With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Bulls are focused on the NBA Draft. They have their own first-round pick, which is going to be in the lottery. This draft is going to be deep in the lottery, meaning the Bulls will have a strong selection if things play out as they look. At this point, they are projected to have a top-10 pick with a 20.3% chance to be top-four and a 4.5% chance to win the first pick. Let’s take a look at where one outlet’s mock draft has them picking and who they choose.
The Chicago Bulls select Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance in Bleacher Report’s mock draft
Jan 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance (21) reacts after a play during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley created a new mock draft in the midst of the Sweet 16. In this mock draft, Chicago holds the ninth pick and selects Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance. Below is what he wrote regarding the choice:
“While Quaintance’s college career technically spanned two seasons, he’s still sitting on just 28 career appearances. An ACL tear suffered late last season effectively wrecked his availability for this one, and it also denied the hoops world to see what, if any, skill improvements he might have had. That said, his upside remains enticing for a lot of reasons, not the least of which that he’s younger than most freshman (he won’t turn 19 until July). His healthy version looks like a spring-loaded rim-runner with more passing and handling than the archetype normally offers.
“Teams in need of a sure thing might stay away, but the rebuilding Bulls could welcome the chance to take on his development in hopes of filling their 5 spot for the forseeable future.”
Quaintance spent last season with Arizona State before transferring to Duke. In 28 career games (25 starts) and averaged 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals. With Chicago having no big men on the roster signed for next season, this seems like a perfect fit. The Bulls have some needs, but with the guards on the roster, finding the big man will help with the team’s current rebuild.
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