With a little more than a month until the 2025 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls certainly have their work cut out for them. They didn't move up in the NBA Draft Lottery, and picking 12th is generally not ideal. Nevertheless, in a strong draft class, the hope is that the Bulls will still be able to find a talented prospect and a potential building block for the future.
In this iteration of our NBA Mock Draft, the Bulls will be on the hunt for their long-term answer at the center position. With still plenty of uncertainty heading into the NBA Draft, the Bulls will be hoping the board falls in their favor. Let's explore how that works out for the Bulls in this latest mock.
1. Dallas Mavericks - Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
There may be some speculation that the Dallas Mavericks could end up trading this pick, but I don't buy it. I wouldn't hate the idea of the Mavs going all-in on this core, but taking Cooper Flagg, arguably the best and most complete NBA Draft prospect in a very long time, seems like the right move for the Mavs.
When Kyrie Irving does get healthy, the trio of Kyrie, Flagg, and Anthony Davis could prove to be a lethal combination. On the defensive end of the floor, I'm not sure how teams are supposed to score on a frontcourt that consists of Flagg, AD, and Dereck Lively II.
2. San Antonio Spurs - Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
When the San Antonio Spurs go on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick, this is where we could begin to see some real craziness. But unless Giannis Antetokounmpo surprisingly gets traded at the NBA Draft, I'm not sure there's going to be a day-of move here. In the end, I fully expect the Spurs to select Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick.
Sure, there are concerns that he may not be a seamless fit next to De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, who are already staples in the backcourt, but it would be foolish for San Antonio to pass up on the best player available.
3. Philadelphia 76ers - Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
In theory, it would make sense for the Philadelphia 76ers to field trade offers for this pick. However, with as much uncertainty as is tied up to Joel Embiid's health, I'm not sure the 76ers have the luxury to do so. In hopes that talent wins out, the 76ers should bite the bullet and take the gamble on Bailey.
Bailey is probably not Paul George or Carmelo Anthony, but he's a unique, talented offensive player who could develop into a foundational piece for the 76ers down the line. It would be malpractice for the 76ers to pass up on his potential.
4. Charlotte Hornets - V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
The Charlotte Hornets lucked out by snagging the No. 4 spot in the 2025 NBA Draft and don't have much of a decision to make here. In many ways, the Hornets could keep their core intact by still selecting the best player available here. Even though the jury is still out on LaMelo Ball as a foundational piece of the Hornets, V.J. Edgecombe could emerge as a solid fit next to Ball.
Edgecombe has elite athleticism and the potential to be a force on the defensive end of the floor. In a no-pressure situation like the Hornets, we could truly see excel with the rest of this young core.
5. Utah Jazz - Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
The 5th pick is where the true uncertainty of this NBA Draft truly begins. The Utah Jazz can go several different ways with this selection. They should probably go best player available with as many holes as they have on their roster, but I do believe Jeremiah Fears could be a great fit for a team that desperately needs a playmaking guard.
Fears is far from the perfect prospect, but his ability to distribute the basketball and create for an offense is what the true intrigue would be with this selection. Fears could be the exact lead guard that Lauri Markkanen needs to excel.
6. Washington Wizards - Tre Johnson, G, Texas
The Washington Wizards fell out of the top 4 in what was truly an unfortunate tumble at the NBA Draft Lottery. As they look to make lemonade out of lemons, the Wizards could still look to target one of the most explosive offensive players in this year's draft class. Tre Johnson may not have the hype some of the other top prospects have, but he's really good.
With the potential to be one of the best pure offensive scores from this class, there's a reason to believe that the Wizards would be thrilled with this selection here. If nothing else, the addition of Johnson will add some excitement for the fans.
7. New Orleans Pelicans - Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
This is where we could see the first big trade-up in the NBA Draft. With a couple of talented big men still on the board, it wouldn't be surprising to see a team try to jump up to grab one. If the New Orleans Pelicans do end up keeping the pick, though, Kon Knueppel would be a nice, safe pick here.
