Arturas Karnisovas was brought in to do the obvious. His mission is to overhaul the Chicago Bulls from NBA laughing stock to contender once again. Essentially clean up the mess John Paxson left behind. To do that he’ll have to build his own roster. The question becomes how will he go about it? That is tough to answer because the current season has been put on hold and could end up getting canceled depending on the coronavirus pandemic.
As things stand, one can always start with the NBA draft. It’s currently scheduled to take place on June 25th of this year with the Bulls projected to pick 7th, meaning they’ll once again be in the lottery drawing. One thing that is likely certain is Karnisovas’ vision of the Bulls roster will be a departure from what Paxson and Gar Forman wanted.
So this begs the question, who are some potential prospects that might fit what he’s looking for? Here are a couple of names worth keeping in mind, depending on how the lottery shakes out and even if the draft takes place.
Arturas Karnisovas will likely covet these players
Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa State)
One thing that people know for sure about Karnisovas is he wants a lineup that will move the ball around. Players who are unselfish and willing to pass until they can create an open shot. This season the Denver Nuggets ranked 4th in the NBA with 26.5 team assists per game. He’ll want guys with good court vision who know how to find the open spaces.
Haliburton feels like his kind of player. The 6’5 guard was excellent for the Cyclones before the college season was abruptly canceled. He averaged 15.2 points scored and 6.5 assists per game. Many experts believe he might be the best passer in this draft. To say nothing of his active and relentless defense. This is a guy who will create extra opportunities for teammates.
LaMelo Ball (NBL)
It might take a top 5 pick to secure him but Ball certainly looks the part of somebody Karnisovas can get on board with. He’s 6’7 but can play like a point guard. He’s creative and quick with the ball in his hands, able to drive the lane to either score or kick it out to a teammate for an open shot. Throw in some impressive shooting ability from deeper range coupled with a confident swagger and he’ll appeal to lots of teams.
What has some worried are his somewhat underdeveloped frame and his lack of true effort on defense. There is a concern whether his body can hold up to 82 games of physical NBA play each year. Faster or bigger players may find it a little too easy to get past him for baskets. He’s not a perfect prospect but the upside is substantial.
Killian Hayes (France)
Everybody knows that Karnisovas has a strong overseas presence. So one can bet he won’t have qualms about going with an international pick if he feels it’s the right decision. That is why Hayes is absolutely on the table. Like most prospects his age, his body still has growing to do. NBA defenders would give him a lot of problems. However, the kid has a well-rounded game that would be something to watch if he matures physically.
As stated before, he has good court vision and can dish the ball to the open man. One of his biggest strengths is speed and the ability to drive to the basket with an explosive finish. Plenty of defenders got postered courtesy of him. He’ll also draw fouls and consistently knock down free throws. His one notable weakness is a rough 3-point shot. All in all, he checks most of the boxes.
