Ranking the Top Ten Possible Draft Prospects for the Chicago Bulls

Draft Projection Score: 7.8

Maluach is expected to be picked in the top ten of the draft, but it’s wishful to assume he slides down due to limited self-creation skills, which many teams prioritize when selecting in the lottery. Nevertheless, what makes the Duke big man ideal for the Chicago Bulls is his physicality and ability to finish plays. According to Databallr, Maluach converted nearly 80% of his field goals at the rim, making him a potential long-term solution for the Bulls' center position.

2. Collin Murray-Boyles (PF-C)

Draft Projection Score: 12.8

Murray-Boyles is the prospect most connected to the Bulls, stemming from the NBA Draft Combine. Offensively, he has a lot of room for improvement, with a low three-point percentage and a usage rate of about 30%. However, defensively, he shows great promise and can switch onto all five positions while effectively playing in the passing lanes. If Murray-Boyles commits to doing the "dirty work" in his rookie season, the Bulls may have found a defensive anchor.

3. Derik Queen (PF-C)

Draft Projection Score: 10.5

Queen is the opposite of Murray-Boyles, as he is a talented offensive player but a lackluster defender. He’s an excellent ball-handler and is equipped to serve as a playmaking hub for Billy Donovan's offense. If the Bulls draft Queen, expect to see an exciting and fast-paced offense that hopefully compensates for their defensive weaknesses.

4. Carter Bryant (G-F)

Draft Projection Score: 10.8

Bryant may raise concerns among Bulls fans due to his resemblance to Patrick Williams, having spent most of his season coming off the bench for Dalen Terry's Arizona Wildcats. The fear of repeating past mistakes is understandable, but there's a significant difference between selecting a bench player twelfth overall versus fourth overall. Bryant is a reliable three-point shooter and defender. His weaker on-ball defense may be mitigated since Josh Giddey and Coby White will be responsible for playmaking. This shouldn't deter the Bulls from drafting a wing player.

5. Kasparas Jakucionis (G)

Draft Projection Score: 10.7

Jakucionis had a very strong start to his lone college season and made an impact in the NCAA tournament. Being from the University of Illinois and Lithuania, this could be a story-book fit for the Bulls, especially since Ayo Dosunmu is a former Illini and Matas Buzelis and Karnisovas are also Lithuanian. On the court, Jakucionis knows how to score and facilitate for others, though the fit with Giddey is uncertain, requiring adjustments in the guard rotation.

6. Noa Essengue (F)

Draft Projection Score: 13.8

Essengue is a project player with notable defensive qualities and can serve as a play-finisher. However, his upside might be overstated, as some view him as a potential two-way player. His current lack of self-creation skills raises concerns, making a more reasonable comparison to Jaden McDaniels rather than Kawhi Leonard.

7. Egor Demin (G)

Draft Projection Score: 15.7

Demin's similarity to Giddey has led many Bulls fans to exclude him from their draft wishlist, along with other reasons. However, his court vision, nearly 6'10" frame, and promising shooting mechanics earn him a respectable spot on the list. Chicago isn't in a position to worry too much about team fit, especially with over $100 million soon committed to Giddey.

8. Thomas Sorber (PF-C)

Draft Projection Score: 16.8

As a big man recovering from a foot injury, Sorber raises red flags for the Bulls. Nonetheless, he averages over a steal and nearly three blocks per game, a potential that shouldn't be overlooked. In a trade-down scenario, he is an intriguing gamble, particularly alongside another cautious prospect.

9. Cedric Coward (G-F)

Draft Projection Score: 14.5

Coward's low ranking is attributed to his injury history and the level of competition he faced. Despite these concerns, his over seven-foot wingspan and ability to score consistently are impressive. If his shooting and defense develop quickly, one can imagine him surpassing all others on this list.

10. Asa Newell (F-C)

Draft Projection Score: 19.3

Newell is viewed as a safe choice for the Bulls at 12, given his versatility as a defender and ability to score off the ball. He might fill a similar role to Obi Toppin of the Indiana Pacers as a reliable play finisher alongside Giddey. His athleticism could inject fresh energy into the Bulls' frontcourt—a rarity in recent years.

Honorable Mention: Joan Beringer (C)

Draft Projection Score: 15.7

Beringer has recently climbed up draft boards, moving from being largely unheard of to a potential lottery pick. His youth and ability to run the floor are appealing, even though his stats are underwhelming. What distinguishes him from other bench players is his potential to contribute significantly.