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Knees. The body part that haunted the 2012-2013 Sixer campaign, embodying the ghost of King Hamlet to Doug Collins and Andrew Bynum's proverbial Barnardo and Marcellus. Unlike in the popular Shakespearian tragedy, the Sixers' cock never crowed (what the hell kind of site is this, anyway?), enabling the dark, hovering cloud to remain all season long.
The Chicago Bulls are no stranger to the curse of the knee. Going down in the first game of the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, franchise cornerstone (get to know that name, Jake P.) Derrick Rose has only seen ten games of regular season action. Over 730 days. 10 games.
In Rose's absence, the Bulls have trotted out the likes of Kirk Hinrich, Marquis Teague, D.J. Augustin and Nate Robinson. Baby Nate and Teague have moved on elsewhere while Hinrich and Augustin hit the free agent market come July, making Rose the only point guard on the roster. And with those knees, some insurance not in the form of a "he is what he is" one year contract wouldn't be the worst move Chicago could make. Elfrid Payton, welcome to Chicago. We're having a clearance on Albert Belle memorabilia.
Payton's measurements and athletic ability should make Bulls' head coach Tom Thibodeau drool like Rich Hoffman over a bucket of lukewarm Bud Lights. Measuring in at 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan, Elfrid has the length to be able to defend in this league at an above average level. But of course, having the length isn't what it's all about (TWSS). Luckily for Chicago, Payton's ability on the defensive end goes beyond wingspan. Thanks to his above average quickness and athleticism, Payton would be able to D up the majority of guards in the NBA.
Another quality a player better have if suiting up for Thibs is playing a ton of minutes. Payton shouldn't have a problem with this quirk of Tommy's as he averaged 37 minutes per game last season for the Cajuns.
Selecting Payton at 16 might end up being a steal for Chi-town as he's climbing up Chad Ford's mock draft day by day, most recently landing in the 12th spot. With the success of other mid-major draftees who climbed the draft boards in recent memory (thinking Paul George and Damian Lillard off the top of the dome), it wouldn't surprise me to see a team take a flyer on Payton earlier than anticipated. While that's certainly flawed logic, we've seen stranger things happen.
The Bulls will be back on the clock soon enough as they also possess the 19th pick this year. But for now, let's throw it over to Brandon with the Celtics' pick. Brandon?