The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads. With the 2025 NBA Draft looming just days away on June 25, the franchise is reportedly eyeing a major overhaul at the center position. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony, the Bulls have been linked to three polarizing big men—Derik Queen, Thomas Sorber, and Joan Beringer. Each brings unique strengths to the table, but their flaws have sparked heated debates among fans, leaving many anxious about the direction of the team.
A Glaring Need at Center
For years, the Bulls have struggled to solidify their frontcourt. Nikola Vucevic, now 35 and on an expiring contract, has been a reliable offensive contributor but a defensive liability. Last season, Chicago allowed the most points in the paint in the NBA—a staggering statistic that underscores the urgency for a rim-protecting anchor. Zach Collins, acquired in the Zach LaVine trade with the San Antonio Spurs, performed admirably but is an unrestricted free agent after next season. Jalen Smith, the only center locked in beyond 2025-26, is a solid bench piece but not a starter for a team with championship aspirations.
Matas Buzelis, a rookie power forward, led the team with 75 blocks last season. While impressive, relying on a power forward as your primary rim protector is a recipe for disaster in a league dominated by versatile bigs and high-octane offenses. The Bulls need a true center who can anchor their defense, and the 2025 draft is their chance to address this glaring hole. But the three prospects linked to Chicago—Queen, Sorber, and Beringer—are far from perfect fits, and their potential selection at No. 12 has fans on edge.
Derik Queen: Offensive Wizard, Defensive Question Mark
Derik Queen, a Maryland product, is the most polished offensive center in this year’s draft class. At nearly 250 pounds, he boasts guard-like skills, excelling in pick-and-rolls, taking defenders off the dribble, and creating his own shot. On paper, his offensive versatility seems like a dream fit alongside Josh Giddey and the Bulls’ fast-paced system. However, his defensive shortcomings are impossible to ignore.
Queen’s lackadaisical approach to defense and questionable conditioning raise red flags. The Bulls, already hemorrhaging points in the paint, can’t afford a center who shies away from the dirty work. While Queen’s offensive upside is tantalizing, his defensive lapses could exacerbate Chicago’s biggest weakness, leaving fans wary of banking on his potential.
Joan Beringer: A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Joan Beringer is the draft’s ultimate wild card. Standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 ½ wingspan and a 9-foot-3 standing reach, Beringer is a physical marvel. His athleticism and explosiveness are rare for a player of his size, and his ability to switch defensively and block shots at an elite level makes him an intriguing prospect. However, his raw skillset and lack of polish make him a risky pick at No. 12.
Beringer is a project, plain and simple. While his ceiling is sky-high, his floor is equally concerning. For a Bulls team in the midst of a retool, gambling on a high-upside prospect like Beringer could either ignite their rebuild or set them back years. Fans are split—some see him as a future star, while others fear he’s too raw to make an immediate impact.
Thomas Sorber: The Safe Bet with Offensive Limitations
Thomas Sorber, a 19-year-old Georgetown freshman, brings the defensive tenacity Chicago desperately needs. At 6-foot-9 and 263 pounds with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Sorber is a physical force. His 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game last season highlight his potential as a rim protector and versatile defender. His high basketball IQ and ability to hedge and recover in pick-and-rolls make him a modern defensive anchor.
However, Sorber’s offensive game is a major concern. He’s a traditional back-to-the-basket center, lacking the mobility to keep up with Chicago’s transition-heavy offense. Pairing him with Giddey and the Bulls’ up-tempo style could lead to clunky halfcourt sets and stagnant possessions. While Sorber might shore up the defense, his offensive limitations could hinder the team’s overall flow, leaving fans uncertain about his fit.
A Draft Class That Doesn’t Quite Fit
The 2025 NBA Draft isn’t particularly deep at center, which complicates Chicago’s plans. Queen, Sorber, and Beringer each address part of the Bulls’ needs, but none are the complete package. Queen offers offensive flair but defensive woes; Beringer brings elite potential but significant risk; Sorber provides defensive stability but offensive constraints. For a team that’s not one piece away from contending, drafting for need could be a mistake.
Head Coach Billy Donovan has preached versatility and defense since taking over, and fans are hoping the front office prioritizes the best defensive player available, regardless of position. With only eight days until the draft, the Bulls’ pursuit of these “controversial” centers has sparked excitement, skepticism, and plenty of anxiety among the fanbase. Will Chicago take a swing on one of these big men, or will they pivot to a safer, more versatile prospect? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Windy City is bracing for a pivotal decision that could shape the franchise’s future.