concerns with his foot surgery. His size and frailty also could complicate that as big men with foot problems—ask Bill Walton—don't fare well. Gafford actually makes sense as a bigger, athletic guy, a sort of poor man's version of Jaxson Hayes, who was a lottery pick. Certainly worth the look in the second round. Yes, a safer pick, but a Bulls need. I don't see him as a gaffe. Gafford No Gaffe?

Thinking Coby White can definitely make a Bulls All-Hair team, along with Cam Payne, Robin Lopez, Joakim Noah. I'm sure I'm missing a few, but figure that's a good start. Not quite as pronounced, but the photo of Coby in the Bulls hat was reminiscent of Oscar Gamble with the Cubs back in the day.

Great Oscar Gamble reference, though his big hair and White-like cap perched on top of his hair look mostly was with the Sox and Yankees. Noah on draft night was so outrageous some among the Bulls were hoping he would be selected before their pick. The worst I've even seen was Elfrid Payton recently because it was getting in his face and affecting his shot. Dunking Darnell Hillman of the old ABA Pacers had what is generally regarded as the best Afro style haircut with considerable height since he was such an amazing dunker at just 5-10. It was a foot of hair. There have been some goofy ones around the league. Dwyane Schintzius and Birdman Anderson come to mind along with Danny Fortson. Old time Bulls Dennis Awtrey and Dave Corzine had those neat perms. Ben Wallace had some height with his Afro as did Artis Gilmore and the famousBulls No. 23, Rowland Garrett. Rodman was mostly inexplicable and Jordan's baldness opened the way for all men to be bald and proud which might be Jordan's greatest legacy. Though nothing probably surpasses Boozer's paint job.

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Ask Sam Mailbag: 06.21.2019

The NBA offseason, already firing on all cylinders with trades involving Anthony Davis and Mike Conley respectively, did not disappoint on draft night as the Pelicans, Hawks, Timberwolves and Suns were active. It all played into the hands of the Bulls.

The Bulls did not surrender a roster player, nor a future pick to grab the player they coveted.

Prior to the draft, if someone told me the Bulls would come away with Coby White at seven, I would have said, "Case closed, let's go home."

My initial thoughts as I'm writing CCI at 1:42 AM:

White has a huge upside. You can't coach speed and he is a nightmare to stop in the open court. His play making decisions will improve. He will be coached and will learn the pro pick and roll game. He has the athleticism to be a solid defender. He was the primary ball handler at North Carolina. He has "leadership" written all over him. He is 19. I repeat. He is 19. Patience, please. Head Coach Jim Boylen loves players with "spirit"...White has plenty of that.

After Minnesota and the Suns hooked up swapping first round picks with Dario Saric packaged to the Suns as well, I was convinced White was headed to Minnesota but the T-Wolves elected to go with Jarrett Culver. Love Culver, but White is the player the Bulls needed with the current group of players assembled and I am convinced in time he will prove me correct. The NBA game is changing with transition hoops and running the floor essential creating easy buckets. A message to the Bulls players: Better be in shape when training camp begins because Coach Boylen plans to jump start the offense with Chris Fleming joining the coaching staff from Brooklyn.

Coby White is "The Blur". The Bulls are going to be a fun, exciting team to watch.

Second round pick Daniel Gafford is athletic. I mean atttttthletic! He can finish around the rim (led the SEC in FG% at 66%) and is a presence on defense. Gafford is a roll to the rim talent and loves to run the floor, which only adds to the versatility of the Bulls. He too is a developing young player at 20. He is committed to working on his offensive game and body. He will compete with Cristiano Felicio for back up minutes.

Atlanta is percolating. The Hawks, similar to the Bulls, continue to stock pile young talent. As expected, Atlanta found a willing trade partner with NOLA. The Hawks from day one targeted Virginia's De'Andre Hunter who is a magnificent defender and understands his offensive role. The "X Factor" is Cam Reddish. Incredible skill set. It's a hit or miss. Don't sleep on the Hawks. Superb job by GM Travis Schlenk.

The Pelicans continue to wheel and deal as NOLA guru David Griffin is adding piece after piece after piece. I absolutely loved their selection of Jaxson Hayes at eight...yea, that guy, Zion is pretty good as well.

Memphis with a revamped front office did very well selecting Ja Morant (a no brainer) and Brandon Clarke.

Pistons GM Ed Stefanski in a 24 hour period acquired Tony Snell from MIlwaukee, drafted Sekou Doumbouya and then flipped the last pick in the first round for four -count em' four- second round picks.

The Cavs were solid: Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr. who has a big time upside. Can Garland and Collin Sexton play together? We will soon find out.

Indiana picked up TJ Warren from the Suns. On paper, I like the move for the Pacers but can Warren stay healthy?

