bulls offseason layout, yahoo sports Options

[DutheDoduhon21]

Draft picks: No. 9, No. 49, No. 51

Depth chart

PG: Kirk Hinrich / Chris Duhon / Andre Barrett*
SG: Ben Gordon / Thabo Sefolosha
SF: Luol Deng / Adrian Griffin / Viktor Khryapa
PF: Andres Nocioni* / Tyrus Thomas / Malik Allen*
C: Ben Wallace / P.J. Brown* / Michael Sweetney*

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Power Forward, Center

Bottom line: Chicago is a young team that is already a legit contender in the East. The young core will continue to grow over the next few years. Still, they’re severely lacking in offensive firepower in the frontcourt. With Andres Nocioni and P.J. Brown set to hit free agency, frontcourt depth in general also becomes a major concern. The Bulls are pretty much set in the backcourt, which is why they’re looking to shop Chris Duhon this offseason. Chicago needs more help up front.

Draft outlook: The Bulls should be able to add a nice piece to their core at No. 9, hopefully adding some much-needed post scoring to their offense. Unless Joakim Noah or Al Horford drop to them - which is unlikely - the obvious choice for them would be Spencer Hawes. He has the most complete post arsenal of any player in the draft, though there are some major concerns in other areas of his game. His athleticism, defense and rebounding are not up to NBA standards, but playing alongside Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas could help mask that. Wallace would have to defend the more perimeter-oriented big men, because Hawes isn’t capable of doing that. If the Bulls buy into the doubts surrounding Hawes’ game, they could reach a bit and go for Tiago Splitter. He has a developing post game and is good defender and rebounder. Unfortunately, due to contractual issues, it doesn’t appear that Splitter will be able to come to the NBA until the 2008 season. Jason Smith and Josh McRoberts are also options for the Bulls at No. 9, but they would be reaches. In the second round, the Bulls could go in a few directions. They may add a point guard to replace the possibly departing Chris Duhon. Zabian Dowdell would be a good option if he’s on the board. They could also look at add some wing depth with someone like Reyshawn Terry. If they address the frontcourt, they could pick a project like Jermareo Davidson or draft someone to leave overseas for a year or two.