Knueppel is labeled as one of the best pure shooters of the basketball, but he has the promise to be much more than that. He has potential as a slasher and even showed some signs as an underrated playmaker during his freshman season at Duke.
8. Brooklyn Nets - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Brooklyn Nets, in the early stages of their rebuild, are another team that would've greatly benefited from moving up in the NBA Draft Lottery. Nevertheless, there's still a quality player that the Nets will be able to add with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With the way the board has fallen, Kasparas Jakucionis could be in play here for Brooklyn.
With a need for a player who can take ownership in this rebuild, Jakucionis is a prospect who has some of that promise. A big guard with good offensive instincts and the hope and upside as a natural lead guard, he could play a big role for the Nets as they move forward with this next era.
9. Toronto Raptors - Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
The Toronto Raptors would be extremely happy if the board fell this way when they went to make their selection with the No. 9 overall pick. If the Raptors can get the opportunity to draft Khaman Maluach, you'd have to imagine that they'd leave the NBA Draft very happy.
Maluach has the potential to be a great foundational big man, and he falls right in line with the talented young core the Raptors have already assembled. If Maluach can continue to make strides on the offensive end of the floor, he's a player who could be a real steal this late in the top 10.
10. Houston Rockets (via PHO) - Egor Demin, F, BYU
If I had to guess, I'd imagine there's a good chance that the Houston Rockets will either be selecting for another team here at No. 10, or that they'll eventually be trading this player that they pick. Either way, the chances that the Rockets end up trading this pick or player are probably higher than most.
Regardless, I feel as if Egor Demin could be a candidate to fly off the board at this point in the top 10. A player who could fit in with Houston, or be the centerpiece of a trade to upgrade their roster with a more experienced player, Demin makes sense as a selection here with a unique mix of size, scoring, and playmaking upside.
11. Portland Trail Blazers - Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
With the No. 11 pick, the Portland Trail Blazers could look to address a need on the wing. One of the most intriguing prospects that could rise in the lottery is Carter Bryant. The athleticism, versatility, and potential just jump off the screen when watching him during his freshman season at Arizona.
As the Blazers ponder some of their own personnel changes this offseason, adding a promising prospect like Bryant could be exactly what this team needs to prepare them for what lies ahead.
12. Chicago Bulls - Derik Queen, C, Maryland
Under the expectation that the Chicago Bulls are going to re-sign Josh Giddey this offseason, it would make sense to try and put him in the best position for success. Selecting an offensive-minded big with a ton of upside like Derik Queen could be the natural path forward for the Bulls at this point in the lottery.
Queen gives them a potential foundational piece for the future and a player who could come in and contribute right away. As arguably the most skilled offensive big in this year's draft class, Queen to Chicago could be one of the most interesting pairings outside the top 5.
13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Seeing a run on big man, with both Khama Maluach and Derik Queen flying off the board, the Atlanta Hawks could feel the need to take their shot at finding the big man of the future. With Thomas Sorber still on the board, he'd be considered a pretty solid selection late in the lottery. Sorber may not be a huge name, but it's hard to argue with his production in college.
Sorber may not be as polished as Queen on the offensive end of the floor, but he knows exactly how to play within his role. One of the most composed one-and-done players in college basketball last season, the Hawks should feel strongly about Sorber's potential moving forward.
14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL) - Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
With the final pick in the lottery, the San Antonio Spurs could take a gamble on one of the most versatile and unique prospects in this draft class. Collin Murray-Boyles has the potential to be very good in the right role. And if he can continue to improve his 3-point stroke, he could emerge as a natural fit next to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt.
If the Spurs can find a way to add two rotation pieces with these two lottery picks, it could go a long way in helping this team emerge as a strong force in the Western Conference next season.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA) - Noa Essengue, F, France
The Oklahoma City Thunder may currently be focused on winning a championship, but they'll have two selections in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. With this first pick, which falls just outside the lottery, Oklahoma City could take a flier on Noa Essengue, an intriguing and versatile wing prospect out of France.
