Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

Bulls Predicted To Draft Nikola Vucevic Replacement In 2025 Lottery

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 3:41 PM ET

Looking at the state of the Chicago Bulls' roster, it's clear that two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic just doesn't fit the timeline of this franchise. While Josh Giddey and Coby White looked like All-Star-level talents toward the end of the season, there's still a lot of room for them to grow, and Matas Buzelis is still just 20 years old.

There were rumors that Vucevic could've been moved during this past trade deadline, but the team held onto him as an offseason move seems likely. Now, holding the 12th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, the Bulls can find their replacement for Vucevic. According to ESPN, they'll do just that.

Derik Queen outlet passing

Another fun microskill from this '25 NBA Draft class. Queen's ability to outlet the basketball will create some easy offense. Mix this with his ability to grab-and-go in transition and you get a very unique big man! pic.twitter.com/KL6wyoZxlS
— Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) June 17, 2025

In ESPN's latest mock draft, by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, they have the Bulls selecting Maryland center Derik Queen with the 12th overall pick. A versatile offensive center who will need to improve on the defensive end, here's what Givony had to say about the selection.

"The Bulls don't have much in the way of long-term keepers in the big-man department, with Nikola Vucevic, 35, a trade candidate entering the final year of his contract...Queen is the most skilled big man in this class. He is a terrific target in pick-and-roll, can create his own shot facing the basket with a wide array of moves and has intriguing passing ability," Givony wrote.

Why Derik Queen is a top 5 prospect...

1. True 1of1 on ball craft as a 5 - handle, vision, magnet hands, touch, intuition.

2. The concerns are fixable + have already seen flashes of improving.

If you overthink fixable concerns, you will get burned by the skill set. pic.twitter.com/zy0LHg6DRI
— Ryan Hammer (@ryanhammer09) May 26, 2025

Queen's draft range has been heavily debated over the last few weeks, with some mocks having him go as high as sixth overall to the Washington Wizards. Regardless, if any top big man falls to the Bulls at 12th overall, Chicago should feel inclined to select them.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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