I know, I know—the Chicago Bulls just beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, and we need to actually find the one piece we need to become contenders (sarcasm). But unfortunately, despite a big win, the Bulls are still on a bit of a cliff dive, and with a potentially stacked 2026 NBA Draft class on the horizon, it’s time to start searching for the light at the end of this dark tunnel.
The best way to do that? Understand what the Chicago Bulls need, what this draft class brings, and dive into college hoops to lock in your favorites early.
What do the Chicago Bulls Need?
Honestly, a lot—but the Chicago Bulls only have their own 2026 pick and potentially a Trail Blazers pick that is currently lottery-protected. So the real question becomes, what do the Chicago Bulls desperately need?
For me, it has to be the PF/C position. As we saw, in the Chicago Bulls’ win vs the Cleveland Cavaliers, a double big lineup is just something that works. And as of right now, we have only one center with guaranteed money next season, Jalen Smith, while Nikola Vučević and Zach Collins are set to hit unrestricted free agency. Because of that, the most logical move is to target a big man of the future.
The Bulls allow the most field goal attempts from 0–3 feet in the league, the second-most opponent layups, and rank bottom five in both opponent dunks attempted and made. At this point, rim protection isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Another position of need is SG/SF, specifically a scorer. Josh Giddey has had a great season so far, but he isn’t the prolific scorer the Bulls need to take them to the promised land. Coby White could have been that, but as of today, he looks like a player who may not finish the season in the Windy City. Kevin Huerter is also on an expiring deal, which only adds to the need at that position.
Now, I can’t predict where the lottery balls will fall, but I can make an educated guess that there are three scenarios for where the Bulls could be picking.
The Chicago Bulls Draft Board
Best-Case Scenario: Caleb Wilson — North Carolina Tar Heels
© Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesObviously, the best-case scenario in this draft is landing a top-three pick. However, a bit more realism and luck could see the Bulls picking in the 4–6 range. If that’s the case, Caleb Wilson has to be the way to go.
Wilson is currently a 19-year-old freshman averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1 block per game in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He leads the league in rebounds and free-throw attempts and ranks in the top 10 or top 15 in nearly every statistical category you’d care about. He may not be the stretch big the modern NBA typically looks for, but his presence in the paint more than makes up for it. Wilson is widely touted as the best player outside of the consensus “big three,” so for the Bulls to land him, they’d need to be bad, lucky, or both.
You can and should catch Caleb Wilson in action this week:
North Carolina Tar Heels (10-1) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2)State Farm Arena — Atlanta, GeorgiaDate: December 20, 2025Tip-off: 2:00 PM CTWhere to watch: CBS (TV), Paramount+ (Streaming)
North Carolina Tar Heels (10-1) vs. East Carolina Pirates (4-7)Dean E. Smith Center — Chapel Hill, North CarolinaDate: December 22, 2025Tip-off: 7:00 PM CTWhere to watch: ACC Network
Worst Case Scenario: Labaron Philon — Alabama Crimson Tide
© David Leong-Imagn ImagesThis scenario assumes the Chicago Bulls continue to win games, but not enough to escape the draft lottery. While it seems unlikely they would pay the premium for Coby White (though you never know), this is where you can get Josh Giddey the scoring help he needs.
Labaron Philon is averaging 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal while shooting 55% from the field and 41% from three. The 20-year-old sophomore nearly entered the NBA Draft last year before ultimately withdrawing to run it back—and that decision has paid off in a big way. He’s viewed as a high basketball IQ player, a strong on-ball defender, and a true three-level scorer who also passes and rebounds well. If he can replicate that production at the NBA level alongside Josh Giddey, it’s easy to envision a talented and reliable backcourt forming.
Last night, Philon dropped 29 points and 7 assists in a win against the South Florida Bulls. He’ll be back in action this week:
Alabama Crimson Tide (8-3) vs Kennesaw State Owls (8-3)Propst Arena – Huntsville, AlabamaDate: December 21, 2025Tip-off: 1:00 PM CTWhere to watch: SECN+
Most Realistic: Chris Cenac Jr. — University of Houston Cougars
© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesNow this is a player who fits the mold for the Chicago Bulls, based on their recent draft picks. He’s a 6’11”, 19-year-old freshman with a ton of upside. Most of his strengths lie in the promise of reaching that potential. He’s athletic, which translates to both offensive and defensive production.
The biggest caveat is that he’s a project—something the Bulls have shown they’re comfortable with. Cenac has struggled at times in the Big 12, but he’s flashed what he could become if developed properly.
Look for those flashes yourself when Chris Cenac Jr. suits up this week:
Houston Cougars (10-1) vs Arkansas Razorbacks (9-2)Date: December 20, 2025Tip-off: 4:30 PM CTWhere to watch: CBS
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