The Bulls’ Potential Draft Coup
Chicago, IL – While the immediate focus in the Windy City remains on the approaching trade deadline, the long view offers a familiar, if slightly cynical, comfort. The Chicago Bulls are once again on a fast track toward the draft lottery. Despite a recent three-game winning streak that provided a brief vibe shift, the postseason odds for this roster remain remarkably slim. With expiring contracts and potential trade chips likely to move, the franchise appears destined for another finish in the middle of the pack—specifically, the 10-12 range where they have found themselves the last two years.
History suggests this front office rarely embraces a full “tank,” preferring instead to remain competitive enough to miss the bottom of the standings but too mediocre to threaten the playoffs. While this strategy often draws ire for keeping the team in purgatory, it occasionally yields unexpected fruit. The modern draft landscape is volatile, and premium talent often slips through the cracks.
The latest evidence comes from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, whose newest mock draft envisions a scenario where the Bulls turn their mid-lottery placement into a top-tier acquisition. The target? Nate Ament of the Tennessee Volunteers. Just months ago, Ament was the No. 4 recruit in the nation per 247 Sports and widely considered a lock for a Top 5 selection. Now, amidst a turbulent freshman campaign, he is projected to fall right into Chicago’s lap at No. 13.
The slide isn’t without cause. The 18-year-old forward has struggled to translate his high-school dominance to the college level efficiently. While he is posting a respectable 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per night, his efficiency has plummeted. Ament is currently shooting just 38.0 percent from the field and a concerning 30.4 percent from deep. The shot-making prowess that dazzled scouts has been replaced, momentarily, by growing pains.
However, context is currency in the NBA draft. Despite the ugly shooting splits, the allure of Ament’s profile remains undeniable. Standing six-foot-ten with genuine guard skills, he represents the archetype every modern franchise covets: a fluid athlete capable of creating mismatches, handling the ball, and rising over defenders.
The Bulls need look no further than their own roster for a parallel. Matas Buzelis fell to Chicago after an inefficient stint with the G League Ignite, only to recently find his rhythm with efficient 10-of-11 shooting nights in the NBA. Ament shows similar indicators of hidden value; notably, he gets to the free-throw line over six times a game and converts those chances at an 80 percent clip. This suggests that while the field goals aren’t falling yet, the mechanics and aggression are intact.
“The potential is clearly there for him to be a true mismatch nightmare.” – Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Wasserman’s analysis underscores a critical point: teams draft for ceilings, not just floors. Ament’s fall out of the Top 10 reflects current performance, but his selection at No. 13 would represent a gamble on his “high-rising jump shot” and “fluid athleticism” returning to form.
There is valid skepticism regarding roster fit. With the Bulls already committed to developing young forwards like Buzelis and Noa Essengue, adding Ament creates a potential logjam at the wing. Yet, a franchise in Chicago’s position—starved for elite young talent—cannot afford to draft for fit over upside. Adopting a “best player available” mentality is the only logical path forward. If Nate Ament’s struggles continue to push him down the board, the Bulls might find that their refusal to tank didn’t cost them a star after all.