Even though his draft stock has been all over the place, Essengue has the potential to develop into a strong two-way player down the road. With the size, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Essengue could be a name to keep a close eye on.
16. Orlando Magic - Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
There are some whispers that the Orlando Magic are going to prioritize a wing player this summer over a playmaking guard. However, what if the Magic could take a player who has some upside with both of those skills in the NBA Draft? That's why Jase Richardson could make some sense for the Magic at this point in the first round.
Richardson is going to be drafted because of his athleticism and scoring prowess, but there's reason to believe he can grow as a playmaker at the next level. If he were a little bit taller, he'd probably be taken much higher than No. 16 overall.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET) - Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State
Looking to find a player that could be in the running to contribute right away for the Minnesota Timberwolves, I do believe that Nique Clifford could make a ton of sense. Late in the first round, it's tough to find any guarantees in the NBA Draft. However, with his experience and production, Clifford could offer something close to that for the Wolves.
Coming off back-to-back breakout years in college, Clifford is playing the best basketball of his career as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA. Clifford could help the Wolves emerge as an even deeper basketball team next season.
18. Washington Wizards (via MEM) - Liam McNeeley, F, UCONN
After taking a player who will hopefully inject this franchise with some much-needed excitement, the hope with this late first-round pick is that the Washington Wizards can take a prospect that could offer much more than just that. Perhaps a player who can come in, do all the right things, and play an immediate role for the team. That's Liam McNeeley.
Even though his draft stock has plummeted over the last couple of months, McNeeley does still have the promise of being a solid rotation player down the line. McNeeley may not have a tremendously high ceiling, but he could be worth the gamble at this point in the first round.
19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL) - Asa Newell, C, Georgia
Another versatile athlete with some upside on the offensive end of the floor, the Brooklyn Nets, who have four first-round selections in this year's NBA Draft, could take a flier on Asa Newell. A prospect who is still learning how to play within himself on the basketball floor, the risk on the raw talent alone could make this pick worth it.
Newell did have some flashes of brilliance during his freshman season at Georgia, but he'll need to be more aware on the defensive end of the floor and measured offensively. Taking a chance on his physical abilities is totally understandable for Brooklyn here at No. 19.
20. Miami Heat (via GS) - Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph's
At this point in the first round, there are probably a couple of prospects that fit the Miami Heat's prototypical build. Rasheer Fleming is certainly one, as many believe he could translate as a versatile two-way player at the next level. A bit undersized, Fleming more than makes up for it with his defensive capabilities.
As an improving offensive player, Fleming could be viewed as a natural draft target for the Heat. Assuming they're not going to blow it up this summer, they'll be looking for a player who can contribute right away. Fleming is one of those fits.
21. Utah Jazz (via MINN) - Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
With the option of beefing up their frontcourt even more heading into next season, it could make sense for the Utah Jazz to take a gamble on Danny Wolf. Even though the Jazz may not need another big man, Wolf is not your traditional center. He is so much more versatile on the offensive end of the floor.
As a true 7-footer, Wolf has a unique ability to extend defenses to the perimeter while also being a secondary playmaker. He'd add a new element for Utah's frontcourt with this selection.
22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL) - Will Riley, F, Illinois
With this second first-round pick, Will Riley could emerge as a potential target for the Atlanta Hawks. Even though Riley didn't flash all that much during his freshman season at Illinois, he did have some bright moments. As a versatile and athletic wing, there's promise as he makes the jump to the next level.
The verdict is still out on Riley's ceiling, but in the right system, there's a reason to believe that his best basketball could still very well be in front of him. In Atlanta, Riley could have a nice support system to reach his full potential.
