Chicago Bulls 2004 Draft Preview

In 2001, the Bulls picked high school phenom Eddy Curry with the fourth pick overall. Chicago also acquired the draft rights of another high school sensation Tyson Chandler from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade that saw forward Elton Brand go West.

Curry and Chandler have not developed into the players that Chicago was hoping that they would be. Curry did average 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 2003-04, while Chandler averaged just 6.1 points and 7.7 boards in just 35 contests. After three seasons in the league, neither player has proven to be the dominant force that the Bulls hoped they would become.

The Bulls got a solid season from rookie Kirk Hinrich, who looks to be the future point guard in Chicago. Originally drafted out of Kansas by the Bulls in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft, Hinrich averaged 12 points and 6.8 assists in 76 games this season.

Chicago will look to add scoring to its roster with the third pick. Duke forward Luol Deng could be just what the Bulls are looking for.

Key Player(s): Tyson Chandler (forward), Eddy Curry (center), Kirk Hinrich (guard), Jamal Crawford (guard).

Team Needs: A scoring forward or shooting guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (3rd overall), 2nd round (31st overall), 2nd round (38th overall).