Bulls 2009 Draft Score

The Bulls hand the and 16th and 26th pick in the draft. With those, they picked up James Johnson and Taj Gibson. Let's see how the Bulls score with each of their picks.

16th pick, James Johnson, 8.0 out of 10

This guy is not the guy that will come in and help the Bulls out in the low post, a problem that's been unresolved for years. So what type of player is Johnson? 

He's a 6'8", 250-pounder that could play up to three, maybe even four positions. He could handle the ball in the college game, he's able to hit the college three, he's quick enough to be a small forward, and he's big enough to be an under-sized power forward. 

Sounds like Lebron James? Yes, but far from his skills. Johnson could do a little of everything, but not great at it. Some might see it as a weakness since he doesn't have a special strength. Some might see it as a strength as he'll give the other team some match up problems. 

Most of you are probably wondering how will he fit into the rotation? Johnson will probably serve as an insurance if Loul Deng has another injury plagued season. Bulls will need another small forward that could do what Deng does, score, drive, mid range jumper, and defend. If Deng remains healthy, then Johnson will be a good back up behind Deng and Tyrus Thomas.

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26th pick, Taj Gibson, 5.0 out of 10.

Gibson isn't the guy you'll be hoping to resolve the low post issue either. He has some decent post game, but with that 215-pound frame he will have a tough time scoring against NBA power forwards and centers. He's only an average athlete as well.

Not bad for a 26th pick, you might think, but Dejuan Blair fell right into the Bulls' lap and they passed on him. Yes, reports say that he has now ACL and can't handle the NBA, but he proved himself in the college game and he could add toughness in the paint.

It's not a big gamble when it's the late first round, with a quality player in Dejuan Blair.