Who Should The Bulls Draft With Pick No. 12?

The good news for the Bulls: This year’s class is full of athleticism and talent, two traits that complement their fast-paced play style.

DRAFT TARGETS

The Bulls will likely go with the best player available. Nikola Vucevic no longer fits the team’s direction, so there’s a need at center. There’s also uncertainty around which guards are part of Chicago’s plans. The Bulls could potentially find a replacement for Coby White at No. 12 as well.

Asa Newell (PF/C)

Asa Newell is a raw prospect, which may concern Bulls fans who have been waiting for Patrick Williams to develop.

He’s athletic and explosive, the opposite of Vucevic. Newell is a strong fit as a rim-running forward who will catch lobs from Josh Giddey and beat the defense down the court in transition.

He moves well laterally, allowing him to guard on the perimeter, and his speed makes him an effective help defender in the paint. While he shot just 29.2% from three at Georgia, his fluid jumper gives hope for growth.

Noa Essengue (PF)

Noa Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft and already has two years of professional experience in Germany.

Another high-upside, developmental prospect, Essengue might offer more potential than Newell. The French forward has a massive wingspan, measured with a 9-foot-3.25-inch standing reach at the Basketball Without Borders Combine.

He has shown he can defend guards on the perimeter, but is less polished offensively than Newell, scoring mainly off cuts and drives.

Jase Richardson (PG/SG)

Jase Richardson is another young option, this time at guard.

As a freshman, he earned the trust of Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo to run Michigan State’s offense. The Bulls have struggled with turnovers, and Richardson could help solve that.

He’s shifty, creates space on step-backs, and is among the best shooters in the class. The main concern is his size— he measured just six feet at the combine, down from his college listing of 6-3.

If the Bulls move White, Richardson could be the best replacement, with more upside on defense.

IF THEY FALL

Chicago got lucky last year when Matas Buzelis, a projected top-six pick, was still available. Here are some players the Bulls should target if they were to slip out of the top 10.

Khaman Maluach (C)

Khaman Maluach is a perfect fit for Chicago. The 7-foot-1 center is a defensive anchor with offensive potential.

The Bulls had the NBA’s worst paint defense last season, and Maluach would fix that immediately.

He can guard on the perimeter for short stretches and draws comparisons to Rudy Gobert, though Maluach may have more offensive upside.

He began playing basketball in 2019, so he is far from a finished product. He’s primarily a rim runner but has flashed three-point range in limited attempts.

Derik Queen (PF/C)

Derik Queen is the most skilled big man in the class.

He ranked third in the Big Ten in total rebounds, passes well out of the post, has quick feet, and can score inside and out. However, he’s not a true rim protector.

Like Newell, Queen excels in help defense and would thrive in two-big lineups, similar to Alperen Sengun and Julius Randle. The fit in Chicago is a bit awkward, but Queen might be too talented to pass up.

Kon Knueppel (SG/SF)

If Kon Knueppel falls to No. 12, it would likely be due to athleticism concerns. Still, he’s a highly efficient offensive player.

Knueppel shot over 40% from three and nearly had a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7 to 1.4). He stepped up as Duke’s top option in the ACC Tournament when Flagg was sidelined.

Knueppel would fit in as an upgraded version of Kevin Huerter for the Bulls if he’s available.

POTENTIAL REACHES

Rasheer Flemming (PF)

Rasheer Fleming might not be considered a reach for long. He’s a prototypical stretch-four and was the only Division I player to record 60 threes and 40 dunks last season.

He is very active without the ball and on the defensive end, standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan.

He struggles to create his shot, but with Giddey and White, he wouldn’t have to. Flemming is an older prospect as a Junior and played against lower competition in the Atlantic 10 conference.

Replacing Patrick Williams with Flemming could transform Chicago’s offense.

Will Riley (SG/SF)

Will Riley has the most bust potential of anyone on this list.

His offense can be dominant — he scored 31 points on 13 shots in his college debut and was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Combine — but he’s also inconsistent and raw.

Riley, who played at Illinois, wouldn’t have to leave the state if drafted. Riley might come with too much risk, especially if Richardson is still available.

SECOND ROUND TARGETS

This draft class is deep. The Bulls don’t need to find all their answers in the first round. Several freshman guards could be available in Round two, including Labaron Philon and Tahaad Pettiford.

There will be some veteran players who had very successful college careers as well. Mark Sears was the favorite for SEC Player of the Year before his disappointing season. Tyrese Proctor is a great shooter and was a three-year starter at Duke.

Ryan Kalkbrenner is a force in the paint on both sides of the ball and could be the Bulls’ answer to their paint defense problem if they go guard in the first round.

This draft can accelerate the Bulls’ prolonged rebuild.