Nassir Little of North Carolina was projected to be a 10-14 guy and fell to 25th. How badly does he want to be a great player? If he can't bring it nightly for Terry Stotts, that's on the player. Little has a great skill set. I'm shocked he went 25th...now it's time for him to look in the mirror and get after it.

What a night for Canada...a record setting six Canadians selected.

Tons and tons of story lines but this night belonged to the young men and the entire NBA basketball who put in the time, effort and long, long hours of intel work securing talent.

The free agent period is around the corner followed by Summer League.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls

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Chuck's Daily Check In - 06.21.19

John Paxson feels that the Bulls draft night additions, Coby White &amp; Daniel Gafford, both set the team up well to continue to evolve to the changing pace of the NBA.

The amazing five-year championship run of the run and shoot Golden State Warriors' seems over, at least temporarily, with the injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.

Get ready for Golden State East in Chicago?

"If you study our game, it is a quicker-paced more open game," Bulls Executive Vice-President of Basketball Operations John Paxson said late Thursday following the Bulls draft of speedy North Carolina guard Coby White. "He can run, he's fast and can spot up and shoot it. We're trying to build a team to play effectively in today's modern game.

"In today's game," Paxson emphasized, "I don't know how many pure points we really have anymore. Most really good point guards have an effective scoring component to them. You have to play faster in today's game, get the ball up the floor; this man can play an uptempo game.

Watch as the Bulls select Coby White with the 7th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft

See Coby (and Zach and Lauri and Wendell) run; run Coby run.

"Coby can run, he can shoot the ball," said Paxson. "He at North Carolina as a freshman took on a leadership role with older guys. You have to score the ball in this day and age. When we think back to two years ago draft night what we've done, we've added a lot of really good pieces. We feel we've made a significant jump. Now it's up to our players to get better and perform at a high level. These two players (with second round selection center Daniel Gafford) embody that competitiveness (coach) Jim (Boylen) wants to see and have on our basketball team.

And so the Bulls move onto free agency in July with an eye toward supplementing their young roster with perhaps a pair of veteran free agents. Though Paxson reiterated that incumbent point guard Kris Dunn still remains in the team's plans.

"We still value Kris very much," Paxson said. "We have not given up on Kris. He's a good basketball player. But competition is part of this business. The goal is to be deeper, more talented. We respect Kris Dunn. We want him to come in and work. If he comes in and is ready to work he has the chance to earn any spot he wants."

Though the Bulls future with the draft night acquisitions of the offensive oriented White and defensive, shot blocking big man Gafford begin to present a picture of a new style Bulls team, one committed more to a faster pace of play, more scoring and shooting with the likes of Lauri Markkanen at forward with Otto Porter Jr. and the possibilities with two of the fastest and most athletic players in the NBA in Zach LaVine and White.

Paxson was quick to emphasize White is just 19 and that point guard is a difficult and complicated position. Though with a philosophy of various players making plays out of the backcourt with the ball handling abilities of LaVine, Markkanen and Porter and perhaps even Wendell Carter Jr., Paxson was creating a vision for the sort of high powered offensive team unknown to the Bulls franchise. Though popularized throughout the NBA in recent years and almost perfected with the three-time champion Warriors.

The focus of that desire comes with the addition of a player like White.

White falling to the Bulls at No. 7 in the draft was somewhat unexpected. But with trades, Minnesota moved ahead of the Bulls and selected shooting guard Jarrett Culver instead of a point guard, as expected. The Bulls leaped to grab White and then found Gafford in the second round as a lean 6-10 shot blocker who could match up with the taller centers.

White, though, eventually could be the turning point for the Bulls in finally establishing both a transition game and a transition from the play of the past.

"Very excited about them," said Paxson. "Point guard, shooting guard, as you know in our league today, lead guards tend to score and do a lot of different things on the floor. We feel he has the ability to score, handle. He's quick, fast, has positional size at 6-5. And Daniel Gafford is a tough minded young guy who can run the floor and protect the rim.

"He's (White) a 19-year-old young man; we have to keep that in mind," Paxson reminded. "Most of the guys in this draft are not finished products; not even close. Do we believe he will learn and grow? Absolutely. All our background on him is he is the type of young man who will take the challenge. Our job is to develop him and help him develop to be the best player he can be.

Coby White with a special message for all of Bulls Nation

"It's going to be a process, but feel we've added to our talent base and feel confident going into free agency and adding what can be really valuable pieces to this group," said Paxson. "We're still very young. We know this offseason we have to address some veteran players who can fit into the group we have, help us win basketball games. We're real excited about the possibilities, but this league is competitive. We've always understood it's difficult when you are young, but you can't keep using that excuse. We're looking to improve and be a team that competes every night because there are times we haven't competed at the level we need to.

"It's just a start to the offseason for us," said Paxson, "but we feel it's a really good start."

john-paxson-pleased-with-bulls-draft-night-additions

John Paxson Pleased with Bulls' Draft Night Additions

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