2009 Examiner.com NBA Mock Draft: Bulls select B.J. Mullens

June 22, 6:03 AMChicago Bulls ExaminerChristopher Cason

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Chicago Bulls Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

AP Photo/Terry Gilliam

With the 16th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select B.J. Mullens from Ohio State University.

If you're a Bulls fan, the past six seasons, you've been asking for one thing to compliment the perimeter game and that's a physical low-post presence.

The Bulls come into this draft needing a center, backup guard and a power forward.

Rumors have Ben Gordon leaving as a restricted free agent and also has Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas being on the trading block.

Mullens numbers at O. State aren't impressive as the past two centers that have come out of the program in Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos and at 8.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 bpg in 20.3 mpg, one can't be blamed for asking how is Mullens even being considered taken as high as he's projected to go.

He been very impressive to several teams in private workouts. He has helped answer questions about his work ethic and motivation with solid showings.

He's an athletic big that could contribute in the Bulls pick and roll system with Derrick Rose. Has great hands, and can not only score with his back to the basket, but has a face up game. He can run the floor well, which could help him get easy transition baskets. He can take contact, which is a plus for any seven footer.

While these are all positives, he's is still somewhat raw and a work in progress. While his length and athleticism are a plus, he's not necessarily someone who is intimidating on the defensive end and with his explosiveness, you would hope he becomes a better shot blocker. Adding some muscle on his frame will help him in terms of boxing out and establishing his position down low and the Bulls must get someone who can help him develop some post moves and play up to his potential.

If you're a Bulls fan, you want to win now, but the Bulls are still a year and an all-star away from being considered a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, let alone championship contender, so Mullens will have time to develop.