The Chicago Bulls face a crucial choice as they head into the draft with the Nos. 4 and 15 picks. These selections could set the course for a new era of achievement or frustration. Expected contenders for the No. 4 pick from a crowded top four include BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.
Deciding which prospect should capture fans’ hopes at No. 4 and who might make an impact at No. 15 are among the first challenges for Bryson Graham, the newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations. In preparation for the June 23-24 draft, detailed analysis of each option for the No. 4 pick will be shared, along with insights into the diverse talent available at No. 15.
Caleb Wilson’s Potential
Caleb Wilson, during the NBA draft combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena, consistently emerges in predictions as a likely pick for Chicago. The speculation over who will be first remains, though it’s widely thought the top three choices will include Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer, with Wilson often considered fourth. Despite this ranking, Wilson boasts a significant athletic upside that aligns with the Bulls’ forward-looking strategy.
Wilson’s draft prospects may have been different if not for a right thumb fracture in March that kept him out of the NCAA Tournament, limiting his exposure to regular season performance. Nonetheless, as a 6-foot-9 forward, he exhibited considerable potential in the lottery with an average of 2.8 dunks per game for the Tar Heels, reflecting explosive and assertive physicality that will thrive in the NBA as he matures. An uncompromising drive sets Wilson apart, an invaluable attribute.
Proceeding from a respected lineage of North Carolina selections in the Bulls’ history—including Coby White in 2019 and Michael Jordan in 1984—Wilson’s confidence shines in interviews. His ambition is clear: he aims to rejuvenate the team’s culture, bringing back its former glory.
Though his offensive skills improved during his freshman year, Wilson’s on-ball defense needs development, a common challenge when physicality is relied upon excessively. He demonstrated a 58% field goal success rate yet faltered with 25.9% from the three-point range with minimal attempts. Achieving NBA stardom requires honing his abilities as a creator, shooter, and defender.
Fortunately, the Bulls have time on their side. Their extended rebuilding timeline suits a prospect like Wilson who may need years to evolve. If forecasts hold, Wilson could be the ideal candidate for their restructuring endeavor.
Exploring Options at No. 15
Aday Mara, from Michigan, savors victory with fans post-championship win against UConn on April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.
The No. 15 pick offers a plethora of possibilities, including adding depth on the wing or selecting a point guard. This pick could also cast the future frontcourt. With Nikola Vučević’s trade in February, the Bulls lack a clear center successor.
Jalen Smith serves as a temporary center but hasn’t impressed with his offensive prowess. Zach Collins has potential but his recurring injuries hinder progress. While options like Jalen Duren and Mark Williams might be pursued in free agency, drafting a new center could present a cost-efficient approach.
Fans might dream of drafting Aday Mara, the 7-3 center from Michigan, should he fall to No. 15. Though unlikely, acquiring Mara would be a triumph for the Bulls. His agility and scoring ability near the rim make him an asset. His potential, despite poor outside shooting stats—limited 3-point attempts and a free-throw rate of 56.4%—could boost a rebuilding team.
If Mara is out of reach, the Bulls could pivot to another towering talent like Luigi Suigo, a 19-year-old from Italy who played pro basketball in Serbia. Suigo excels in defense, capturing rebounds. His role as a lob threat could fill a gap for the Bulls.
Failing that, exploring prospects under 7 feet such as Washington’s 6-10 Hannes Steinbach or Houston’s 6-10 Chris Cenac Jr remains an option. While both are slightly shorter centers, rigorous fitness and shooting enhancements might offset this. Steinbach’s interest in shooting from beyond the arc complements his rim-finish capability. Cenac demonstrates paint dominance as a defender and scorer but needs discipline to refine game efficiency.