23. Indiana Pacers - Hugo Gonzalez, F, Spain
Over the last few weeks, I do believe that there's a good chance that the Indiana Pacers' draft plan may have shifted. Under the assumption that Myles Turner is going to be re-signed, it could make sense for Indiana to prepare for other possible moves that could take place in the future, which could include trading a player to lessen the tax burden.
Adding more depth on the wing could be a natural next step for Indiana, and doing so through the draft is the easiest way to accomplish that. Hugo Gonzalez, an intriguing wing prospect from overseas, could be a target for Indiana late in the first round.
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, UAB
Looking to identify and select another developmental project heading into the future, Yaxel Lendeborg could be a potential late first-round target for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's a late draft riser, but has the potential to emerge as one of the most intriguing selections in the first round.
With the promise to be a strong two-way player, much of that hope is banked on his breakout year this past season at UAB. It's sort of a small sample size, but if teams do believe he is still getting better as a prospect, this could be a real steal of a pick.
25. Orlando Magic (via DEN) - Walter Clayton Jr., G, Florida
If the Orlando Magic do want to add a more natural point guard than Jase Richardson, perhaps they could double-dip at the position and take a gamble on Walter Clayton Jr. With the way he peformed during the NCAA Tournament, I'd be shocked if there wasn't a team willing to take a chance on him in the first round.
The Magic could be a nice fit as he could embrace a role off the bench in which he could focus on the offensive end of the floor. Clayton Jr. may not be the long-term answer at the point guard position, but he could be worth a look.
26. Brooklyn Nets (via NY) - Noah Penda, F, France
With back-to-back final picks in the first round, it would be wise for the Brooklyn Nets to take a shot on two high-ceiling prospects, the likes of which probably aren't garnering much attention at this point in the pre-draft process. One prospect who could make sense as a fit is Noah Penda.
Penda translates as a versatile forward with the potential to be an effective on-ball defender right away. The big question is whether he'll be able to make the necessary leaps on the offensive end of the floor. In theory, Penda does feel like a strong developmental piece for Brooklyn heading into the future.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU) - Ben Saraf, G, Israel
Ben Saraf is another prospect who could make sense for the Brooklyn Nets. With his size and raw playmaking ability, the hope is that Saraf could emerge as a rotation-worthy guard at some point in the future. On a team where he'll have the opportunity to develop at his own pace, Saraf could be in a position to be successful.
Unlike a couple of other guard prospects, Saraf is probably going to need a couple of years before he pays complete dividends for the Nets, but this is one of those selections that will take time to fully understand.
28. Boston Celtics - Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
As the Boston Celtics head into an offseason of potential uncertainty, this No. 28 overall pick could end up playing an essential role in their future. If the Celtics can hit on a prospect who can develop into a rotational piece, it could help this team make some of their future decision that much easier.
One player who could emerge as an intriguing target for the Celtics late in the first round is Labaron Philon. A prospect who has upside as a lead guard, Philon had an up-and-down freshman season at Alabama, and that's the biggest reason why he's projected to go this low. The talent is certainly there for Philon.
29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE) - Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Looking to turn the page on a disappointing era for the franchise, the Phoenix Suns will head into the offseason with plenty of hope. Change will be the theme of the offseason for the Suns, but it won't be that easy to pull off. With this late first-round pick, Tahaad Pettiford could be an intriguing option for Phoenix.
Even though he's somewhat of an undersized guard, his overall scoring ability and playmaking upside are something that the Suns should be willing to gamble on. The hope is that Pettiford can develop into a strong backcourt running mate next to Devin Booker.
30. LA Clippers via (OKC) - Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas
With the final pick in the first round, there are several different options that the LA Clippers can take. Assuming that the Clippers are going to try to keep their core relatively intact heading into next season, Adou Thiero could be a potential fit as a prospect who could possibly contribute right away to the team.
Over his three years in college basketball, Thiero has improved every year. It all led to a breakout season after the decision to transfer to Arkansas this past season. As a versatile forward, the hope is that Thiero's ability on both ends of the floor can continue to blossom.