With three total picks in the 2011 NBA Draft the Bulls will definitely look to sure up the small forward and shooting guard position . They definitely need some depth at these positions and could also use someone that can be an immediate impact. Here are my top five rankings at each of these positions. Not all of them will be available when the Bulls select at 28 and 30, but one or two may fall.
Shooting Guards
1) Alec Burks- 6'5", Colorado
Pros- Great size for a two guard. Effective mid-range shooter. High ceiling. Great passer. Can create own shot.
Cons- Not an elite athlete. Needs to improve outside shooting. Needs to add muscle and weight.
NBA comparison- Eddie Jones
2) Klay Thompson- 6'6", Washington State
Pros- Strength and form. Can score in the lane. Quick release. Plays with confidence.
Cons- Average athlete. Too many turnovers. Shooting consistancy.
NBA comparison- Marco Belinelli
3) Marshon Brooks- 6'5", Providence
Pros- Polished offensively. Good shot selection. Great three-point shooter.
Cons- Not a top level athlete.
NBA comparison- Josh Howard
4) Travis Leslie- 6'4", Georgia
Pros- Rare athleticism, length, and strength. Explosive leaper. Quick first step.
Cons- Not a traditional two guard. Not much range. Needs to be more aggresive.
NBA comparison- Kelenna Azubuike
5) Malcolm Lee- 6'5", UCLA
Pros- Good length and quickness. Strong in transition. Can defend both guard positions.
Cons- In between positions. Not a great decision maker. Inconsistent shooter.
NBA comparison- Kyle Weaver.
The Bulls roster currently has Kyle Korver, Keith Bogans, and Ronnie Brewer. All are nice role players, but the Bulls could really use an impact player at that position. Of the Top five listed above someone like Malcolm Lee should be available when they pick. The Bulls like defenders and he can certainly defend.
Small Forwards
1) Jan Vesely- 6'11",Czech
Pros- Great size and length. Runs floor well. Good hands. Can guard multiple positions.
Cons- Needs to improve offensive skills and shooting.
NBA comparison- Mike Dunleavy
2) Kawhi Leonard- 6'7", San Diego State
Pros- Nice length. Quick jumper. Very agile. High energy.
Cons- Shaky with left hand. Shot is kind of flat. Shoots a lot off balance. Needs to improve defensive discipline.
NBA comparison- Gerald Wallace
3) Jordan Hamilton- 6'8", Texas
Pros- Strong frame. Great shooting range.
Cons- Questioned in college as to if he was a team player. Takes some ill advised shots. Streaky shooter.
NBA comparison- Cedric Ceballos
4) Chris Singleton- 6'9", Florida State
Pros- Size and length. Explosive leaper. Excellent defender. Excellent rebounder.
Cons- Ballhandling. Not a great scorer. Footwork. Coming off an injury.
NBA Comparison- Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
5) Tyler Honeycutt- 6'8", UCLA
Pros- Extremely versatile. Excellent size and wing span. Great defender. Quick feet.
Cons- Creating own shot. Finishing around the rim.
NBA Comparison- Tayshaun Prince
The Bulls currently have Luol Deng, Rasual Butler, and Brian Scalabrine at the small forward position. They clearly need to add depth at this position. Someone like Tyler Honeycutt would be a nice fit and should be available when they pick.
Up Next- Power Forwards and Centers.