The Chicago Bulls enter the 2026 NBA Draft lottery this week armed with realistic expectations and genuine upside. While the team holds just a 4.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick, a top-10 selection feels far more probable. Even in a worst-case scenario where they slip toward the back of the lottery, Chicago remains well-positioned thanks to two first-round picks — their own and the Portland Trail Blazers’ first-rounder acquired in the 2021 Larry Nance Jr. trade.
In Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, the Bulls land at No. 10 and No. 15, walking away with two high-ceiling talents from SEC programs who could reshape the backcourt and frontcourt for years to come.
No. 10: Labaron Philon Jr., Guard, Alabama Crimson Tide
Bleacher Report’s selection at 10th overall is Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., a 20-year-old scoring dynamo whose breakout season culminated in a 35-point explosion against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.
Philon’s game is built on elite dribbling creativity, change-of-speed, deceleration, and advanced isolation and ball-screen prowess. His pull-up game and crafty finishing around the rim make him a dangerous offensive threat from multiple levels. Scouts have drawn favorable comparisons to Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray, praising his ability to create and convert in tight spaces.
The numbers back the hype. Philon finished 12th in the NCAA in scoring, averaging 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game across 33 contests. He shot an impressive 50.1% from the field, 39.9% from three, and 79.8% from the free-throw line.
For a Bulls team still searching for a long-term solution at point guard — with Rob Dillingham and Tre Jones yet to solidify starter roles on a contender — Philon offers immediate intrigue. Pairing his scoring instincts with Josh Giddey could create one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in the Eastern Conference. If this becomes the first major move of the Bryson Graham era in Chicago, Bulls fans have every right to be excited.
No. 15: Jayden Quaintance, Forward, Kentucky Wildcats
With their second first-rounder at No. 15 (via Portland), Chicago adds size and defensive upside by selecting Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance.
Quaintance’s evaluation comes with necessary caution: he played just four games this season while working his way back from a torn ACL suffered the previous year. That limited sample has created some uncertainty around his health and readiness, potentially causing him to slide in some draft boards. Yet his long-term ceiling remains exceptionally high — the same tantalizing prospect that once made him a standout at Arizona State.
At full strength, Quaintance projects as an outstanding defensive presence. His frame, length, and shot-blocking instincts give him the tools to anchor a defense. Offensively, while still raw, he has shown flashes of low-post touch, driving ability, and shot-making potential that suggest a well-rounded game can emerge with development.
Career collegiate averages (28 games, 25 starts): 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. Improving his perimeter shooting will be a priority, but the foundation for impact forward minutes is clearly there. When healthy, Quaintance profiles as a potential starter at the four, providing valuable depth and competition alongside Patrick Williams.
Roster Fit and Long-Term Vision
With Jalen Smith and Noa Essengue already under contract for the 2026-27 season, the addition of Philon and Quaintance gives Chicago’s front office flexibility to reshape the roster through trades or targeted development. These two young, high-upside pieces address key needs: backcourt scoring creation and frontcourt defensive versatility.
The Bulls are not simply adding depth — they are injecting talent with star potential into a roster that has the pieces to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Labaron Philon Jr. brings the offensive juice. Jayden Quaintance brings the defensive sting and size. Together, they represent a bold, high-reward approach with minimal excuses left for mediocrity.
As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Chicago’s lottery results. If Bleacher Report’s vision holds, the Bulls could emerge with two foundational building blocks who keep opponents up at night for the next decade. The lottery balls may not cooperate, but with two first-round bullets and two SEC stars, Chicago is poised to make its own luck.