As part of our coverage leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft we will provide profiles of more than 50 prospects, including video interviews with each player, what they're saying leading up to draft day as well as their potential fit with the Bulls.
Gary Payton II, PG, Oregon State
6'3" | 175 lbs. | 23 years old
2015-16 stats:
16.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.5 steals, 34.3 minutes
Projection:
Second round
NBA
Quotable:
“Tony Allen, Kawhi Leonard and a little bit of Westbrook. Both Kawhi and Tony Allen (are) defensive minded. Their defense gets their offense going, and Kawhi is becoming a hell of a two-way player. Being real aggressive early on offense and everybody knows he's two-time Defensive Player of the Year, like myself. And then Russell is a do-everything guard."
Fit for the Bulls:
The Bulls haven't had a backup to Derrick Rose with considerable size, length or defensive accumen in some time. Aaron Brooks is unlikely to return to the Bulls, meaning there's an opening behind Rose (E'Twaun Moore, should he return, is more of a combo guard than a pure backup point guard). And though Payton is already 23 years old, he excels defensively, rebounds incredibly well, plays above the rim and has the bloodlines to think he'll succeed at the next level. He may be closer to his ceiling than some of his younger draftees, which is why he's unlikely to hear his name called in the first round. But the Bulls could give him a real look if he's still hanging around at No. 48.