The Chicago Bulls have a knack for turning draft-night disappointments into goldmines, and if the latest mock draft is any indication, they might be on the verge of striking it rich again in 2026. With the trade deadline looming and the team’s playoff odds still slim, the Bulls are poised for another lottery appearance—likely in the 10-12 range. But according to Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, that mid-lottery spot could deliver a massive steal: Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament, projected to fall all the way to No. 13 overall.
Yes, you read that right. Ament, the No. 4 high school recruit in the class of 2025 per 247Sports, was buzzing as a potential Top 5 pick just weeks ago. Now, in Wasserman’s updated mock released this week, he’s tumbling down the board—and straight into Chicago’s waiting arms. For a franchise that’s been rebuilding on the fly, this could be the kind of high-upside addition that accelerates their timeline back to contention. Let’s break down why this slide is happening, what makes Ament so special, and why Bulls fans should be ecstatic about the possibility.
The Slide: From Top 5 Hype to Mid-Lottery Bargain
Entering the 2025-26 college season, Nate Ament was the talk of the town. The 6-foot-10 forward out of Highland School in Virginia turned heads with his elite combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Scouts raved about his guard-like handles, fluid movement, and potential to become a mismatch nightmare in the modern NBA. As recently as December 5, multiple mocks had him locked in as a Top 5 selection, drawing comparisons to versatile bigs who can stretch the floor and create off the dribble.
But college basketball has a way of humbling even the brightest stars, and Ament’s freshman campaign with Tennessee has been a mixed bag. Through the early games, he’s averaging a respectable 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest—numbers that scream potential. However, his efficiency has been a red flag: just 38.0% from the field and a chilly 30.4% from beyond the arc. As a high-volume scorer, these shooting woes have raised questions about his immediate readiness and shot-making consistency.
Wasserman’s mock reflects this reality check, slotting Ament at No. 13 amid a loaded 2026 class filled with guards and wings who are producing more polished stats right now. Yet, this isn’t the first time a hyped prospect has stumbled out of the gate only to rebound spectacularly. Remember Matas Buzelis? The Bulls snagged him at No. 11 in 2024 after his inefficient stint with the G League Ignite caused a similar slide. Fast forward to now, and Buzelis is flashing star potential with efficient scoring nights in the NBA. Ament could follow the same script.
Why Ament is a Perfect Fit for the Bulls’ Rebuild
At his core, Nate Ament embodies the archetype every NBA team craves: a tall, skilled forward who can handle the ball like a guard and defend multiple positions. Standing at 6’10” with a high-rising jumper and above-average athleticism, he has the tools to thrive in today’s positionless league. Imagine him spacing the floor alongside young talents like Buzelis and Noa Essengue, or even running pick-and-rolls as a secondary creator.
Sure, his shooting numbers are ugly so far, but dig deeper, and the optimism shines through. Ament is drawing fouls at an elite rate, getting to the free-throw line over 6.0 times per game and converting at nearly 80.0%. That’s a strong indicator of his ability to attack defenses and finish through contact—skills that translate well to the pros. Plus, at just 18 years old, he’s got plenty of time to refine his jumper. The raw talent is undeniable; it’s just waiting for the right development system to unlock it.
For the Bulls, this pick aligns perfectly with their “best player available” philosophy. Yes, there’s already a budding logjam at the forward spot with Buzelis and Essengue in the fold, but Chicago isn’t in a position to nitpick. This is a team starving for young, high-ceiling talent after years of middling results. Adding Ament would inject versatility and upside into a roster that’s relied on veterans like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic for too long. If the front office stays the course—avoiding a full tank but not forcing a playoff push—they could land him without sacrificing assets.
A History of Draft Slides Paying Off Big for Chicago
The Bulls know all too well the thrill of a draft-night gift. Just last year, Buzelis slipped to them at No. 11 despite being a projected lottery lock. Before that, they’ve watched other teams capitalize on slides—like the New Orleans Pelicans grabbing Derik Queen at No. 13 this year after he was eyed for the Top 5. These stories remind us: the draft is unpredictable, and inefficiency in a small sample size can create massive value for patient teams.
If the season ended today, Chicago would pick right around that 10-12 sweet spot. Their recent three-game winning streak has boosted morale, but with expiring contracts and trade chips aplenty, a full teardown isn’t out of the question. Still, this front office has never fully embraced tanking, preferring to hover in the lottery’s middle tier. And honestly? That’s worked out before. Why not again?
The Bottom Line: A Jackpot Worth Celebrating
Of course, mocks are just educated guesses, and Ament’s stock could rebound if he turns things around in SEC play or March Madness. But if his struggles persist and he does fall to No. 13? Chicago just hit the jackpot. In a draft class brimming with talent, snagging a former Top 5 prospect this late could be the steal that jumpstarts the next era of Bulls basketball.
Bulls fans, keep an eye on Ament’s progress—and cross your fingers for that slide. The 2026 NBA Draft is still months away, but this mock has us dreaming big. Who knows? The Windy City might just get its next mismatch monster, courtesy of a little draft luck. Stay tuned; the tape doesn’t lie, and neither does the potential.