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.
While his archetype seems outdated in today's NBA, Michigan center Vlad Goldin would be a useful bench player for the Chicago Bulls with his interior scoring, rebounding and rim-deterrence. A frontcourt of Nikola Vucevic, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith and Zach Collins could use the skill set Goldin would bring to the Windy City.
The Bulls were one of the worst defensive teams in the league in 2024-25. They allowed nearly 120 points per contest, third-most in the NBA, and 54.0 points in the paint per game. Vucevic, if he's even still in Chicago next year, is just about useless as a defender. Smith is more of a stretch five. Williams is a draft bust who's never been a rim protector. Collins is a career role player on an expiring contract.
It was Buzelis, a rookie who finished last year fifth on the team total minutes played, who led the Bulls in blocks with 75. Vucevic was second with 52.
Needless to say, Chicago needs an upgrade in the paint; while Goldin will never be a star, or perhaps even a starter, he has the kind of skill set the Bulls sorely need.
Vladislav Goldin 2025 NBA Draft scouting report
Goldin is an experienced prospect at 24 years old, but he was a decorated, steady interior force during his time at the college level. He began his career at Florida Atlantic University with head coach Dusty May and was part of the Owls team that made a shocking run to the Final Four in 2023. Goldin then followed May to Michigan for his fifth and final season.
The Russian big man measured 7 feet barefoot at the NBA combine, weighing 253.4 pounds with a 7-foot-5 ¼ wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach. His production on both ends of the floor in both the AAC and Big Ten conferences reflects that massive size, strength and wingspan.
He was a member of the All-Conference USA Team in 2022-23, the All-AAC Team in 2023-24 and the All-Big Ten Team in 2024-25. He was also the MVP of last year's Big Ten Tournament.
Offense
Goldin is an old-school center. He likes to operate near the basket and in the post, utilizing his size and strength to play both physically and with skill and touch. He has solid footwork, an array of drop steps, hooks and pump fakes, and uses his size intelligently to hunt mismatches.
He averaged 16.6 points and 7.0 rebounds on 60.7 percent shooting last year at Michigan. He got to the free-throw line 5.9 times per game and shot a respectable 73.1 percent. That's up from his junior season when he attempted 5.6 free throws a night and shot 66.3 percent.
With his size and experience, he's also developed into a solid screener and roll man. He won't beat defenders with burst, but he can seal them when he gets to his spot and presents a large catch radius for lobs or entry passes. At this point, Goldin is not a threat outside of the paint; he didn't attempt a 3-pointer until his fifth season in college.
Defense
The strength, length and IQ that make Goldin an imposing interior presence on offense also make him an above-average rim protector on the other end. He averaged more than one block per game from his sophomore season when he became a regular starter to his fifth year with the Wolverines. He blocked 1.4 shots and grabbed 0.5 steals per game in the physical Big Ten.
Being a below-average athlete, Goldin won't menacingly control the paint and rack up swatted shots, but he knows where to be and uses that 9-foot-3 standing reach to his advantage, going vertical and avoiding fouling.
Goldin became a better rebounder in each of his five seasons, going from 4.9 per game as a sophomore to 7.0 during as a fifth-year senior.
Vlad Goldin's fit with the Chicago Bulls
Goldin's floor and ceiling may both be the same as a pro: A backup big man who can soak up 10-15 minutes per game on the right team. He won't be a negative given his size, scoring ability near the rim and defensive strengths, but he won't play other big men off the floor with athleticism, explosiveness or a threatening jump shot.
The Bulls could use a player like Goldin, however. Vucevic and Collins will be gone after next season, Buzelis will never be a full-time center and Smith is a reserve at best who played 15 minutes per game and blocked a total of 44 shots last year.
Even in a deep bench role, Goldin would provide Chicago with a level of physicality and skill at the rim, on both ends of the floor, that was glaringly absent last year.
For more prospect profiles and all things draft-related, check out Pippen Ain't Easy'sChicago Bulls draft page. A new prospect's scouting report will be added daily.