In a draft simulation that’s sending shockwaves through the league, the Chicago Bulls just pulled off a hypothetical heist that could redefine their trajectory. According to the latest Bleacher Report mock draft from Jonathan Wasserman, the Bulls snag Iowa’s sharpshooting sensation Bennett Stirtz at No. 17—courtesy of a pick acquired from Portland. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t just fill a gap; it ignites a rebuild. With Josh Giddey’s near triple-double dominance and Matas Buzelis emerging as a versatile force, Stirtz slides in as the perfect puzzle piece. Suddenly, the Eastern Conference playbook? It’s getting a rewrite, and Chicago’s name is in bold.
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The Bulls are no strangers to early-season surprises. Sitting eighth in the East with a gritty 6-5 record, they’ve leaned into Giddey’s breakout campaign—21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game that have the United Center buzzing like it’s 1998 all over again. But beneath the surface, questions linger: What’s next for Coby White, whose long-term future feels as shaky as a crossover dribble? And how do you build sustainable depth around a young core that’s equal parts promise and unpredictability? Enter Stirtz, the 6-foot-4 Iowa transfer who’s turning heads with his cerebral game and ice-cold jumper. This mock draft pick isn’t just smart—it’s seismic.
From March Madness Darling to Big Ten Beast: Stirtz’s Rise
Bennett Stirtz isn’t your typical lottery-level lottery ticket. Last season, he lit up the NCAA Tournament with back-to-back 21-point explosions, showcasing a poise that belied his relative obscurity. Transferring to Iowa this offseason, Stirtz has embraced the spotlight, stepping into a starring role amid the Big Ten’s meat-grinder schedule. Early returns? Electric. He’s blending advanced ball-handling with a silky shooting touch, averaging 18.7 points, 4.2 assists, and a 42% clip from beyond the arc through Iowa’s first 10 games.
Wasserman’s scouting report nails it: Stirtz “operates as both a lead ball-handler and connector,” a Swiss Army knife of a guard who elevates offenses without demanding the rock. His analytics pop—top-20 in effective field goal percentage among high-major guards, per Synergy Sports—and his decision-making screams “plug-and-play pro.” Sure, he’s not blowing uprimas past defenders with raw athleticism, but in a league increasingly valuing skill over spectacle, Stirtz’s creativity and shotmaking make him a draft-night steal. For Chicago, it’s like finding a discounted DeMar DeRozan with better vision.
Backcourt Revolution: How Stirtz Slots Into Chicago’s Vision
Imagine this: Giddey, the Australian maestro, orchestrating from the top with his herky-jerky brilliance. Buzelis, the 19-year-old phenom, slicing to the rim or popping for threes in his multi-tool arsenal. Now, layer in Stirtz—a secondary creator who thrives off the ball, hits 38% of his catch-and-shoot threes, and rarely turns it over (a measly 1.2 per game). It’s not just addition; it’s alchemy.
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The Bulls’ front office, led by Artūras Karnišovas, has hinted at a youth infusion this summer. White’s impending free agency looms large, potentially clearing cap space but exposing backcourt vulnerabilities. Stirtz addresses that head-on. He’s low-maintenance, high-floor: a guard who stabilizes possessions, runs second-side actions like a veteran, and spaces the floor for Giddey’s drives without ego clashes. “He doesn’t need touches to make an impact,” Wasserman writes. “The ball moves quickly in his hands. Smart reads keep the offense flowing.”
In Chicago’s half-court sets, where they’ve ranked 22nd in offensive efficiency so far, Stirtz could be the grease. Picture him curling off screens for open looks, or flashing to the weak side for kickouts. His 7-foot wingspan aids on-ball defense, too—pair him with Giddey’s length, and you’ve got a perimeter that’s pesky without being reckless. For a team that’s oscillated between contention and cap hell, Stirtz represents controlled cost: four years of team-friendly control on a rookie deal, aligning perfectly with the Giddey-Buzelis timeline.
Eastern Conference Ripples: Why Rivals Are Sweating
This isn’t hyperbole—the East just blinked. Milwaukee’s middling start? Suddenly, a Bulls backcourt with Giddey-Stirtz synergy looks like a nightmare matchup for Damian Lillard’s pick-and-roll heavy attack. Cleveland’s young guns might envy the shooting pop; New York’s Jalen Brunson could face a savvier defender in transition. Even Boston, the juggernaut, has to respect a Chicago squad that’s deeper and more versatile by June’s draft lottery fallout.
Of course, it’s early—November’s a whisper in the NBA’s roaring calendar. The Bulls’ record could balloon or bust, and draft boards are as fluid as a Lonzo Ball outlet pass. But Wasserman’s projection isn’t a fever dream; it’s a blueprint. Stirtz’s experience (three college seasons deep), decision-making, and floor-spacing scream “Bulls fit.” He’s the connective tissue for a roster that’s heavy on creators but light on stabilizers.
As the United Center faithful chant Giddey’s name, one truth crystallizes: Chicago isn’t just surviving the post-DeRozan era—they’re scripting a sequel. Land Stirtz at 17, and the East takes notice. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s frighteningly effective. Game changer? Understatement. This is the spark that could turn the Bulls into beasts.