With the NBA draft right around the corner, it is safe to say that the Chicago Bulls just missed out on perhaps what could have been a checkmate. With only a 1.7% shot at the top pick, Bulls fans were dreaming big. But that dream died quickly when the coin toss favoured the Dallas Mavericks. This means Cooper Flagg will likely not end up with the Bulls.
Thanks to the Zach LaVine trade, they’ve got the No. 12 pick. And with former All-Star Nikola Vucevic likely on the move, the Bulls are looking to draft a big man to anchor the team.
Derik Queen to the Bulls? Mock Draft Makes Surprising Prediction
ESPN’s latest mock draft has the Chicago Bulls drafting Maryland star Derik Queen at No.12. Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony of ESPN made it clear why the Bulls might lean Queen’s way. “Chicago is in position to draft the best available talent but is in greater need of frontcourt help,” they wrote.
Derik Queen’s unorthodox physical profile draws comparisons to Kevin Love from the DX historical database. Love changed his body in the NBA, and Queen may need to do the same. His big standing reach should allow him to see plenty of time at the 5. pic.twitter.com/iDWnMhGjzs
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 14, 2025
They also went on to say that Queen would be “an interesting option” if he slips out of the top 10. If that wasn’t enough, Queen has even drawn comparisons to Kevin Love. Despite having a rather unfortunate show at the NBA Combine, Queen’s tape still screams upside.
As ESPN’s report rightly put it, “He’s a major offensive talent whose skill set separates him from the other bigs in this class.” But why is Derik Queen slipping in the first place? Well, the Combine didn’t exactly help his case.
Queen’s 12.45 time in the lane agility drill ranked third-worst in five years. Meanwhile, his vertical was a not-so-bouncy 28 inches. Add to that the wonky jumper with just 20% from deep this season. This was truly an unfortunate moment, as Queen’s actual game tells a different story.
Derik Queen averaged 16.5 points and 9 rebounds during his freshman campaign and helped lead Maryland to the Sweet 16. Despite his questionable athleticism, he has great footwork and a polished offensive arsenal for a 6’10”, 247-pound big man. While ESPN screams Bulls, not everyone sees Queen landing there.
College Sports Network (CSN) takes a different route in its mock draft. CSN had the Bulls choosing Carter Bryant, a 6’8” forward out of Arizona, instead. After having traded both LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, Chicago could be tempted to fill the forward gap. And Bryant’s energy, combined with the defensive upside, can make him the perfect Bulls’ pick.
As for Derik Queen, CSN sees him dropping to Portland at No. 14. This would mean Queen pairing alongside 7’2” Donovan Clingan in what would be an absolute bruiser of a frontcourt. But there is no denying that Queen in Bulls is a match made in draft-night heaven.
The Bulls need a frontcourt rebuild, and Queen gives them a high-upside, low-risk play. Yes, the Combine numbers might make people nervous. But the game tape tells a better story. With draft night approaching, the Bulls are staring down a decision that could reshape their identity.
KEEP READING: 2025 NBA Draft Watch: 5 College Basketball Stars Who Could Go Undrafted, Including PJ Haggerty
Will they go the flashy route with an athletic wing like Bryant, or bet on Queen’s raw talent and high ceiling to fill their frontcourt void?
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
