As the NBA Finals rage on, the Chicago Bulls are already looking ahead to a pivotal offseason, with their sights set on the 2025 NBA Draft. Holding the 12th overall pick after a disappointing play-in tournament exit, the Bulls are poised to address roster needs, particularly with Nikola Vucevic’s expected trade. However, a surprising report from insider K.C. Johnson has turned heads: the Bulls are eyeing North Carolina’s Drake Powell, a wing prospect projected as a second-rounder, as a potential first-round steal. With standout combine performances and elite defensive tools, could Powell be the two-way spark Chicago needs to reshape their future? Let’s dive into this draft intrigue and explore why Powell might be the Bulls’ secret weapon.
The Chicago Bulls’ 2024-25 season was a letdown, finishing with a 39-43 record and falling in the play-in tournament, marking another year without playoff success. With Nikola Vucevic, a veteran center averaging 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds, reportedly on the trade block, many expected the Bulls to target a frontcourt replacement in the draft. However, K.C. Johnson’s report reveals a shift in strategy, with the Bulls showing keen interest in North Carolina freshman Drake Powell, a 6-foot-6 wing whose stock is soaring after a stellar NBA Draft Combine performance.
Drake Powell, a five-star recruit from Pittsboro, North Carolina, entered the 2024-25 season as the No. 11 overall prospect in the Class of 2024, per 247Sports. Despite an underwhelming freshman campaign at UNC—averaging 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 48.3% field goal shooting and 37.9% from three—Powell showcased flashes of two-way brilliance. His role as a power forward, rather than his natural wing position, limited his offensive output, but his defensive prowess earned him UNC’s Defensive Player of the Year award, with 26 steals and 25 blocks in 37 games. Powell’s combine performance further boosted his stock, where he recorded a 43-inch max vertical leap—the highest among participants—and a 7-foot wingspan, cementing his athletic profile.
Powell’s potential fit with the Bulls is tantalizing. Chicago’s roster, featuring young talents like Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis, lacks a versatile wing defender who can guard multiple positions. Powell’s switch-everything defensive style, described as “exceptional” in pick-and-roll navigation, makes him a perfect complement to Buzelis at the forward spot. His 37.9% three-point shooting and 39.5% catch-and-shoot efficiency suggest he can develop into a 3-and-D role player, a valuable archetype in today’s NBA. Analysts note his ability to finish at the rim (69% on 71 attempts) and make connective plays, such as slick bounce passes and transition scoring, adding depth to his offensive game.
However, selecting Powell at No. 12 would be a bold move. Most mock drafts project him as an early-to-mid second-round pick, with ESPN slotting him at No. 31 to the Minnesota Timberwolves and others as low as No. 46 to the Sacramento Kings. His modest college stats and limited offensive creation—49.2% of his possessions were spot-up opportunities—raise questions about his readiness for a first-round role. Additionally, his low steal and block rates (less than one per game) and inconsistent handle against elite defenders suggest areas for growth. Yet, Powell’s youth (19 years old), physical tools, and combine dominance have fueled optimism, with some comparing him to former NBA wing Will Barton for his athleticism and defensive upside.
The Bulls’ interest in Powell reflects a broader draft strategy under executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas: prioritizing high-upside, versatile wings over immediate needs. With Vucevic’s trade potentially yielding assets and free agency options like re-signing DeMar DeRozan or pursuing new talent, Chicago may view Powell as a long-term investment to pair with their young core. Posts on X highlight Powell’s defensive potential, with one user noting, “Opposing pick-and-roll ball-handlers shot 32% when guarded by Powell,” underscoring his elite point-of-attack defense. However, selecting Powell over more polished prospects like Rutgers’ Ace Bailey or Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe could spark debate among fans, especially if he doesn’t contribute immediately.
The 2025 NBA Draft, set for June 25-26 at Barclays Center, will be a defining moment for the Bulls. With Duke’s Cooper Flagg projected as the No. 1 pick to Dallas, the lottery is loaded with talent, making Chicago’s decision at No. 12 critical. Powell’s trajectory mirrors players who’ve risen from second-round projections to first-round selections through strong pre-draft showings, but the Bulls must weigh his raw potential against their need for instant impact. As Powell told ESPN, he’s “all-in on the draft,” closing the door on a return to UNC, signaling confidence in his NBA readiness.
The Chicago Bulls’ reported interest in Drake Powell is a bold draft gambit that could redefine their roster. With elite defensive tools, athleticism, and developing offensive skills, Powell offers tantalizing upside as a two-way wing, but his selection at No. 12 would be a surprise given his second-round projections. As the Bulls navigate Vucevic’s trade and a crucial offseason, will they bet on Powell’s potential to become a cornerstone alongside Coby White and Matas Buzelis? Or is this draft rumor a smokescreen for another move?