Each day until the 2025 NBA Draft, Pippen Ain't Easy will profile one prospect who makes sense as a fit for the Bulls in either the first or second round. These players could fill a need, such as on-ball defense or rim protection, or could fit an archetype that Chicago lacks on its current roster, like an athletic big man or 3-and-D wing. For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out PAE's Chicago Bulls draft page.
Florida State's Jamir Watkins is a conundrum as a draft prospect. In several ways, he's exactly the type of player the Bulls need: A long, athletic, rangy wing with defensive versatility. He would help Chicago improve what was one of the worst defenses in the NBA last season and would fit well in head coach Billy Donovan's transition game.
But he's a work in progress offensively. Unfortunately, Watkins is also 23 years old, so the question becomes, is there any more progress to be made, or has he tapped out?
Watkins is an interesting player who would likely be available for the Bulls to grab with their second-round pick at No. 45. He has tantalizing traits and an intriguing, if confusing, skill set.
Jamir Watkins 2025 NBA Draft scouting report
Physically, Watkins is everything you'd want in an NBA wing. He measured in at 6-foot-6 ¼ barefoot at the combine with a nearly 7-foot wingspan and an 8-foot-6 ½ standing reach. He performed well in the sprint drills and hit a max vertical of 37 inches.
He looks the part on tape. He's long and sinewy, yet strong, moves athletically and explosively, and plays with a high intensity level. He projects as an above-average defender who can guard multiple positions.
He's a mystery on offense, however. Although Watkins scored 18.4 points per game as a senior at Florida State, he was an almost unbelievably inefficient shooter from all levels. He got to the free-throw line at an unusually high rate, which could play a part in what seem like inflated numbers. His high usage rate on a poor Seminoles team surely didn't hurt either.
There's a lot to like about Watkins, but also a lot to question.
Offense
Watkins transferred to Tallahassee from VCU, and despite the rise in level of competition, seemed to immediately get better on both ends of the floor. He went from scoring 9.5 ppg in his sophomore season with the Rams to 15.6 in his debut season in the ACC to 18.4 in his final collegiate campaign.
The Trenton native got to the free-throw line 7.7 times per game in 2024-25. He's aggressive slashing to the rim, but he also has a good handle. He keeps the ball moving on offense and shows the requisite skills to run the pick-and-roll and make plays when they appear.
With his length, burst and aggressiveness, it makes sense why he would get to the stripe so often. It's his shooting percentages that raise questions about his ceiling at the NBA level.
Watkins shot just 42.7 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three. He couldn't crack the 75 percent mark from the free-throw line despite getting there repeatedly. (He attempted 20 or more free throws three different times last year. Not a typo.)
He somehow only made 50 percent of his layups as a fully developed senior, per Synergy (h/t Yahoo Sports).
Defense
If Watkins makes his mark in the NBA, it will be on this end of the floor.
At 6-foot-7 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan and four years of experience, two of which came against the likes of RJ Davis of North Carolina and Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, Watkins is ready to guard pro players.
Furthermore, his physical attributes and exposure to high-caliber talent have prepared him to defend multiple positions. His extra-long arms help him stay in front of quicker guards and bother bigs, even if he'll get pushed around in the post due to his relatively slim frame.
He'll be able to handle most backcourt players and wings.
Jamir Watkins fit with the Chicago Bulls
Chicago gave up the third-most points in the league in 2024-25 and needs defenders of any size at any position. On the wing would certainly help; even though he's not a big man, Watkins' point-of-attack defense would help keep opposing players out of the lane, where the Bulls allowed 54.0 points per game last season, the most in the NBA.
He could be a somewhat clunky fit in the halfcourt on offense, but his usage rate would come down drastically from the 31 percent he had with the Seminoles. If he can keep the offense humming and the ball moving, it could be enough to justify his staying on the floor with his high-level defense.
Watkins would also be strong in transition with his athleticism, sprint speed and ability to make decisions with the ball in his hands. Even if he wouldn't space the floor, he could handle the ball and threaten a scrambling defense before kicking out to open shooters like Coby White.
As he's projected to go late in the second round, Watkins should presumably be available for the Bulls at No. 45 if they become enamored with his skills.
For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out Pippen Ain't Easy's Chicago Bulls draft page. A new prospect's scouting report will be added daily.