For the Chicago Bulls in the 2025 NBA Draft, their only focus should be on defense. Whether it is finding a much-needed lockdown perimeter player or a defensive-minded replacement for center Nikola Vucevic, the team has multiple directions it can take.
Yes, Cooper Flagg would no doubt be the perfect solution for all of Chicago's problems, but that just won't happen. The team has a shaky draft history, so they need to do their homework and find a player who has shown defensive potential and can guard multiple positions on the court.
Here are a few prospects that could come in and help the Bulls bounce back from a poor defensive season.
Possible Fits as a Strong Defender
Collin Murray-Boyles, PF, South Carolina. Murray-Boyles has proven to be a worthy paint defender and strong rebounder who is tough and highly productive. He likely can't play as a true center in the NBA, considering he clocked in at 6'7" in the NBA Combine, but has extremely high upside on the defensive end.
His averages of 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds,1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game perfectly fit the needs of the Bulls, and he would match their high energy and fast-paced style. Murray-Boyles has comparisons of Al Horford and Draymond Green, and his willingness to go up against top scorers is always a plus in the NBA game.
Thomas Sorber, PF/C, Georgetown. Sorber has the possibility to be a great fit in Chicago as a Vucevic replacement. He missed a chunk of the season for the Hoyas after a left foot injury, but the 6'10" freshman with a 7'6" wingspan is the definition of a throwback big man.
Averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and two blocks in 24 games, Sorber has a strong all-around skillset. He has a great interior game with good footwork and is an above-average passer considering his size. He lacks a three-point shot, but drawing comparisons to Roy Hibbert and Jusuf Nurkic, he would be a valued addition for this Bulls squad.
Rasheer Fleming, PF, St. Joseph's. Fleming has extremely high defensive potential and has only gotten better in each of his three college seasons. He is athletic, versatile, and an above-average shooter. At 6'9", he can guard on the perimeter and in the post, though he lacks the ability to create his own shot.
Fleming averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game during his junior season. While it wasn't against top-tier talent playing in the Atlantic 10, he can cause havoc for opposing offenses. Comparisons include OG Anunoby and Obi Toppin, two wings who have proved valuable players over the recent years.
Other Top Options for the Bulls
Carter Bryant, F, Arizona. Bryant would also be a great addition for Chicago as a multi-faceted defender who plays above his size. At 6'7", he can block shots, guard the perimeter, and he thrives in the transition game. Byrant has some work to do offensively, but the potential he's shown defensively makes him a great candidate to land in Chicago.
Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina. Similar to Bryant, Powell is a lengthy defender who is quick and a pest in the passing lanes. He would have to be played as a wing, but his athleticism allows him to guard multiple positions and not be a liability defending the fast break. There's room for improvement offensively, but with comparisons to Herb Jones, he has great upside.
If Khaman Maluach is still on the board when Chicago is up to pick, he is the obvious choice. But with teams like Washington, Brooklyn, and Toronto just ahead of them, he's likely not going to be a possibility.
Derik Queen would also be a valuable addition, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired. He is great with the ball in his hands offensively, but he just wouldn't fix the problems on the Bulls' currently constructed roster.
There isn't a clear option that can fix all of Chicago's issues in the form of just one player. The 2025 draft class is filled with wing defenders who can guard multiple positions on the court, and that is the likely direction the Bulls will take. It still leaves them lacking a true starting-caliber center, so hopefully they can find one in free agency.