The Chicago Bulls are standing at a critical juncture as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches on June 25. After years of inconsistency, the franchise is poised for a major overhaul, with the center position emerging as their most pressing need. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony report that the Bulls are eyeing three polarizing prospects—Derik Queen, Thomas Sorber, and Joan Beringer—for their No. 12 pick. Each brings unique strengths, but their flaws have ignited fierce debates among fans, leaving the Windy City buzzing with anticipation and anxiety. With Nikola Vucevic’s contract expiring and a defense that bled points in the paint last season, the Bulls need a rim-protecting anchor to jumpstart their retool. Can one of these controversial big men be the answer, or will Chicago’s draft decision haunt them for years? Let’s dive into the stakes, the prospects, and what this choice means for the Bulls’ future.
The Bulls’ Frontcourt Crisis
The Bulls have struggled to solidify their center position for years, and the 2024-25 season exposed this weakness in brutal fashion. Chicago allowed the most points in the paint in the NBA, a glaring statistic that highlights their lack of a true defensive anchor. Nikola Vucevic, now 35 and on an expiring contract, remains a reliable offensive weapon (17.6 points, 10.5 rebounds last season) but a liability on defense, often exploited by quicker bigs and slashing guards. Zach Collins, acquired in the Zach LaVine trade with San Antonio, performed well but is an unrestricted free agent after 2025-26. Jalen Smith, the only center signed beyond next season, is a solid backup but lacks the presence to start for a team with playoff ambitions.
Rookie power forward Matas Buzelis led the team with 75 blocks last season, an impressive feat but a troubling sign. Relying on a 6’10” power forward as your primary rim protector is unsustainable in a league filled with versatile centers like Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis. The Bulls’ defense crumbled against high-octane offenses, and their transition-heavy system under Josh Giddey demands a center who can protect the rim and keep up with the pace. The 2025 draft offers a chance to address this hole, but the three prospects linked to Chicago—Queen, Sorber, and Beringer—are far from perfect, sparking heated discussions about the team’s direction.
Derik Queen: Offensive Brilliance, Defensive Doubts
Derik Queen, a Maryland standout, is the most offensively polished center in the 2025 draft. At nearly 250 pounds, Queen possesses rare guard-like skills for a big man, excelling in pick-and-rolls, taking defenders off the dribble, and creating his own shot. His ability to stretch the floor and facilitate from the post (3.1 assists per game in college) makes him a potential fit alongside Giddey, whose playmaking thrives in fast-paced systems. On paper, Queen’s offensive versatility could elevate Chicago’s halfcourt attack, giving them a dynamic frontcourt weapon.
However, Queen’s defensive shortcomings are a major concern. His lackadaisical approach to rim protection and questionable conditioning raise red flags for a team already struggling to stop opponents in the paint. Queen often shies away from physicality, a trait that could exacerbate Chicago’s defensive woes. While his offensive upside is undeniable, drafting a center who can’t anchor the defense at No. 12 feels like a risky bet for a franchise desperate for balance. Fans are torn—some see Queen as a future offensive star, while others fear his lapses could sink an already shaky defense.
Joan Beringer: The Ultimate High-Risk, High-Reward Prospect
Joan Beringer is the wild card of this draft class. At 6’11” with a 7’4½” wingspan and a 9’3” standing reach, Beringer is a physical freak whose athleticism and explosiveness set him apart. His ability to switch onto guards, block shots at an elite level (2.8 blocks per game), and finish lobs makes him a tantalizing prospect for a modern NBA defense. For the Bulls, Beringer’s potential as a rim protector and versatile defender could address their most glaring need, offering a long-term solution at center.
But Beringer is raw—painfully so. His offensive game is limited to dunks and putbacks, and his lack of polish raises questions about his readiness for NBA minutes. At No. 12, selecting a project like Beringer is a gamble for a team in the midst of a retool. His ceiling is sky-high, with comparisons to young Rudy Gobert, but his floor is alarmingly low, potentially relegating him to the G League for years. Bulls fans are split: some dream of a defensive cornerstone, while others worry that Beringer’s development timeline doesn’t align with Chicago’s need for immediate impact.
Thomas Sorber: Defensive Anchor, Offensive Liability
Thomas Sorber, a 19-year-old Georgetown freshman, brings the defensive tenacity the Bulls crave. At 6’9” and 263 pounds with a 7’6” wingspan, Sorber is a physical force who averaged 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game in college. His high basketball IQ, ability to hedge pick-and-rolls, and relentless motor make him a modern defensive anchor capable of erasing mistakes in the paint. For a team that surrendered 56.8 points in the paint per game last season, Sorber’s rim protection could be a godsend, offering stability and toughness.
However, Sorber’s offensive game is a significant drawback. A traditional back-to-the-basket center, he lacks the mobility and shooting range to keep up with Chicago’s up-tempo offense. His 1.2 assists per game and clunky footwork suggest he’d struggle in the Bulls’ transition-heavy system, potentially clogging the paint and stalling possessions. Pairing Sorber with Giddey could lead to awkward halfcourt sets, undermining Chicago’s offensive flow. While Sorber’s defense is a clear upgrade, his offensive limitations make him a questionable fit, leaving fans uncertain about his long-term role.
A Draft Class with No Perfect Answers
The 2025 NBA Draft is notably thin at center, complicating the Bulls’ plans. Queen, Sorber, and Beringer each address part of Chicago’s needs, but none are the complete package. Queen’s offense is elite but his defense is suspect; Beringer’s potential is immense but his rawness is daunting; Sorber’s defense is stellar but his offense is outdated. For a team that’s not one piece away from contending, drafting solely for need could backfire. Head coach Billy Donovan has emphasized versatility and defense since taking over, and fans are hoping the front office prioritizes the best defensive player available, even if it means pivoting to a wing or guard.
The Bulls’ pursuit of these “controversial” centers has sparked a rollercoaster of emotions. Queen’s flashiness excites those craving offensive firepower, while Beringer’s upside fuels dreams of a franchise-altering talent. Sorber, meanwhile, appeals to fans who value grit and immediate defensive impact. With just days until the draft, the pressure is on for Chicago’s front office to make a defining choice. Will they roll the dice on one of these big men, or opt for a safer, more versatile prospect? The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Chicago Bulls are on the brink of a franchise-defining moment as the 2025 NBA Draft nears. With a desperate need for a center to anchor their defense, the team’s interest in Derik Queen, Joan Beringer, and Thomas Sorber has fans buzzing with excitement and apprehension. Each prospect offers a piece of the puzzle—offensive flair, defensive potential, or raw upside—but none are flawless, making the No. 12 pick a high-stakes gamble. As the Windy City braces for a pivotal decision, one question looms large: can one of these big men finally solve Chicago’s frontcourt woes and set the Bulls on a path to contention? Bulls Nation, what’s your take—who should Chicago draft, and why?