As the 2025 NBA Draft rapidly approaches, the Chicago Bulls, holding the No. 12 pick, are poised to make one of their most crucial decisions this summer. With intelligence remaining sparse and a roster of promising yet flawed prospects, the Bulls find themselves at a crossroads: will they prioritize a “scheme fit” or simply the “best player available”? This isn’t just another draft pick; it could reshape the team’s future following a projected significant turnover after the 2025-26 season.
Body: The Allure of Prospects and the Bulls’ Drafting Philosophy
Executive Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and coach Billy Donovan have been clear about two core philosophies: first, they are position-agnostic, focusing on the best player available; and second, they want players who fit the 2024-25 Bulls’ style of play—fast-paced, versatile, and with three-point shooting capabilities. This explains why a big, versatile guard who can push the action and has a three-pointer in his bag is squarely on their radar.
The Prospects:
Egor Demin | Guard | BYU (6-9): This is more than just smoke; there are flames all around the quick riser from Brigham Young. Demin has seen his stock soar from late teens in the first round to the end of the lottery, and now he’s knocking on the door of the top 10. With elite playmaking and the versatility (and length) to be a defensive-minded wing, Demin perfectly aligns with the Bulls’ philosophy. While his 27.3% three-point shooting as a freshman is a concern, scouts insist the shot fundamentals translate to NBA improvement. If he falls to No. 12, it could be a steal.
Derik Queen | Center/Forward | Maryland (6-10): The next few weeks will be monumental for Queen, who has been sliding since the combine due to growing concerns about his athleticism. He boasts a high basketball IQ, excellent feet in the paint, and strong playmaking instincts. However, his less-than-elite rim protection and a meager 20% three-point shooting raise questions about his fit for the Bulls’ pace-and-space offense, which requires bigs to trail plays and hit threes like Nikola Vucevic.
Collin Murray-Boyles | Forward | South Carolina (6-7): His 26.5% three-point shooting is the major red flag, but Murray-Boyles is self-aware, acknowledging this weakness in combine interviews. His 48% from the corner and mid-side area in the three-point drill offered some relief. His elite ability to lock down wings and rebound remains unchallenged in this draft class, making him a strong defensive presence.
Asa Newell | Forward | Georgia (6-11): Don’t sleep on Newell, especially with private workouts underway. His athleticism and ability to cut and finish at the rim would be invaluable for the Bulls’ run-and-gun offense. He’s a legitimate lob threat on any play and is an underrated three-point shooter for his size, finishing just under 30% during his freshman season. A high-energy player with hints of Joakim Noah, he could quickly climb mock drafts for teams seeking a fit.
Conclusion: A Historic Decision and the Bulls’ Future
The No. 12 pick is a double-edged sword for the Chicago Bulls. They could unearth a gem that perfectly aligns with their team’s vision, or make a misstep that impacts several seasons to come. Given the front office’s characteristic discretion and strategic approach, the final decision will not only reflect their talent evaluation but also the tactical direction of the roster, especially with Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine’s situations now clarified. Will the Bulls take a calculated risk on a high-potential, yet flawed, player like Demin, or opt for a safer bet to bolster their frontcourt or shooting? The answer will shape the Bulls’ destiny in this new NBA era.