The Chicago Bulls face a pivotal moment. Stuck in the NBA’s dreaded middle tier — not quite a contender, not quite tanking — the organization has watched its playoff hopes flame out in the play-in tournament three years straight. The upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, particularly the No. 12 overall pick, could be the spark that finally pushes the franchise toward a clear direction.
Chicago Bulls Draft Strategy
Though dreams of landing Cooper Flagg were extinguished by a coin toss loss to Dallas, this pick still holds immense weight. With several high-ceiling prospects on the board, the Bulls have a rare opportunity to redefine their trajectory if they’re bold enough to take the right swing.
Derik Queen: A Big Bet on Two-Way Upside
Derik Queen’s name sits atop most Chicago wishlists, and for good reason. The 6-foot-9 Maryland center blends power and polish on offense, averaging 16.5 points per game on 59% true shooting.
He combines brute force drives, refined footwork, and a soft shooting touch in the post. What makes Queen particularly dangerous is his ability to exploit smaller defenders — something increasingly valuable in a league obsessed with switch-heavy defense.
Yet, Queen’s draft stock has dipped. Concerns have surfaced around his defensive capabilities, especially in pick-and-roll coverage. In college, Queen was often protected within the scheme. Whether that protection can translate to NBA-level defense remains questionable. His ceiling on that end likely tops out at average — a potential liability in high-leverage playoff minutes.
But the offensive upside is undeniable. If Queen develops even a passable jump shot — he took just 35 threes and hit 20% — he could emerge as one of the best scoring bigs from this draft. His free-throw percentage (76.6%) indicates some shooting potential. Add his passing feel from the post, and the Bulls may be looking at a 25-point-per-game interior weapon or a double-double machine with defensive utility.
With Nikola Vucevic reportedly on the trade block, Queen could represent both succession and strategy — a possibility already stirring movement in Bulls betting odds ahead of the draft.
Egor Demin: The Oversized Swiss Army Knife
For a franchise craving versatility, Egor Demin offers a tantalizing profile. Standing just over 6-foot-8 without shoes, Demin brings size and vision as a pick-and-roll ballhandler. His assist rate at BYU — a remarkable 34.6% — places him firmly in elite territory for playmakers, regardless of position.
Demin’s glaring flaw is scoring efficiency. His true shooting percentage sat at 50.9%, and his three-point shooting was a shaky 27%. Still, his high volume of attempts — 50% of his shots came from beyond the arc — reflects confidence in his mechanics. The form doesn’t look broken, and development is plausible. If his shot improves, Demin becomes a rare asset: a plus-sized wing creator who can operate as a secondary playmaker and defend multiple positions.
Demin’s ceiling hinges on his physical development and shooting refinement. In the best case, he becomes a key playmaker who doesn’t need 20 points to make an impact. He may not be the most flashy choice, but his skills could boost players like Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. This would help the Bulls play a modern, adaptable style of basketball.
Noa Essengue: Raw Power with Star Potential
If the Bulls are willing to embrace risk, Noa Essengue is the swing-for-the-fences candidate. The 6-foot-10 French forward brings elite length, relentless energy, and a developing offensive game. At just 18 years old, he averaged 5.6 free throw attempts per game in EuroCup play — rare production for someone that young in a professional league.
Essengue thrives in chaos. He attacks the glass, defends with purpose, and gets to the line with regularity. His defense is predicated on effort, but also discipline — he doesn’t overcommit, and he moves well enough laterally to handle switches. His offensive polish is minimal for now, and he’s not a threat from three, but his free throw percentage (hovering around 70%) suggests he’s not far off.
In a league constantly shaped by NBA news and player trends, the upside here is compelling: a two-way forward capable of guarding multiple positions, finishing with force, and wreaking havoc in transition. With the right coaching and minutes, Essengue could eventually mirror a young Giannis-type developmental curve. That’s a lofty comparison, but the combination of youth, production, and athletic tools makes him one of the most intriguing international prospects in years.
Jase Richardson: Undersized, Undervalued, and Dangerous
Jase Richardson’s draft outlook is clouded by one number: just over six feet without shoes. In a league that favors wings and size, that measurement has led many to question his pro upside. But his game speaks volumes. At Michigan State, Richardson posted 12 points per game with a stellar 62% true shooting. His 3-point accuracy — 41% on 114 attempts and a 41% free-throw attempt rate underscores his dynamic scoring ability.
Richardson stands out as both a sharp shooter and a clever finisher around the basket. Although he’s not the tallest player, he easily draws contact and makes smart choices with the ball. His assist-to-turnover ratio is strong, even if his flashy passing stats don’t show it. On defense, he will need to prove he can handle bigger guards, but his effort and high basketball IQ give hope for improvement.
If Richardson proves that size doesn’t limit his game, he could become the best scoring guard in the class. He’s not the prototypical lead guard, but in a modern NBA where spacing and off-ball movement are vital, his efficiency and shooting could unlock more offensive firepower for Chicago.
Why This Pick Matters More Than Most
The Bulls don’t need a safe bet — they need a catalyst. The middle-of-the-pack status quo hasn’t worked, and this pick could shift the balance. If they land Derik Queen and he lives up to his ceiling, the Bulls have their anchor. If they bet on a high-risk prospect like Essengue and he pops, they’ll have stolen a future star. Even a more tempered prospect like Demin or Richardson could elevate Chicago’s identity, particularly if they fit around emerging young talent.
What makes this draft different is not just the player the Bulls select, but the philosophical shift it could represent. Playing it safe hasn’t advanced the team past the play-in. A bold pick, paired with strategic roster moves — including moving on from Vucevic — would send a clear message: the rebuild is officially underway.
Smart gambles are necessary to escape mediocrity. The Bulls have a chance to make one on June 25. Whether they see that opportunity and seize it will define the next five years of Chicago basketball.
