2011 NBA Draft a Bust for Chicago Bulls' Fans: Where Does Team Go from Here?

Every Bulls fan, and more than enough Heat haters, wants the Bulls to improve at shooting guard.. The draft pulled to be a wasted opportunity, as Chicago didn't select a single 2-guard. At best, they have a long-term prospect and a back-up to Luol Deng. 

What Chicago did do, however, is better their ability to find a veteran shooting guard if and when the CBA is finalized. By stashing their prospect Nikola Mirotic in Europe for a couple of seasons, the Bulls only have to pay one first-round pick. This frees up more cap space for the Bulls to snatch a solid player via free agency or trade. 

So, who are the best post-draft options? Let's take a look at the top five. 

5. Sign Tracy McGrady

Is the third time the charm? After spurning the Bulls for the Orlando Magic when McGrady was in his prime, it seemed like T-Mac was finally on his way to Chicago last season. After disagreement on his role with the team, the Bulls backed out, and McGrady went on to play with the Detroit Pistons. 

In a one-year trial in Detroit, McGrady proved he can still play. With season averages of 8/3.5/3.5 (points, rebounds, assists), it is evident he is not the Orlando/Houston T-Mac. McGrady could, however, fill a role with the Bulls. 

He is still a good passer and rebounder, and can defend his position. Last season, his shooting percentages were actually above his career average. At this point, McGrady knows if he wants to keep playing in the Association, his shooting efficiency is going to have to continue the upward trend, similar to Jason Kidd. 

McGrady would be an inexpensive option, low-risk option. His all-around play (see: passing, defense) makes him a better option than his cousin Vince Carter, who some Bulls fans have been clamoring for lately if he is released by Phoenix. 

4. Sign Grant Hill

Hill played small forward for the Suns last season, but in title only. Every game, Hill was responsible for guarding the other team's best perimeter defender, whether it was a small forward, shooting guard or even the point guard.

Robbed of his youth and athleticism, Hill has completely remade himself as an exceptional defender. His three-point shot has really taken off in Phoenix, as he shot 41.5 percent the last two seasons. His combination of defense, three-point shooting and veteran leadership would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

Hill made $3.1 million last season. Given his age, the Bulls could easily get him for a two-year deal at around that same price.  

3. Sign Shannon Brown

Shannon Brown does have a player option for next season with the Lakers. However, Brown stands to make $2.4 million with the team if he stays, so he does not have much to lose by hitting the free agent market. 

More than his pay, Brown has to be ready to play. Nobody in the NBA questions Brown's talent, and his athleticism is second to none. However, playing shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers will keep you on the bench. Even when he did get to play, it was often out of position as a back-up point guard. 

Brown averaged nine points last season in 19 minutes per game and has to be chomping at the bit for a bigger role. Brown the ability to be an elite defender and has continued to work on his three-point shot to the point that the defense has to respect it. Unless someone overpays for him, Brown should be available at a reasonable price. 

2. Acquire Richard Hamilton

It seems likely the Pistons will release their former star player. Hamilton is coming off his worst season in Detroit. Whether it is via free agency or trade, he can be had for a bargain.

It is likely Hamilton's down year came as a result of playing for a franchise without direction, as he played the fewest minutes since his rookie season and pretty uninspired ball when he was on the court. 

Hamilton may not be an elite defender or a top scorer anymore. In Chicago, he does not need to be the player he was during the Pistons' playoff runs. He just needs to fill a role. Plus, he is a former NBA Champion that can be a great locker room guy.

Hamilton can absolutely still hit the mid-range jumper that made him famous. He is no longer on the short list of the NBA's best defenders, but he can still lock his opponent down better than most. Plus, he has been a reliable three-point shooter for years and shot 38 percent from deep last season.

1. Put Offers in for Both of Denver's Restricted Free Agents

Either Wilson Chandler or Arron Afflalo would be a great fit for the Bulls. Both are restricted free agents for the Denver Nuggets, and it will be tough to match offers for both, as they figure to be a hot commodity. 

Of the two, Chandler would be an even better fit. He was one of the most underrated players in the league for the New York Knicks last season and sill has room to grow. He can score and rebound, and was one of few perimeter defenders to average over a steal and a block per game last season. 

After a breakout start to the season in New York, Chandler saw his minutes and overall statistics drop after the trade that sent him to Denver, so it's possible he may want out out there. Chandler has great potential and may be worth a cap-stretching $8-10 million per year. 

Afflalo would be a nice fit as well. One of the best shooters in the NBA, he would be outstanding as a stretch-the-floor guy for the Bulls, giving Derrick Rose more room to operate. He is a much better all-around player than Chicago's current deep threat, Kyle Korver. 

If offers go in for over five million per season, it is more likely the Nuggets keep Afflalo. Teams are always more partial to players they develop. Either would be a welcome addition and a great starter in the backcourt for years next to Derrick Rose.