Jordan Bell, No. 38 NBA pick, thinks No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz should be jealous

Former Oregon standout Jordan Bell, the No. 38 pick in the NBA draft, said that former Pac-12 foe and top overall pick Markelle Fultz should be envious of Bell's position.

That’s because Bell is poised to suit up for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, joining a super team. His new teammates are Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. No big deal.

“I think I’m in the best spot. I think Markelle Fultz would rather be in my position that his,” Bell said jokingly on 95.7 The Game radio on Wednesday.

Fultz, a Washington product, joins the Philadelphia 76ers, who have a promising young core behind himself, Joel Embiid and last year’s top overall pick, Ben Simmons. But before the Sixers acquired the top pick in last week’s NBA draft, it was looking like Fultz would be joining an elite contender in the Boston Celtics, who eventually swapped with Philadelphia for the No. 3 pick and other assets.

Although Bell, a breakout star on Oregon’s Final Four team this past season, will undoubtedly have less pressure on his shoulders and benefit from a veteran, star-studded roster, his paycheck might tell a different story.

Simmons, last year’s No. 1 pick, made $5.9 million as a rookie without playing a single game due to injury. Pat McCaw, the No. 38 pick last year, made just $543,000. Both Fultz and Bell are expected to make similar salaries to last year’s picks.

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