The Chicago Bulls enter the 2026 NBA Draft in a position they haven’t occupied in years: armed with multiple first-round selections and a clear opportunity to accelerate their rebuild.
After landing the fourth overall pick and acquiring the No. 15 selection from Portland, Chicago has the flexibility to add multiple young contributors to a core that already includes Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. The Bulls are widely expected to select Caleb Wilson at No. 4, but many around the league believe the more intriguing decision could come later in the first round.
Chicago’s front office also has the assets to potentially move back into the lottery. If the Bulls can package No. 15 with additional draft capital, they could leave draft night with three first-round prospects instead of two.
The draft will also mark the first major offseason move under new head coach Tiago Splitter. After years of player development experience and international scouting connections, Splitter’s influence could be particularly important as Chicago evaluates prospects from both the collegiate and international ranks.
Bulls Draft Picks:
- Round 1 — No. 4
- Round 1 — No. 15 (via Portland)
- Round 2 — No. 38 overall (via New Orleans)
- Round 2 — No. 56 overall (via Denver)
Bulls Draft Needs:
The Bulls appear to have found foundational pieces in Buzelis and Giddey, but several roster questions remain.
Wing depth remains a priority, particularly players who can defend multiple positions while contributing offensively. Chicago could also use additional frontcourt size and rebounding, especially if the organization wants to improve its interior defense.
With two first-round picks, the Bulls are in a position to focus less on immediate need and more on long-term upside.
If the Bulls ultimately move up from No. 15 or acquire another first-round selection, prospects such as Jayden Quaintance, Aday Mara and Karim López could also enter the conversation. Regardless of the route they choose, Chicago enters draft night with a rare opportunity: the chance to add multiple impact prospects and continue building a roster capable of competing in the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Bulls Draft Targets: First Round
Cameron Carr — G/F — Baylor
(Projected range: 10-18)
If the Bulls remain at No. 15, Cameron Carr may be one of the most realistic targets available.
The Baylor wing emerged as one of college basketball’s most productive scorers, showcasing three-level scoring ability, athleticism and improving perimeter shooting. At 6-foot-5, Carr offers the type of offensive upside Chicago has lacked on the wing.
A draft haul featuring both Caleb Wilson and Carr would give the Bulls two of the most athletic prospects in the class while addressing both frontcourt and perimeter needs.
Hannes Steinbach — F/C — Washington
(Projected range: 12-20)
Hannes Steinbach has steadily climbed draft boards throughout the pre-draft process and could become a serious option if Chicago prioritizes size.
The 6-foot-10 forward combines physicality, rebounding and interior scoring with a relentless motor. He averaged a double-double at Washington and projects as a player capable of contributing immediately while still offering developmental upside.
His ability to play alongside other frontcourt players could make him an attractive fit next to Wilson and Buzelis in larger lineups.
Bennett Stirtz — G — Iowa
(Projected range: 10-18)
Bennett Stirtz may not possess the same athletic upside as some prospects in this range, but he is widely viewed as one of the safest players expected to be available in the middle of the first round.
A skilled playmaker and efficient scorer, Stirtz would provide Chicago with another ball-handler capable of creating offense and organizing the second unit. His feel for the game and shooting ability could make him an ideal complement to Giddey.
Bulls Draft Targets: Second Round
While the Bulls’ attention will be centered on their lottery selections, the additional picks give Chicago a chance to take swings on development players or fill specific rotational gaps. According to ESPN and USA Today mock draft projections circulating in the lead-up to draft night, Chicago’s later selections could target a mix of guards and high-motor forwards.
At No. 38 (via New Orleans), one name gaining traction is Izaiyah Nelson. Nelson fits the mold of a physical interior presence who rebounds, defends, and finishes around the rim. His energy and defensive activity would give the Bulls a developmental big with clear NBA translatable traits.
Another commonly projected option in that range is Tobe Awaka, a strong, rebounding-focused forward who brings toughness and interior defense. Awaka’s value lies in his physicality and consistency, traits that often translate quickly to bench minutes in the NBA.
At No. 56 (via Denver), Chicago’s options expand into guard depth and developmental scoring. Braden Smith has been mentioned in some projections as a steady floor-general type who can run second-unit offense and provide shooting stability. Meanwhile, Kylan Boswell offers defensive versatility across both guard spots and the kind of competitive edge teams often target late in the draft.
Taken together, these late picks give Chicago flexibility: they can prioritize readiness with older college guards or swing on physical upside in the frontcourt, depending on how the board breaks.
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