The Chicago Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs back in March, so they've already had a few weeks to do some soul-searching and figure out a plan of action for what's ahead.
On Monday, April 6, the team made waves when they cut ties with executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley, after a crushing six-year, one-playoff run.
So, Chicago Bulls president Michael Reinsdorf says he's looking for a new top basketball chief executive, but the team, of course, is also looking to acquire new talent on the court. That's where the NBA draft comes into play.
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The Bulls have the No. 10 pick in the draft, and now, one NBA analyst is pairing Chicago with a budding prospect at forward.
In a mock published on Friday, April 10, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley gives his picks for the draft, and he has forward Nate Ament out of Tennessee going to the Windy City.
"The Bulls are plunging into the unknown. Finally," Buckley states in the piece. "They gave their roster an overdue, future-focused reshuffling at the deadline, then split from the executives who took too long to dismantle their non-contending core. They should feel motivated—compelled even—to take the biggest swing they can here."
So, for that big swing, he urges them to pick up Ament, "hoping this developmental staff manages to maximize his unique blend of size and skill."
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Buckley adds, "He didn't always move the needle at Tennessee, but when everything clicked, he looked like a 6'10" walking mismatch. He defends, possesses a good feel and boasts the always coveted dribble-pass-shoot combo. Chicago should absolutely want to see what his future holds."
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The Chicago Bulls have already made big moves after playoff elimination. Why stop now? Ament isn't the safe pick, and that's kind of the point. His run with Tennessee basketball didn't always demand your attention, but he was consistent. Some nights, he blended in and drifted a little, but other nights, he was a huge problem for the other side.
Really, his dribble-pass-shoot package is what should be attractive to the Bulls. It just needs some tightening, and that's where Chicago's development staff comes in.
So, this is where the Bulls are now. No more patch jobs or half-steps. Ament is a long play, and he would make for a solid choice.