In one of the most nail-biting outcomes of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the Chicago Bulls stayed at the No. 12 position. What makes the outcome even more dramatic? They missed the No. 1 overall pick by nothing more than a coin flip. With the team tied in odds with another franchise, luck determined their fate — and the ball didn’t bounce in Chicago’s favor.
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Chicago Bulls Narrowly Miss Top Pick
The Bulls had entered the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery with hopes — if not high odds — of jumping into the top four. Mathematically, it was always a long shot, but this time, it came down to a coin flip. Their identical lottery odds with another team meant that whichever organization won the tiebreaker would have the better chance at the top pick. The Bulls lost that toss, and in a twist of fate, that margin ended up deciding who landed the No. 1 slot.
Remaining at No. 12 might seem ordinary on paper, but knowing they were that close makes it sting a little more for fans and the front office.
What Does No. 12 Mean for the Chicago Bulls?
Staying at the 12th pick puts the Chicago Bulls in a position where many franchises have struck gold — but it’ll require scouting excellence and perhaps a bit of luck. The 2025 draft class is deep in talent, though it lacks the superstar certainty of past years.
This also puts pressure on management. With a fan base eager for a turnaround and the team likely entering a transitional phase, the 12th pick needs to produce value — either as a player or trade asset.
Chicago Bulls leadership now faces a critical choice: draft the best available talent or explore trade opportunities to shake up the roster.
Possible Draft Targets for the Bulls
Here are a few names likely to be available when the Bulls pick:
- Derik Queen (Maryland): A smart and skilled center who fits today’s offense.
- Khaman Maluach (Duke): A towering presence with elite rim protection.
- VJ Edgecombe (Baylor): A versatile wing with a two-way game and energy to spare.
The Bulls could use size, shooting, and playmaking. Picking the right blend of upside and readiness is the challenge.
Chicago Bulls Draft Strategy: Stand Pat or Move Up?
There are three main paths ahead:
- Keep the No. 12 pick: Use it to develop a young player over the next few years.
- Trade up: Package the pick with a veteran to crack the top 10 and grab a higher-tier talent.
- Trade for depth or future picks: Stockpile assets while continuing to build a more balanced roster.
The Bulls need to be realistic — while the roster has some promise, it lacks star power. They’ll need to be aggressive but smart in how they approach this offseason.
Building Around a New Core
The team is no longer built around veterans like DeRozan or LaVine. Instead, it’s time for younger players to step up. Whoever the Bulls select at No. 12 should fit with this new philosophy. Whether it’s a strong defender, a stretch big, or a dynamic wing, the goal should be to draft someone who complements the team’s evolving identity.
Patience will be key. The rebuild won’t be instant, but the right moves this summer could speed things up significantly.
Chicago Bulls Fans React: Optimism with Caution
The fanbase is split. Some were hoping for a miracle lottery leap. Others understand that progress is often slow and steady. Still, nearly everyone agrees — this draft pick matters. Chicago can’t afford another miss.
There’s hope that this year’s pick could be the foundation of something bigger. But the front office needs to prove it knows how to build.
What’s Next for the Bulls?
The days ahead will be packed with workouts, interviews, and trade calls. Every detail counts now — from how a player fits into the system to their attitude and leadership. The Chicago Bulls will explore all options and must prepare for multiple outcomes. The draft is a chance to reset the clock and shape the future.
Free agency will follow closely behind. With cap space flexibility and trade rumors already swirling, Bulls fans can expect a busy offseason.
Let’s Wrap This Up…
The Chicago Bulls may not have won the lottery, but staying at No. 12 isn’t a loss — it’s an opportunity. The margin between disappointment and franchise-changing success may have been a coin flip, but what comes next is in Chicago’s hands. Smart scouting, bold decision-making, and a vision for the future will define this draft’s legacy.
If the Bulls get it right, No. 12 could become the cornerstone of a new era.