Bulls insider blasts ‘puppets’ over Chicago’s NBA Draft controversy

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Bulls insider blasts ‘puppets’ over Chicago’s NBA Draft controversy

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 15, 2026 11:55 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls own the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft thanks to a stroke of luck in the lottery last weekend, and while selecting fourth is certainly better than picking ninth, the Bulls are still in a rather uncomfortable position.

AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson — in no particular order — are viewed, by and large, as the top four players in this year’s draft class, but Dybantsa and Peterson are expected to come off the board at pick Nos. 1 and 2. That would leave Chicago with either Boozer or Wilson, the latter of whom is the far superior fit.

But what if Wilson is off the board? Should the Bulls just settle for Boozer? Or should they go in an entirely different direction and nab someone like Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff?

Acuff has been rising up draft boards and could suddenly be in play as a potential top-four pick next month, but long-time Bulls insider Joe Cowley does not even think the team should entertain the idea of taking him.

Chicago Bulls warned about drafting Darius Acuff

Mar 15, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) dribbles the ball defended by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Chandler Bing (7) in the second half during the men’s SEC Conference Tournament Championship at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Cowley has made it clear that he thinks Chicago should go with who is left between Boozer and Wilson at No. 4, ruling out Acuff entirely.

“I love Acuff … and if the Bulls were picking 5, I’m in. But this is a big man’s league,” Cowley posted on X. “Steph and Zeke the only small guards to win rings … and you have to build an exact team around that. Boozer or Caleb … no brainers.”

Cowley then went as far to rip those in the Windy City media who are suddenly urging the Bulls to select Acuff.

“Problem is there are talking heads in Chicago that don’t know ball, selling themselves on Acuff at No. 4. Ignore them. Talking puppets,” Cowley added.

Acuff averaged 23.5 points, 6.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game on 48.4/44.0/80.9 shooting splits this past season and has even drawn comparisons to top NBA combo guards like Damian Lillard and Jalen Brunson. When you watch him play, it’s easy to say both players in the youngster.

But Cowley is right: you really need to build around a big man, and with Acuff coming in at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he certainly doesn’t qualify.

Wilson is an absolute no-brainer if he is still available at No. 4. Boozer? That’s a bit more of a question mark given his defensive deficiencies, but at that point, the Bulls might be better off trading out of the pick then selecting a point guard.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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