The Chicago Bulls have found themselves with a particular type of player in mind, especially when it comes to the wing position. From Dalen Terry to Julian Phillips, Matas Buzelis, and Noa Essengue, Chicago has repeatedly taken chances on lanky, explosive forwards. These players have a lot of potential, but they often come with some common flaws—questionable ball-handling skills, inconsistent three-point shooting, and a tendency to feel uncomfortable with the ball in their hands. With these players, the Bulls have continually tried to find that perfect balance of length, versatility, and two-way potential. Yet, with all these similar types on the roster, it begs the question: should the Bulls continue down this path by selecting another wing in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft?

As we’ve seen from the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown duo in Boston, having a pair of long, two-way players can unlock a team’s full potential. The success of this combination has led many franchises to follow suit and seek out multiple talented wings. However, there’s a limit to the amount of developmental playing time a team can allocate, and with the Bulls’ current roster, adding another young forward might lead to a crowded situation.

So, with that in mind, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has the Chicago Bulls selecting Nate Ament with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. But is this the right fit for the Bulls, or are they falling into the same trap of selecting a player who brings similar strengths and weaknesses to their other young forwards?

Ament’s Rise and Fall: From Top Recruit to Injury Setback

Nate Ament, the Tennessee Volunteers forward, has had an up-and-down draft cycle. Originally viewed as a Top 10 pick, some even had him pegged as a potential Top 3 selection in the 2025 Draft. Ament’s impressive size, scoring ability, and upside made him a hot commodity, but his season started off slower than expected, causing his draft stock to take a hit. Ament averaged 17.4 points and 6.4 rebounds over 29 games this season, helping keep his team ranked in the Top 25 with a 25-9 record. But the real intrigue surrounding Ament came after the calendar flipped to 2026.

Once the new year began, Ament found his rhythm, averaging 20.2 points on 38.9% shooting from three over a 14-game stretch. This hot streak had many experts excited, but it came to an abrupt halt when Ament suffered a leg injury during a game against Alabama. Since then, he has been sidelined, and his injury raises some concerns moving forward. Still, the flashes of brilliance he showed earlier in the season have kept him in the conversation for a Top 10 pick.

Ament vs. Buzelis: A Potential Duo That Makes Sense

If the Bulls are going to select a player like Ament, they might have stumbled upon a pairing that makes more sense on paper than previous draft choices like Buzelis and Essengue. Ament offers a capable floor spacer, something that would allow Matas Buzelis the necessary space to operate as an offensive initiator. One of Ament’s strengths is his ability to shoot, especially from deep, and that would give Buzelis more room to create. Additionally, Ament has a stronger frame and more physicality than Buzelis around the rim, which would make him a better option for banging in the paint. This physicality is especially evident in his impressive 7.1 free throw attempts per game, with two of his performances featuring double-digit free throw makes—a significant achievement at the college level.

While the potential pairing of Ament and Buzelis seems promising, Ament’s weaknesses remain. Ball handling is a major concern, as his ability to create plays for others is still a work in progress. Additionally, questions remain about his ability to defend bigger bodies and hold his own in the NBA’s physical game. These concerns aren’t dissimilar to those surrounding Essengue, who also has a raw skillset but lacks refinement in key areas.

Should the Bulls Select Ament?

The real question here is whether the Chicago Bulls should invest in yet another player with a similar archetype. After all, the Bulls have been drafting players with very similar profiles for years now, and there’s only so much room for development on a roster filled with wings who all have the same potential but differing weaknesses. Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue are already competing for playing time, and bringing Ament into the fold would only add to the logjam. If the Bulls are not careful, they could end up with too many players who fit the same mold, ultimately hindering their growth and success in the long run.

Of course, if the Bulls’ front office believes that Ament is the best available player when their turn comes at No. 9, then they should certainly pull the trigger. Selecting the best player available should always be a priority in the draft, but it’s also important for the Bulls to be strategic and consider how Ament’s skillset complements their current roster.

Ament’s Upside: Is It Worth the Risk?

If the Bulls do select Ament, they may have stumbled upon a player with tremendous upside. His ability to space the floor and his strength around the rim are qualities that would mesh well with the team’s long-term vision. However, if Ament fails to address his ball-handling issues and struggles defensively, the Bulls could find themselves in a situation where they are still lacking the playmaking and defense needed from a forward.

The good news is that Ament is still relatively young and has shown flashes of brilliance. The Bulls could be getting a steal if he lives up to his potential. But with the team already dealing with the development of Buzelis and Essengue, it’s crucial for the Bulls to assess whether adding another similar player is truly the right move or if they should look elsewhere to build a more balanced roster.

Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble for the Bulls

At the end of the day, Nate Ament could very well be the type of player who makes a difference for the Bulls. However, the front office needs to be cautious and ensure they’re not drafting just for the sake of adding another young wing with similar strengths and weaknesses. If Ament can address his ball-handling issues and prove that he can defend at a higher level, he has the potential to be a solid contributor for the Bulls. But if the team is simply attracted to his scoring potential without addressing the roster’s needs, they may find themselves in a familiar cycle of unfulfilled expectations. The Bulls have a lot of work to do in terms of roster construction, and how they approach the draft could ultimately dictate the direction the team goes moving forward.