Chicago Bulls Eye 2026 Draft to Rebuild Frontcourt Depth
While the Chicago Bulls are currently focused on making a postseason push, a sizable portion of the fanbase is already looking ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft.
The draft class is widely regarded as loaded, and fans hope the Bulls can snag a player who helps shape the franchise’s future.
As it stands, the Bulls are tied with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 13th position in the draft order, with both teams holding a 15–17 record.
This projection places Chicago in a position to select a lottery-caliber prospect for the third consecutive season, which could provide continuity in the rebuilding process.
The stakes are especially high for 2026, as the Bulls appear to be on the verge of a full-scale rebuild.
Nailing their next draft pick could significantly influence the team’s trajectory and potentially address long-standing positional weaknesses.
One glaring need for Chicago is frontcourt depth, which has been a recurring issue in recent seasons.
The Bulls currently rely on a trio of big men, two of whom are on expiring contracts: 35-year-old Nikola Vučević and 28-year-old Zach Collins, leaving just 25-year-old Jalen Smith as the long-term option beyond this season.
Chicago has recently prioritized forwards and invested heavily at point guard with Josh Giddey, but the frontcourt remains a critical area to address.
This logic is reflected in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft, which projects Washington big man Hannes Steinbach to be available for Chicago at No. 14 overall.
Steinbach has shown impressive production, earning praise for his combination of size, touch, instincts, and body control in transition.
Bleacher Report highlighted his 24-point, 16-rebound effort against USC, noting that he also contributed two three-pointers and three assists, demonstrating offensive versatility and upside.
Defensively, Steinbach has limitations, particularly in verticality and shot-blocking ability.
However, comparisons to skilled, below-the-rim bigs like Alperen ĹžengĂĽn and Derik Queen suggest that his overall skill set could translate well to the NBA despite not being a traditional athletic rim protector.
Through 10 games this season, the 19-year-old Steinbach is averaging 18.1 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.0 blocks, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 three-pointers per game.
No other freshman is matching that level of all-around production, and only two others—projected top-five picks Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson—are posting double-doubles on a consistent basis.
While Bulls fans may hope for a defensive centerpiece, Steinbach brings other qualities that are valuable in the modern NBA.
He is strong, moves well laterally, and relies on instincts, even if he isn’t an elite shot-blocker. The Bulls shouldn’t expect a Nikola Vučević clone defensively, but his upside is significant.
Bleacher Report compared Steinbach to former Michigan player Mo Wagner, who averaged 14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers per game as a junior.
While the comparison is reasonable, Steinbach’s freshman production far exceeds Wagner’s early collegiate output, as Wagner averaged just 8.6 minutes per game in his first season.
Adding Steinbach would help rejuvenate the Bulls’ frontcourt and provide a versatile big capable of contributing offensively and on the boards.
At this point in the draft, few prospects offer this combination of production and potential, aside from Houston’s Chris Cenac or Michigan’s Aday Mara.
Chicago’s frontcourt struggles underscore the urgency of this draft pick.
Vučević and Collins’ expiring contracts create both cap space and roster uncertainty, making the selection of a promising big man a critical step in the team’s long-term rebuild.
Ultimately, Steinbach represents a player with upside who can contribute immediately while growing into a larger role in the NBA.
While defensive limitations exist, his skill set, production, and potential make him a logical choice for a Bulls team looking to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
The 2026 draft thus presents Chicago with an opportunity to shape the franchise’s future.
By selecting a high-upside prospect like Steinbach, the Bulls could address their frontcourt deficiencies, provide support for their backcourt, and continue building toward a competitive roster for years to come.
