It’s a bad season for an NBA team to be, well, bad.
Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas came off a long scouting trip last week and saw firsthand what many have been saying about the 2024 draft class: There is no clear-cut top player and a lot of question marks.
The class has some depth, but it’s unlikely to feature any generational game-changers.
The Bulls have control of their pick next summer and sit at No. 7 right now. That’s why if they can get draft assets and players in a trade for guard Zach LaVine, they would be better served to stockpile 2025 picks. That promises to be a much better draft, highlighted by forward Cooper Flagg.
While tanking is not on the table for the Bulls, if they move on from more than just LaVine — again, not on the table right now — then it might be inevitable.
Here are four prospects to start keeping an eye on:
Isaiah Collier, PG, USC
Some scouts have Collier, a freshman, projected to be the top overall pick in June, while others see him going No. 4 or No. 5.
Collier has shown he is a blend of power and athleticism at the rim, unafraid to play quarterback or fullback, if needed. If he can improve his decision-making and show he can shoot the three-pointer consistently, he might be the first prospect off the board.
How he changes the Bulls: Coby White has been one of the Bulls’ biggest surprises and has shown he can play either guard spot. When LaVine goes, White can slide to shooting guard, leaving room for Collier.
Ron Holland, SF/PF, G League Ignite
It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for Holland, especially because he lacks consistency with his outside shot and has had issues with ball security.
But he has lived up to expectations with his explosiveness offensively and his willingness to guard the opposition’s best wing scorer. He showed that during the weekend with a 32-point, nine-rebound, five-steal game.
How he changes the Bulls: Besides the question marks around LaVine’s future, don’t discount what plans the Bulls have for forward DeMar DeRozan. He has an expiring contract, and small forward will be a position of great need if they decide to trade him, too.
Alexandre Sarr, PF/C, Australia
He instantly would bring rim protection and an ability to change shots. Combine that with his stellar footwork for his size, and he’s a big who can cause issues in pick-and-roll coverage with his ability to switch to guards.
Sarr has shown touch in shooting the three-pointer, but that remains a work in progress. If he can add more to his offensive game in the next few months, Sarr has No. 1 potential.
How he changes the Bulls: Rim protection remains a big issue for the Bulls. If coach Billy Donovan wants to build on defense first, Sarr is the guy.
Nikola Topic, PG, Serbia
He’s a real enigma. Topic could go among the top three or slide to the bottom part of the lottery, depending on a team’s feelings about him.
His tape looks as though it could be shot in black-and-white, given how rigidly and slowly he moves at times, but that’s the beauty of his game. Like Mavericks star Luka Doncic, he’s a better athlete than he looks and knows how to put opposing defenders on his hip and play at his own pace. He can shoot, sees the floor and is a great playmaker.
How he changes the Bulls: Topic is a field general whose defense would be a concern, but his scoring and playmaking would be welcomed with open arms.
NOTE: Guard Alex Caruso (toe) is expected back for the Bulls’ game Wednesday against the Hornets. Guard Zach LaVine (right foot) is progressing and will be re-evaluated this week.
