The Chicago Bulls’ lack of picks in the 2023 NBA Draft hasn’t stopped them from getting involved in the festivities. They lost their first-round pick at the NBA Draft Lottery, as it stayed at 11th and will now convey to the Orlando Magic, but they’re still taking a look at plenty of first-round prospects.
According to Daniel Greenberg, also known as @ChiSportsUpdates on Twitter, the Bulls plan to attend G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson’s pro day. The highly touted guard is projected to be a top-three pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and has garnered a ton of attention throughout the year.
While Metropolitans 92 center Victor Wembanyama has been regarded as the consensus number-one pick, Henderson has spent most of the year projected to go second. Alabama forward Brandon Miller has been mocked at that spot as well, but Henderson’s talent is undeniable.
Chicago Bulls NBA Draft Watch: Scoot Henderson overview
The 6-foot-2 guard chose to forgo college and play for the G League Ignite this past season. In 19 appearances, Henderson averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 42.9% shooting from the field and 27.5% shooting from behind the three-point line.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer compares Henderson to Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose, listing his best attributes as being a human highlight reel, his feel for the game, his athleticism, and, quote, “has that dog in him.”
Chicago Bulls NBA Draft Watch: Bulls could have pathway to top-three pick
If the Bulls generate serious interest in drafting Henderson, they would have to trade into the top three. And considering the Charlotte Hornets will almost certainly keep the second pick, Chicago’s best bet would be to ask the Portland Trail Blazers about the third pick if Henderson falls.
Luckily for Chicago, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that Portland is interested in potentially trading the third pick.
“The Blazers moving up from No. 5 to No. 3 raised eyebrows all over the league right away,” wrote Lowe. “The Blazers could of course keep that pick, but rival executives expect them to explore the kind of veteran help that pick — plus other players — might fetch for Damian Lillard. (Executives also expect the Blazers to re-sign Jerami Grant.) The No. 3 pick by itself won’t net a game-changing veteran. What might the combination of that pick and Anfernee Simons get Portland? If they do try to load up around Lillard — which requires Lillard indicating he’d like to stay in Portland — expect the Blazers to go after wings and big men, sources said.”
Chicago Bulls NBA Draft Watch: Bulls would need to trade a star
The Trail Blazers are desperate to put a championship-caliber team around Damian Lillard. To land the third pick, Chicago would undoubtedly have to give up Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan.
But if they love what they see in Henderson, maybe it’s something they consider.
