NBA rumors: Bulls Should Consider Forgotten Lottery Pick To Spread Wings

The Chicago Bulls have had manpower problems, particularly upfront. With Otto Porter Jr. in the sidelines, head coach Jim Boylen has resorted to a three-guard lineup. Somehow that has held up for the Bulls but the lack of ceiling could eventually be exploited.

Thus, considering to get a small forward still looms in the air. In a previous post, the name of Maurice Harkless and Jeff Green were suggested. As of this writing, nothing has come close to striking a deal with Thaddeus Young mentioned as one of the trade baits. Both have had their share of playing time this season but what if the player Boylen needs has not seen action this season?

A curious choice could be Josh Jackson. The fourth overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft ended up with the Memphis Grizzlies last July but has been relegated to the G-League. In two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, the 22-year-old swingman holds career averages of 12.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

There is no question that Jackson is a talent that can strive in the big league and his current stint with the Memphis Hustle could be part of his development. As pointed out by Fansided, Jackson is norming 20 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. There is no word yet on whether the Grizzlies have any plans of elevating him to the regular roster.

Standing 6-foot-8, Jackson could be a big help to the Bulls. He has shown that he can defend well but his outside shooting needs improvement. His outside shooting needs work although he has bumped up his three-point shooting in the G-League.

With the Bulls emphasizing on youth, Jackson is someone they should easily fit in particularly on defense. The Grizzlies campaign could use the former Kansas Jayhawk but seem to be doing pretty fine with their current crop right now.

Finally, defense has been one of the key things that have carried the Bulls this season. Jackson can further boost that niche and probably provide some help offensively.

As of this writing, the Bulls are 16-29 in the NBA Eastern Conference and still have a shot at the postseason wars. If nothing falls into place by the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, the Bulls may want to take the risk on the seemingly forgotten lottery pick talent.