Unlike like a year ago, when the Bulls had the No. 1 pick and selected point guard Derrick Rose, the NBA draft Thursday doesn't figure to be a defining moment in the team's rebuilding process.
With two picks in the second half of the first round (Nos. 16 and 26), it's unlikely there will be any franchise centerpieces on the board when the Bulls' turn comes up roughly an hour and a half into the proceedings. Still, there might be a few players left who are talented enough to come in and contribute immediately as a rotation player off the bench. The Bulls have a nice core of young players, but -- as we learned down the stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs -- the bench is a bit thin.
''People say that this draft is not particularly strong,'' Bulls general manager Gar Forman said. ''I think I would disagree with that in this sense: I'm not sure it's top-heavy as far as the strength of it, but I do think it's pretty deep.
''We feel pretty optimistic that if we do stay at 16, we can get a good, productive player, a guy that can play a role for us. And we feel that way at 26, also. We think there will be some intriguing players there.''
Which way will they go?
The Bulls' primary need -- as it has been for the last few years -- is a low-post scorer, preferably a center. Of course, that kind of player won't be available, but they might be able to fill needs for backups at power forward and point guard.
Although selecting a point guard might seem strange with Rose on the roster, the Bulls could use someone to play the role that veteran Lindsey Hunter filled last season. That role would be even more important if either Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich doesn't return next season.
The biggest news the Bulls figure to make this summer will concern the futures of Gordon and Hinrich. Gordon will be an unrestricted free agent and has the ability to walk without the Bulls getting anything in return.
If Gordon leaves, Hinrich probably will stick around. But if the Bulls re-sign Gordon, Hinrich likely will be dealt because it's doubtful they can pay both and avoid the luxury tax.
FLEXIBILITY IS PARAMOUNT
There's also a chance that Hinrich might be a part of a bigger deal this summer -- or before the trade deadline in February -- for a big-time big man. With a slew of expiring contracts and young talent, the Bulls might be the favorite if the Toronto Raptors decide to deal All-Star forward Chris Bosh before he can become a free agent next summer.
The theme for the Bulls in the draft will be flexibility. With two first-round picks, they easily can move up a few spots if a player they rate highly suddenly slips.
''I think it's going to be a very active draft because there's probably the top five or six guys, and after that the same guy that can go nine or 10 could go 20 or 21,'' Forman said. ''So we're expecting there could be a lot of activity on draft night.''
For the Bulls , the summer might be active, too.
