The pre-draft workout phase is where NBA teams like the Chicago Bulls build relationships with prospects and put their skills under a microscope. According to K.C. Johnson on 670 The Score, the Bulls have already started hosting players, with more expected to visit in the coming weeks. However, the team’s front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, is keeping things hush-hush. Unlike some organizations, Chicago prefers to play its cards close to the chest, making it tough to track who’s walking through the Advocate Center’s doors. HoopsHype’s tracker, which monitors pre-draft visits across the league, shows a sparse list for the Bulls, with few projected lottery talents linked to the team so far.
Amid this secrecy, one prospect has emerged as a standout: Drake Powell, a one-and-done freshman from North Carolina. Powell, a 6’6” wing, visited the Advocate Center earlier this week and left a strong impression. K.C. Johnson, speaking on The Chicago Lead, revealed that Powell’s performance was so impressive that he might return for a second workout. “This is a guy who tested very well athletically at the combine and interviewed… very well with multiple teams,” Johnson noted. Powell’s athleticism was on full display at the NBA Draft Combine, where he recorded the highest max vertical leap, a trait that aligns perfectly with the Bulls’ love for explosive players like Julian Phillips, whom they traded up for in 2023.
Powell’s college stats—7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over 37 games with the Tar Heels—don’t scream superstar, but his efficiency stands out. He shot an impressive 37.6% from three-point range, showcasing his potential as a two-way wing with length and burst. Comparisons to Bulls forward Patrick Williams, drawn by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, highlight Powell’s defensive versatility and athletic upside. However, most mock drafts project Powell as a second-round pick, with ESPN slotting him at No. 31 and No Ceilings at No. 34. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman recently moved him to No. 27, but even that’s a far cry from the Bulls’ No. 12 slot.
So, why the excitement? The Bulls have a history of taking risks on players others overlook. Patrick Williams (No. 4 in 2020) and Dalen Terry (No. 18 in 2022) were both considered reaches at the time, yet Chicago trusted their potential. Powell’s workout performance suggests he could follow a similar path, though selecting him at No. 12 would raise eyebrows. More likely, the Bulls are hoping Powell slips to their second-round pick at No. 45 or are considering a trade to move up in the second round. Pre-draft workouts aren’t just about first-round targets; they’re about identifying gems who could outperform their draft position.
The Bulls’ draft strategy remains a hot topic. After a 39-43 season and another Play-In Tournament exit, the pressure is on Karnisovas to find talent that complements the young core of Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis. With Nikola Vučević’s tenure winding down, many expect the team to target a big man, but Powell’s emergence suggests they’re open to versatile wings who fit their fast-paced, athletic style. Whether Powell is a serious contender for No. 12 or a fallback option, his workout has sparked intrigue about Chicago’s plans.
The Chicago Bulls’ draft workouts are in full swing, and Drake Powell’s name is one to watch. His athleticism, shooting touch, and defensive potential have caught the front office’s eye, but will they roll the dice on him at No. 12, or is he destined for a later pick? As the draft approaches, Chicago’s secretive approach keeps fans guessing, but one thing’s clear: Powell’s performance has added a thrilling twist to the Bulls’ offseason. Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know in the comments—who do you want the Bulls to draft?