Depending on who you listen to, either Joakim Noah or Spencer Hawes.

Noah would seem to make more sense because selecting college stars from successful programs has been John Paxson’s MO since he took over as Bulls’ GM in 2003. He’s had success with it too, as Kirk Hinrich (03), Ben Gordon (04), Luol Deng (04), and Tyrus Thomas (06) were all top seven selections who now compromise the Bulls’ talented nucleus. There are just two problems with Noah, a) there is a good chance he won’t be available for the Bulls’ choice, and b) he really doesn’t fill the Bulls’ biggest need, that of an inside scorer. Oh yeah, and everybody hates him. But who cares about that, that’s not too important right now.

I really like Noah a lot, actually. I know he’s never going to be a 20/10 guy, which is what would make the Bulls the favorites in the East right away, but with the ninth pick, it’s nearly impossible to find someone who is. He would contribute from day one, and would give the Bulls a pretty solid big man rotation with Wallace, Tyrus, possibly PJ Brown, and whoever else they add in free agency. He wouldn’t light it up offensively, but he’ll be a defensive force, providing the same blocks, rebounds, and energy that left when Tyson Chandler departed. Everyone hated Chandler when he was here, but he was actually a pretty good player. The problem was that he was the second pick in the draft and the Bulls traded Elton Brand to get him. To fulfill expectations he would have had to be like KG, but he never had that kind of offensive repertoire. Tyson was missed last season; Noah could give the Bulls everything he brought, and they wouldn’t have to wait long to get it. Noah would finally give them some height too. I can’t see how Paxson can justify taking someone shorter then 6’10 with their first pick (unless Corey Brewer fell). The Bulls are the shortest team of all-time, their center is about 6’6 (!), so Noah’s height would be a welcome addition. But there is that little problem of him not being available, Phoenix is apparently trying to trade up to get him, maybe at #8 with Charlotte, and the Grizzlies, Bucks, or T-Wolves could also snatch him up before 9.

So if he’s not there maybe the Bulls take Washington center Spencer Hawes….not a bad plan B. I know the great John Hollinger hates him, but screw him and his numbers. I don’t care if he can’t rebound, the Bulls need scoring baby, and that’s Hawes’ specialty. A lot of people, including BlogsByFans residential NBA guru SML, seem to think that Hawes is a joke, but he really isn’t at all. He only spent one year in college, but he average less then one point per game less then the vaunted Greg Oden. The dude can score, and that’s just what the Bulls are looking for. Of course, there is a chance he could be gone before nine too, with the T-wolves apparently loving him right now. Still, I’d be shocked if one of those two guys weren’t available when the ninth pick rolled around.