Though it may feel like yesterday, it's been 10 painful years since the Chicago Bulls traded beloved franchise player Derrick Rose. The 2011 NBA MVP has left quite a void behind and the Bulls have perhaps inevitably struggled to replace him during that time. Thankfully, Darius Acuff Jr. projects to be available at No. 4 overall.
Acuff is battling concerns over his size and defensive potential, but he has the tools to be a special point guard who can pull Chicago out of limbo.
Chicago has attempted to replace Rose by trading for players who have youth and potential on their side. That includes Lonzo Ball, whose prime was unfortunately derailed by injuries, and Josh Giddey, who has done an admirable job on a losing team.
The closest they've come to drafting a point guard in the first round, however, were Ayo Dosunmu in 2021 and Coby White in 2019—combo guards who weren't exactly utilized as true floor generals during their time in Chicago.
Acuff is a dynamic three-level scoring threat with pro-level court vision, however, as well as advanced processing speed as a decision-maker and a hunger for the spotlight that screams big-game player. Though Giddey had a strong 2025-26 season, the Bulls can't operate as though he's already proven to be a franchise player when they still haven't reached the playoffs with him running the show.
Some might be reluctant to believe that a player who measured at 6'2" without shoes can be a true franchise player, but Jalen Brunson is proof that conventional standards need to be redefined.
Darius Acuff Jr. addressed physical concerns at NBA Draft Combine
Acuff is somewhat undersized at 6'2" without shoes, which is an issue that could present itself on defense. What became evident at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, however, is that he has the physical attributes to hold his own.
Yes, Acuff measured at 6'2" without shoes, but he also recorded a 6'6.5" wingspan—the fourth-longest of any point guard in this class.
Furthermore, Acuff posted the fastest time in the three-quarter sprint of any player at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. That at least gives him two key strengths—end-to-end speed and length—that he can rely upon when his size could be a disadvantage.
The Bulls would need to build a strong enough defense to complement Acuff, of course, but his offensive ceiling makes that a risk worth taking.
Darius Acuff Jr. has elite three-level scoring potential
From a pure skill perspective, Acuff's most impressive attribute is the balance he displays as a scorer. He's a lethal three-point shooter with seemingly limitless range, a capable midrange scorer who can pull up against taller defenders, and a fearless interior finisher with accurate floaters and an impressive layup package.
For a Bulls team that lacks a proven go-to scoring option, Acuff would have a chance to instantly solidify his place as the featured player on offense.
Acuff dominated his freshman year with averages of 23.5 points and 2.5 three-point field goals made per game on .484/.440/.809 shooting. He masterfully navigated screens, broke opponents down with his handle, and got to his spots with a veteran's poise as he made upperclassmen look like they didn't belong on his court.
Considering the Bulls' top two scorers, Matas Buzelis and Giddey, are a step below the tier of the greats, Acuff's potential to reach that level himself is unavoidably appealing.
Darius Acuff Jr. is a big game player
While many players struggled under the bright lights in 2025-26, Acuff made a case for being the best big game player in this draft. He dominated the SEC Tournament and then translated that success to the NCAA Tournament, during which the Arkansas Razorbacks reached the Sweet 16.
For a Bulls team that doesn't yet know who they can turn to in a significant spot, Acuff's uncanny ability to thrive under the spotlight is a critical strength to evaluate.
Acuff opened the SEC Tournament with 37 points, five assists, five rebounds, and three steals in an 82-79 win over the Oklahoma Sooners. He followed with 24 points and seven assists in an overtime win over the Ole Miss Rebels. He then had 30 points and 11 assists in the SEC Championship Game.
Throw in averages of 29.3 points and 5.3 assists on .467/.375/.839 shooting during the NCAA Tournament and Acuff seems to live for the high-pressure moments.
For a Bulls team that's needed a new franchise point guard since it traded Rose, Acuff should be near the top of their list of NBA Draft priorities.
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