Losing the Lottery doesn’t mean the Bulls Lost the Draft 

After a late season run finishing 17-13 after the trade deadline, the Bulls are still poised to select a future star with the 12th pick in this year’s NBA Draft. 

Coming into the lottery, the Bulls had a 1.7 percent chance to obtain the No. 1 pick, the 12th best odds out of 14 teams. They ended up in the same place they started, with the 12th pick.  

The Bulls Finished the season 39-43, trading away stars, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine at the trade deadline.  

The Bulls have many needs to address, one of which is center. Nikola Vučević is entering the final year of his contract and at 35 its unlikely the Bulls extend his contract. 

If the Bulls don’t select a center, the next best position is an athletic wing. Pairing the Bulls 2024 draft selection, Matas Buzelis, with another athletic forward could also be beneficial, giving the team more depth and athleticism. The team has several needs but there are a few players that may still be available including Derik Queen, Jase Richardson and Asa Newell. 

Derik Queen from Maryland is a likely replacement at the center position and a potential future star with a lot of talent. The former five-star recruit and freshman star is listed at 6-foot-10 and 245 pounds. Throughout the season he showed a variety of skills including handling and finishing at the rim averaging over 16 points with nine rebounds.  

Even though he averaged just under two assists, he is still a good passer, especially for a big. He shot 52 percent from the field and only 20 percent from three. He needs to improve his jumper, and his three-point shot at the next level, but his talents would help to improve the young core’s future chances in the east. 

Another option is to pair Coby White with another dynamic guard. Jase Richardson, son of NBA veteran Jason Richardson, was a standout at Michigan State this year.  

The left-handed combo guard is great finishing around the rim, a good ball handler with a good feel for the game and can shoot the midrange well. 

While he only averaged just over 11 points, three rebounds and just under two assists he has a lot of potential and several unteachable skills. His decision to play for Tom Izzo at Michigan State served him well, as he made a deep run in March madness showcasing his talents. 

Perhaps one of the most interesting draft prospects is Asa Newell.  

Newell was a five-star prospect who attended Georgia. He didn’t make many headlines during his freshman season, but his talent is undeniable. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Newell has the capabilities to become much more. He must elevate his scoring especially in the post along with toughness and rebounding. At his size he will need to get stronger to defend better and finish at the rim.  

Newell is more of a project than Queen or Richardson, but his addition would help the Bulls lack of size. The Bulls currently only have four players listed at 6-foot-10 or taller. Newell would help the frontcourt and give Bulls fans something to be excited for in the future. 

Even if these three players are off the board, there are no wrong picks. The Bulls have many needs including the need for future stars. This year’s draft is loaded with talent in all positions and skillsets and the 12th pick will still present the opportunity for a life changing player.