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In the midst of the NBA’s most serious tanking measures being discussed, the Chicago Bulls continue to find ways to lose the right way. Now on a seven-game losing streak, Chicago moved up last night from the tenth-best odds to the ninth-best odds at landing a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
However, last night, a very real issue reared its ugly head again. On a roster filled with far too many guards, the two young ones most likely to be part of Chicago’s long-term plan, Jaden Ivey and Rob Dillingham, played little to no minutes.
Replacing them were two older players who likely won’t even be on the team next year. So, today’s players from the 2026 NBA Draft to watch this week will be potential replacements for them, but, knowing this coaching philosophy, they might struggle to see the floor on this team anyway.
The Chicago Bulls 2026 NBA Draft Board
@ Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesBest Case Scenario: Darryn Peterson – Kansas Jayhawks
You won’t believe me when I say this, but for the first time this year, Darryn Peterson to the Chicago Bulls is actually a possibility. Despite the toss-up at the top of the 2026 NBA Draft between Peterson, Dybantsa, and Boozer, everyone knew that purely on talent, Darryn was the best.
Because of that, I never even considered it realistic. But recently, a mix of Chicago’s downfall and Peterson’s “love for basketball” taking a hit on a national scale has created the exact combination of circumstances that could make it possible.
The only real knock on Peterson this season has been his proneness to injury. Not major injuries, but conditioning-related concerns. He’s missed 11 games this season, including one where his team beat the best team in the country without him, with reasons ranging from quad cramping to a hamstring strain to an ankle injury. In two other games, he left mid-game.
The most recent was against Oklahoma State, where he subbed himself out after the first half and never returned. Load managing, in college basketball.
DP hits a 3 and immediately turns to Self wanting out. #kubball pic.twitter.com/EbKNIDEuAC
— Crimson and the Burner (@crimsonblueburn) February 19, 2026The problem is that when he is on the court, he looks generational. Even in the game against Oklahoma, where he left early, he had 23 points in just 18 minutes. But what use is ability when there is no availability?
He’ll still be a top-three pick. But could he fall to three instead of one or two like most people expected? You never know.
Good News: Darryn Peterson dropped 23 PTS on 7-12 and hit 6 threes in a win. Once again he looked like a man among boys. Bad News: Bro only played 18 minutes and subbed himself out 3 minutes into the 2nd half. pic.twitter.com/bwdW9aavJd
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) February 19, 2026You can watch Peterson play this week (probably with a self inflicted minutes restriction):
Kansas Jayhawks (20-6) vs Cincinnati Bearcats (14-12)Allen Fieldhouse – Lawrence, KSDate: February 21, 2026Tip-off: 12 PM CTWhere to watch: CBS
Kansas Jayhawks (20-6) vs Houston Cougars (23-3)Allen Fieldhouse – Lawrence, KSDate: February 23, 2026Tip-off: 8 PM CTWhere to watch: ESPN
@ Nelson Chenault-Imagn ImagesWorst Case Scenario: Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas Razorbacks
The great part, at least until changes are made, is that when you’re this deep in the lottery, there’s very little room to fall, and a whole lot more room to rise. Because of that, even in their worst-case scenario, the Chicago Bulls could still draft a top-ten level player in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Since today’s article is focused on guards, Darius Acuff is definitely one to keep your eye on. His insane play recently, as a freshman for the Razorbacks, has played a huge role in his climb from a mid-first round projection to a legitimate top-ten talent in this very guard-heavy draft. The performance everyone points to, of course, is his 49-point explosion in the double-overtime loss to a ranked Alabama team.
Freshman Darius Acuff with one of the best performances we've seen all season ?49 PTS | 16-27 FG | 6-10 3PT | 5 REB | 5 AST | 50 MINS pic.twitter.com/guNnS1XBPe
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 19, 2026His efficiency, his ability to get to the line, and the ridiculous percentages he’s shooting this season all point to one thing, he’s going to be a bucket at the highest level, too.
And the best part? You can watch the 6’3 Acuff play this week:
Arkansas Razorbacks (19-7) vs Missouri Tigers (18-8)Bud Walton Arena – Fayetteville, ARDate: February 21, 2026Tip-off: 3 PM CTWhere to watch: ESPN
Arkansas Razorbacks (19-7) vs Texas A&M Aggies (18-8)Bud Walton Arena – Fayetteville, ARDate: February 25, 2026Tip-off: 8 PM CTWhere to watch: ESPN2
© Ron Johnson-Imagn ImagesMost Realistic: Keaton Wagler – Illinois Fighting Illini
Considering the fact that this article is meant to help the Bulls find a replacement for Jaden Ivey, the young, ultra-efficient shooting guard who loves wearing number 23, why not replace him with an even younger, taller, and bigger sniper who also loves wearing 23: Keaton Wagler?
twitter.com/SpeakEZsports_/status/2024845950066299386?s=20There’s always a ton of sense in picking an Illini for the Chicago Bulls, because you know the fans will make that drive. But Wagler isn’t just a feel-good, hometown-adjacent pick, he’s one of the best players in the 2026 NBA Draft and would be an incredible piece to add to Chicago’s future.
I’ve been advocating for him since he was projected at the end of the first round, through his jump into the lottery, and now to the point where he could realistically be a top-six pick. At 6’6″, with the ability to pass and rebound on top of his scoring, the Bulls could do wonders pairing him with the tall Josh Giddey and the lengthy Matas Buzelis.
Over his last five games, he’s scored over 20 points just once, but it hasn’t even been a month since he dropped 46 against Purdue.
“That’s probably one of the most impressive performances, if not the most impressive we’ve had, you know, in Mackey Arena.”Purdue HC Matt Painter on Illinois' Keaton Wagler dropping 46 points. pic.twitter.com/Dl0EPrVUyp
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 25, 2026So yes, the talent is absolutely there. He just needs to still be on the board when the Bulls pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and if he is, we’re golden.
This week, he plays:
Illinois Fighting Illini (22-5) vs UCLA Bruins (17-9)Pauley Pavilion – Los Angeles, CADate: February 21, 2026Tip-off: 7 PM CTWhere to watch: FOX
Illinois Fighting Illini (22-5) vs Michigan Wolverines (25-1)State Farm Center, Champaign, ILDate: February 27, 2026Tip-off: 7 PM CTWhere to watch: FOX
Also Read:
NBA Mock Draft: How Will Point Guards Fit at Next Level? — February 16, 2026Hence then, the article about 2026 nba draft should the ethical tanking bulls keep an eye on a jaden ivey replacement was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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