Bulls should target Nikola Vucevic replacement in the 2025 draft.

As the Chicago Bulls continue to navigate a challenging period of rebuilding and retooling, one position that has long been a point of discussion is their center position. Since acquiring Nikola Vučević in 2021 from the Orlando Magic, the Bulls have hoped the veteran big man would provide the stability and skill needed to complement their star guards, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. However, despite Vučević’s talents—such as his excellent passing, ability to stretch the floor, and strong rebounding—his time in Chicago has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of defensive presence. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Bulls should target a long-term replacement for Vucevic, a player who can offer both a high ceiling and a more modern skill set.

1. Nikola Vučević’s Impact and Limitations

Vucevic has been a double-double machine during his tenure with the Bulls, consistently providing solid scoring and rebounding numbers. However, his fit alongside the Bulls’ other key players—especially in a modern NBA that values switch ability, athleticism, and defensive versatility—has raised concerns. At 7 feet tall, Vucevic doesn’t possess the elite rim protection or mobility required to anchor a defense in today’s NBA. His defensive struggles, particularly on pick-and-rolls and post-up situations, have been well-documented. Additionally, while Vucevic is a skilled passer for a big man, his lack of athleticism and rim protection limits his ability to truly alter the game on both ends of the floor.

The Bulls need a center who can offer a better two-way impact, someone who is more dynamic, both offensively and defensively, to complement their star perimeter players. With the team still in the hunt for a legitimate playoff contender in the Eastern Conference, their roster could benefit from a more explosive, versatile player at the center position, someone who can grow with their core and help them make a leap in the coming years.

2. The 2025 Draft Class: A Glimpse at the Future

The 2025 NBA Draft could provide several intriguing options for the Bulls to target a new center. With a promising crop of young talent, particularly at the center position, Chicago has a chance to secure a long-term solution. Some of the most exciting prospects emerging from the college ranks could offer the athleticism and defensive prowess the Bulls need.

Potential Targets:

• Cade Cunningham (Texas) Cunningham is a highly touted center prospect known for his athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding. His combination of length and mobility makes him a perfect fit for the Bulls’ system. He’s also a high-motor player with a defensive mentality, which is something the Bulls sorely need in their frontcourt.
• Jared Hall (Duke) Hall has the potential to be an elite shot blocker and rim protector in the NBA. At 6’11”, he has the size and mobility to switch on screens and defend multiple positions. His offensive game is still developing, but his defensive upside could be a game-changer for Chicago. With Hall in the mix, the Bulls could field a more versatile, modern roster that thrives on both ends of the floor.
• Derrick Johnson (Kansas) A more traditional center, Johnson is known for his physicality, rebounding, and inside scoring. While he may not have the same level of versatility as some of the other prospects, his ability to protect the rim and dominate in the post could still provide an immediate impact for the Bulls. If they decide they need more of a classic big man presence, Johnson could be an ideal candidate.

3. What a Vucevic Replacement Offers the Bulls

A modern center prospect—especially one with defensive chops and versatility—would offer a significant upgrade over Vucevic in several key areas. First and foremost, a more athletic big would allow the Bulls to become more dynamic in transition, pushing the pace and capitalizing on turnovers. A center who can run the floor effectively and finish lobs would immediately improve the team’s offensive efficiency, particularly when paired with Levine and DeRozan.

On the defensive end, the Bulls need a center who can anchor their defense, provide rim protection, and switch onto guards when necessary. A more mobile and agile player could help Chicago improve its defensive rating, which has been an area of concern throughout the past few seasons. By securing a long-term solution at center, the Bulls could take a massive step toward building a balanced, competitive team.

4. The Bigger Picture: What Does this Mean for the Bulls’ Long-Term Strategy?

Chicago’s front office faces a critical juncture in its rebuild. They have a core of talented perimeter players in LaVine, DeRozan, and Alex Caruso, but the center position remains a glaring weakness. While Vucevic has had his moments, the Bulls need a player who can complement their stars both offensively and defensively.

The 2025 draft gives them the opportunity to address this need. By targeting a young center with high upside, the Bulls would not only improve their current roster but also secure a potential franchise centerpiece who could be a building block for years to come. As the NBA evolves, it’s essential for teams to have a center who can do more than just score in the post. The Bulls need a player who can protect the rim, space the floor, and make plays on both ends of the court. The right pick in the 2025 draft could elevate the entire roster and shift the direction of the franchise.

5. The Path Forward

As Chicago prepares for the 2025 draft, they will need to evaluate not only the best talent available but also how that talent fits with their current roster and long-term vision. The Bulls will be looking for a center who is more than just a rim protector—they will be seeking a player who can be a difference-maker on both ends of the floor and serve as a building block for a potential championship contender in the future.

In conclusion, while Nikola Vucevic has been a solid contributor to the Bulls, his limitations on both ends of the floor make him a less than ideal long-term solution at center. The 2025 NBA Draft presents the perfect opportunity for Chicago to find a replacement who can offer more athleticism, versatility, and defensive impact. If the Bulls make the right selection, they could set the foundation for a bright future in Chicago, with a centerpiece in the middle to help push them toward playoff contention and beyond.