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With the 17th overall pick in the 2016 GBB Community NBA Mock Draft, the Chicago Bulls select...
Wade Baldwin IV, Guard, Vanderbilt University
When I pulled the trigger on the trade with Memphis' GM Joe Mullinax, I mentioned that with Gasol and Noah on the way out, Chicago needed depth at center. I was able to add Wright in the deal, but it's likely that Chicago would still like to add more at the position, especially in terms of rim protection.
That being said, it might be better for Chicago to fill the need in their front court via free agency and use the draft to fill their void at backup point guard.
That's where Wade Baldwin IV comes in.
Offensively, Baldwin should be able to come in and contribute immediately. He shoots well from the outside, particularly on catch-and-shoot opportunities, and he's a willing, capable passer. He may need to refine his ability to create off the dribble, though, as well as his ability to finish in the paint. The latter should be helped along at least somewhat by Baldwin's length: he's 6'4" and 202 pounds with a wingspan of close to 7'.
That length will also help Baldwin on the defensive side of the ball. In college, Baldwin showed the sort of lateral quickness that he'll need to defend both guard positions. He may need to work on his concentration (DraftExpress notes that Baldwin "can be prone to being caught sleeping off the ball"), but if he's able to correct mental lapses and stay locked in, there's no reason he can't be a solid defender at the next level.
This pick doesn't come without risks. Baldwin struggled against upper-tier competition in college, and he's still got some rough edges that will need polishing, but overall, the Bulls are still able to get a guy who's arguably the best still available at this point while also being able to fill a need.
Who will Detroit take at #18?
Date | Pick/Team | Selection | Mock GM |
June 2nd | 1/Philadelphia | Brandon Ingram, Forward, Duke University | Joe Mullinax |
June 2nd | 2/LA Lakers | Ben Simmons, Forward, LSU | Corban Ford |
June 3rd | 3/Boston | Marquese Chriss, Power Forward, Washington | Chip Williams |
June 3rd | 4/Phoenix | Dragan Bender, Power Forward, Maccabi Tel Aviv | Kyle Whittington |
June 6th | 5/Minnesota | Buddy Hield, Guard, Oklahoma | Aimee S |
June 6th | 6/Denver | Jamal Murray, Guard, Kentucky | Mopizzle11 |
June 7th | 7/Denver | Domantas Sabonis, Forward/Center, Gonzaga | Mopizzle11 |
June 7th | 8/Sacramento | Kris Dunn, Guard, Providence | Brandon C |
June 8th | 9/Toronto | Henry Ellenson, Forward, Marquette | Tabitha |
June 8th | 10/Milwaukee | Timothe Luwawu, Guard/Forward, Mega Leks | Kevin Yeung |
June 9th | 11/Boston | Jaylen Brown, Guard/Forward, California | Chip Williams |
June 9th | 12/Utah | Jakob Poeltl, Center, Utah | BealeStreetKen |
June 10th | 13/Phoenix | Skal Labissiere, Forward/Center, Kentucky | Kyle Whittington |
June 10th | 14/Memphis | Denzel Valentine, Guard/Forward, Michigan State | Joe Mullinax |
June 13th | 15/New Orleans | Taurean Prince, Forward, Baylor | Wes George |
June 13th | 16/Orlando | Deyonta Davis, Forward/Center, Michigan State | Daron Koch |
June 14th | 17/Chicago | Wade Baldwin IV, Guard, Vanderbilt | Brandon C |
June 14th | 18/Detroit | volislife | |
June 15th | 19/New Orleans | Wes George | |
June 15th | 20/Indiana | Aimee S | |
June 16th | 21/Atlanta | Jama17 | |
June 16th | 22/Charlotte | Justin Sims | |
June 17th | 23/Orlando | Daron Koch | |
June 17th | 24/Philadelphia | Joe Mullinax | |
June 20th | 25/LA Clippers | Kevin Lipe | |
June 20th | 26/Philadelphia | Joe Mullinax | |
June 21st | 27/Toronto | Tabitha | |
June 21st | 28/Phoenix | Kyle Whittington | |
June 22nd | 29/San Antonio | Jill Kong | |
June 22nd | 30/Golden State | rhinoh23 |