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Bulls Predicted To Select 6’10” Center As Possible ‘Two-Man Threat’ Alongside Coby White in 2025 NBA Draft

Posted on June 24, 2025 - 11:24 am by

Even though the Chicago Bulls finished 10th in the Eastern Conference at 39-43, they lacked a dominant interior presence, ultimately costing them a playoff berth. Now, holding the No. 12 pick in the 2025 Draft, the Bulls are predicted to quickly find a long-term answer and select an unconventional big with the skill set of a guard.

Chicago Bulls Predicted To Pair Coby White With 6’10” Center in 2025 NBA Draft

With a potential rebuild looming and major questions surrounding Nikola Vučević’s future, the Chicago Bulls have a chance to reset with young talent and are predicted to do exactly that in the 2025 NBA Draft. In Yahoo Sports’ latest NBA mock draft by Kevin O’Connor, Chicago is projected to select Maryland big Derik Queen, potentially forming a lethal two-man threat with Coby White.

“Queen is a burly big with guard-like handles who dazzles with spin moves and crafty finishes like his game-winning leaning jumper to send Maryland to the Sweet 16,” O’Connor wrote. “Once Nikola Vučević walks in free agency in 2026 (or gets traded prior), then Queen would be able to contribute in a larger role.

“The question is how long, if ever, it’ll take for him to translate his velvet touch to the perimeter. If he does that, he has offensive star upside. But his interior scoring, playmaking chops, and magnetic rebounding alone give him tantalizing potential. Those traits make him a fascinating fit as a two-man threat with Coby White and the existing Chicago core.”

Queen isn’t a typical big man. He doesn’t camp under the rim but instead brings a rare blend of skill and feel, making him an interior technician who can pass, dribble, and score with patience and poise.

Last season at Maryland, he averaged 16.5 points, nine rebounds, and nearly two assists per game while shooting over 52% from the field. The stats show he has the potential, but they only scratch the surface. Queen does damage with smart post-play, controlled footwork, and an uncanny ability to manipulate defenders with his body.

In an offense that lacks structure or movement, Queen could become the focus – someone who creates from the block, initiates dribble handoffs, and reads defenses like a point guard. His soft hands, passing vision, and guard-like handle make him an ideal running mate for White.

However, Queen is highly sought after and might not be available when the Bulls are picking. That’s exactly what happened in PFSN’s latest mock draft.

PFSN’s Projection For Bulls and Derik Queen

PFSN analyst Brandon Austin also predicted the Bulls would target a center, but with Queen going off the board early, he expects them to pivot to Georgia’s Asa Newell.

“At 6’11”, Newell is an explosive athlete who plays with relentless effort,” Austin wrote in PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft. “He excels as a rim-runner, offensive rebounder, and lob threat, ranking among the SEC’s best on the offensive glass. His physical tools also fuel his defensive impact.

“Newell has proven he can switch onto perimeter players and recover as a help-side rim protector. By all accounts, his offensive game is a work in progress, but he has the tools to become a two-way impact player.”

Meanwhile, he predicted Queen to be selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors.

“Queen is a unique frontcourt talent who could mesh well with the Toronto Raptors’ emerging core of Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett,” Austin wrote. “Queen is arguably the most polished big man in the 2025 draft class, combining strength, finesse, and a remarkably high basketball IQ. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he offers bona fide skill and playmaking to the Raptors’ frontcourt.”