3 Bold NBA Draft Risks the Chicago Bulls Must Be Prepared and Willing to Make.
The Chicago Bulls stand at a critical crossroads. After years of middling results and a roster that hasn’t lived up to expectations, the 2025 NBA Draft offers a rare opportunity to reset, retool, and rethink the future. With no clear superstar and limited flexibility in free agency, Chicago must treat this draft as a pivotal moment. That means being bold—not just playing it safe with high-floor prospects or chasing short-term upgrades. Here are three bold draft risks the Bulls must be prepared and willing to make if they hope to change the direction of the franchise.
1. Drafting for Upside Over Fit—Even if It Means Doubling Down on Guards
For years, the Bulls have operated with an eye toward positional balance. They tried to pair Zach LaVine with complementary wings, protect the paint with Nikola Vučević, and fill gaps rather than stack talent. That conservative approach has left them with a roster full of solid players but no superstar.
In this draft, Chicago must shift its mindset. If the best player available is another guard—even if they already have Coby White and Ayo Do Sunny—the Bulls should take him. For example, if a high-upside scorer like Tre Johnson or Isaiah Collier is available, the Bulls can’t afford to pass simply because they already have backcourt depth. Talent wins in the NBA, and positional concerns can be sorted out later via trades or rotation shifts.
This is the type of move that could pay dividends long-term. The league has increasingly shown that stacking elite perimeter creators can elevate a team from good to great. Chicago needs to prioritize ceiling over comfort, even if it means risking redundancy.
2. Taking a Chance on a Raw but High-Ceiling Prospect
Another risk the Bulls must be open to is drafting a raw prospect—someone who may not contribute much in year one but could turn into a franchise cornerstone with the right development. These are the types of picks that often scare front offices, especially those under pressure to win now. But for Chicago, stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference, a gamble on upside is worth it.
Players like Alexandre SARR or Matias Bullish (if available) offer this kind of profile—long, athletic, and toolsy, but not yet polished. Sarr, for instance, brings elite rim protection and mobility but is still learning how to play within an NBA system. Buzelis has size and shot-making potential but needs time to develop strength and consistency.
The Bulls should not be afraid to go all-in on a project. They’re not one piece away from contention; they’re several. That means targeting potential future stars, not just NBA-ready role players. It’s a risk, yes—but one that could finally yield a real difference-maker.
3. Trading Up (or Down) Aggressively to Find the Right Player
Perhaps the boldest move the Bulls could make is not standing pat at all. If the right player is out of reach where they’re currently slated to pick, they must be willing to trade up—even if it costs a young player or future pick. Conversely, if there’s no clear target in their range, trading down to acquire more assets or better roster fits should be on the table.
For example, if the Bulls believe a top-3 pick holds their franchise centerpiece, they need to pick up the phone and make aggressive offers. That could mean parting with someone like Patrick Williams or a protected future first-round pick. On the flip side, if they don’t love anyone projected in their slot, they should explore deals that net a lower pick plus a proven role player or additional draft capital.
This front office has too often played it safe. In this draft, they need to swing. Whether it’s moving up for a star or down to build more depth, a bold trade could reshape their trajectory far faster than a conservative selection.
Conclusion
The Chicago Bulls can’t afford another year of mediocrity. With the future of Zach LaVine uncertain, DeMar DeRozan aging, and the Eastern Conference getting stronger, this draft might be their last best chance to reshape the franchise from the inside out. That means thinking big. Taking bold swings. Being willing to miss in order to eventually hit.
Drafting for upside over fit, betting on raw potential, and making aggressive moves on the draft board are all high-risk decisions. But they’re also the kind of moves that signal a team ready to escape the middle and chase greatness. If the Bulls want to matter again, playing it safe isn’t just boring—it’s a losing strategy.
