By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune –
CHICAGO — Player after player said the same thing at the NBA draft combine earlier this month: Bulls management told them they were looking for a combo guard who can score.
With management indicating it plans to match any offers for restricted free agent Omer Asik this summer, the Bulls’ big man depth will remain. And with trade talk surrounding Luol Deng quieting, the Bulls almost certainly will look for perimeter help should they use their 29th pick in Thursday’s NBA draft.
Along those lines, Memphis swingman Will Barton will undergo a solo workout with the Bulls — his second, following an earlier group workout — on Wednesday morning at the Berto Center, sources said.
There’s no guarantee Barton, a 6-foot-6 shooter, will be available that deep in the first round. But Barton, who has been working out for former NBA coach John Lucas as well as John Lucas III in Houston, is an athletic scorer whose strong rebounding skills belie his thin, 175-pound frame.
The Bulls also have been impressed by Vanderbilt shooting guard John Jenkins and Kentucky guards Darius Miller and Doron Lamb, sources said. Washington point guard Tony Wroten, who is 6-6 with a huge wingspan, could be a long-shot possibility because of his size, although his shooting and attitude could be turnoffs.
“They’re looking for athletic, combo guards,” Wroten said at the draft combine earlier this month. “I’m a big guard who can get to the hole. I have good vision to pass the rock. I’m versatile, can play with a lot of people.”
The 6-4 Jenkins averaged 19.9 points for Vanderbilt while shooting 43.9 percent from the shorter collegiate 3-point line last season. General manager Gar Forman long has mentioned the desire to surround Derrick Rose with more shooters, particularly since Kyle Korver’s $5 million team option make him a long shot to return.
Barring a trade, the Bulls are drafting too low to drive action. Thus, there surely are more players ranked on their draft board that they like. It’s a safe bet that most are perimeter players.
Layups: Yahoo Sports reported that Brandon Roy is plotting a comeback from chronic knee issues and listed the Bulls among several possible suitors. The Bulls will monitor Roy’s progress but are looking to add veterans on minimum deals in free agency. And the two-time All-Star, whom the Trail Blazers used their amnesty provision on before last season, likely will command a higher salary. … SI.com reported that new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan might pursue Matt Lloyd, the Bulls’ director of college scouting, after the draft.
