Chicago Bulls add size in Bleacher Report’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft

The Chicago Bulls have some improvements they can make during the 2026 NBA Draft. They are one of the teams with two picks in the first round, so they can make some big moves during the draft. Chicago can use these picks to add some significant size to the rotation, and EVP Bryson Graham can do that in his first draft with the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at one outlet’s mock draft and discuss who they can wind up selecting when they are officially on the clock.

The Chicago Bulls add Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report created a first-round NBA mock draft and had the Bulls add two frontcourt players. With the fourth pick, Buckley had the Bulls select power forward Caleb Wilson from the North Carolina Tar Heels. Below is what he wrote about the selection:

“For parts of mock draft season, it felt like Wilson had a tier to himself behind the Dybantsa-Peterson-Boozer trio and ahead of the rest. At this point, it’s clear that Wilson has expanded that elite group into a Big Four. As The Athletic’s Josh Robbins and David Aldridge relayed, several executives and scouts said ‘they can envision Wilson developing into the best player in the draft.’ It still feels like Wilson will wind up in the same No. 4 spot he’s been mocked at for a while, if only because his shooting and creation limitations are clearer to see than the other prospects. The Bulls would be thrilled if Wilson does, though, since he feels tailor-made for the type of team Chicago’s new front office wants to put together.”

Wilson had a strong freshman season for the Tar Heels. The 6’10 forward averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals on 57.8/25.9/71.3 shooting splits. Chicago still has Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, and Noa Essengue on the depth chart, so the power forward spot is deep. However, when you get the chance to add a talent like Wilson, you certainly do that. They could move off one of the other power forwards on the roster, but there is room to develop Wilson’s game, like his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills. It will be interesting to see how the first three picks shape up, as the Bulls will likely get whichever one of the Big Four is still available.

The Chicago Bulls add a center at the end of the lottery

The Bulls are one of the teams with multiple picks in the first round of this year’s draft. They also hold the 15th pick via the Portland Trail Blazers. With the final pick in the lottery, the Bulls select freshman center Hannes Steinbach out of the Washington Huskies. Below is the scouting report that Buckley gives:

“Steinbach was another winner at the NBA Draft Combine. He passed the eye test as an NBA-caliber center measuring 6’10” without shoes (with a 7’2″ wingspan), and showing added bulk at 248 pounds. The Bulls happen to have a glaring void at center, and if they filled it with Steinbach, they’d be getting perhaps the draft’s best rebounder and one of its best post scorers. Steinbach has also flashed enough competence from three to believe he can serve in a stretch-big capacity and make it easier to fit puzzle pieces around him. That should be hugely appealing to a franchise in such an early stage of a top-to-bottom reset.”

Steinbach actually led the NCAA in rebounding in the 2025-26 season. He averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals while posting a 57.7/34.0/75.9 shooting split. He was ble to showcase his abilities in the Big Ten Tournament, averaging 13.5 rebounds and 17.5 points, but the Huskies failed to reach the NCAA Tournament. With the lack of big games to see Steinbach play, it makes it a bit more of a gamble to take him in the lottery. However, he stepped up in Big Ten action, so it’s not like he is playing inferior competition. This would certainly add some incredible size and talent at the five spot to guard players like Joel Embiid, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo going forward.

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