The Chicago Bulls will most likely add two rookies to an already youthful roster, barring any trades. The last time Chicago infused its roster with multiple draftees was 2020, selecting Patrick Williams in the first round and Marko Simonović in the second. However, Simonović only suited up for 16 contests with the Bulls.
The Bulls' most recent example of adding two rookies occurred one year prior, in 2019. Chicago drafted Coby White seventh overall before taking Daniel Gafford in the second round. Adding White and Gafford in one draft was admirable, yet the Bulls let the athletic big man get away after merely one and a half seasons.
This time around, the Bulls will certainly aim to emulate the 2019 draft class, albeit with less valuable draft slots, being 12th and 45th. Nonetheless, aside from standing pat with two selections at their disposal, there has been a real discourse for Chicago to trade back or, better yet, add another prospect to the mix.
North Carolina's Drake Powell makes a ton of sense for the Bulls
According to Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson, that could very well be North Carolina's Drake Powell. Replying to the "filling a position of need" or "best available prospect" conundrum, Johnson stated the Bulls, "prefer to draft somebody in the frontcourt, or a wing, but if you do go the guard route, it's going to be a big guard, a guard with positional size or a guard that can play multiple positions."
That led Johnson to name Powell as a prospect whose stock is rising. The Bulls' pundit referred to Powell as a "toolsy" prospect, elaborating by highlighting Powell's elite athleticism, shown off at the NBA Draft Combine. The 19-year-old wing notably led all participants with a 37.5-inch standing and a 43-inch max vertical. The North Carolina product also finished in the top 10 in lane agility, the shuttle run, and the three-quarter sprint.
Johnson later shared that Powell impressed with his combine interviews and recently worked out at the Advocate Center, the Bulls' practice facility. Lastly, Johnson shared an interesting connection between Powell and a current Chicago Bull. He asserted, "The White family and … Powell's family know each other well."
Of course, White and Powell share the same alma mater. Moreover, both are from the Tar Heel state and played high school basketball an hour away from one another, albeit six years apart. Still, the North Carolina connection runs deep.
To agree with Johnson, Powell is one of the more intriguing prospects this draft cycle. He's an elite athlete who shined in a limited role on a veteran-laden North Carolina squad. Although his counting stats are concerning (only 7.4 points per game), his defensive upside is off the charts.
Unfortunately, Powell will likely fall within the 20s to 30s draft range, between Chicago's 12th and 45th slots. Thus, the Bulls would have to trade up, from 45, or acquire a third selection to draft Powell. While he's ultimately not worth the 12th overall pick, it would be wise for the Bulls to monitor trade-up scenarios to choose the 19-year-old wing in next month's draft.