Who Will the Chicago Bulls Draft with the 12th Pick?
On June 25th, 2025, the Chicago Bulls will be on the clock with the 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft, a position affected by both a lost coin toss to the Dallas Mavericks and a crucial Play-In Tournament defeat to the Miami Heat. Finishing the regular season with a 39-43 record, the team now finds itself at a crossroads, especially after moving on from veterans Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. These events signal a new era focused on rebuilding through youth and strategic draft decisions. Despite the disappointment of missing a higher pick, the Bulls' front office is prioritizing prospects with versatility, upside, and long-term potential. With this selection, Chicago hopes to secure a foundational player to guide their future success.
Among the prospects linked to the Bulls are Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and Khaman Maluach. Queen, a six-foot-ten center from Maryland, is known for his high basketball IQ and excellent passing, drawing comparisons to Nikola Jokić. Fears, a six-foot-four point guard from Oklahoma, provides shot creation and ball-handling skills but is still maturing in his decision-making. Maluach, a seven-foot-two center from Duke, brings elite defensive instincts and interior scoring. Each of these players addresses different team needs, making the choice all the more crucial.
Analysts suggest that Chicago may lean toward selecting a big man like Queen or Maluach to solidify their frontcourt. With young talents such as Matas Buzelis and Coby White already on the roster, a skilled center could complete a balanced trio. However, adding a guard like Fears could also boost their backcourt depth and future scoring. The decision ultimately depends on how the Bulls weigh upside versus fit. In a rebuilding phase, selecting the player with the highest ceiling may prove most beneficial.
The Bulls’ choice at 12th will likely signal the organization’s long-term vision. Whether they opt for a skilled center, a dynamic guard, or a high-upside project, the pick will be critical to their success over the next five years. Fans are hopeful that this draft marks the beginning of a new era of competitive basketball in Chicago. The front office’s ability to evaluate and develop talent will be tested. All eyes will be on the Bulls when they’re on the clock this June.
