NBA Notes: Bulls, draft picks, Hornets, Hannes Steinbach, Pistons

Bulls

The Bulls appear determined to build their new foundation on defense.

Chicago used its two first-round picks on Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, and president of basketball operations Bryson Graham made it clear what attracted the organization to both prospects.

“The fastest way to find playing time and opportunity is on the defensive side of the ball,” Graham said, via The Associated Press.

“So as Dailyn comes in and as Caleb comes in, I’m looking for them to be tone-setters on that side of the floor and be pillars for this organization going forward.”

The selections continue the Bulls’ effort to reshape the roster after major front-office and coaching changes earlier this offseason.

Hornets

The Hornets addressed both the frontcourt and backcourt in the first round, selecting Washington center Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson at No. 18.

Charlotte president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson had high praise for both newcomers.

“Best rebounder in the draft,” Peterson said of Steinbach, via the Charlotte Observer. “He’s someone who is just continuously trying to get better. He’s very skilled, a very high IQ player. He fits us from a DNA standpoint.”

Peterson was equally complimentary of Anderson.

“One of the best shooters in the draft,” he said. “He shot about 40% on three, just right under eight attempts a game. Shoots them off the balance, catch-and-shoot, spot ups — just in various ways.”

Peterson also cited Anderson’s decision-making, calling him one of the draft’s top pick-and-roll players.

Pistons

The Pistons paid a hefty price to move up four spots in the draft, surrendering three second-round picks to Memphis in order to select Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie at No. 17.

Detroit president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon believes the explosive guard can help inject life into the team’s offense.

“If you watch him, he’s always in the lane,” Langdon said, via Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “That ball is on a string. He’s fast, he’s quick. Incredible stop and go and change of direction on a dime.”

Langdon added that Okorie’s ability to create opportunities for himself and teammates should translate well to the NBA.

Okorie already envisions fitting alongside franchise star Cade Cunningham.

“I feel like alongside Cade I’ll just be another play-maker on the floor, another shot creator able to create for myself and others,” Okorie said. “And on the defensive end just bringing intensity, using my quickness getting in passing lanes and getting a lot of deflections.”