For the Chicago Bulls, the most important decision they’ll make the entire summer is who they take with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n
True, they have two first-round picks, with one that’s just outside of the lottery at No. 15. However, Chicago should have a much better chance to select a franchise cornerstone with the No. 4 pick than they do when they’re back on the clock 11 spots later. Those looking at the last player they drafted fourth overall, Patrick Williams<\/a>, probably have reservations about that statement. Though Williams is a solid 3-and-D player in a vacuum, he absolutely has not lived up to his billing<\/a>, especially as a top-five draft pick. Across 348 contests, the Florida State product has averaged 9.0 points per game, which ranks 16th<\/a> (tied with former second overall pick James Wiseman<\/a>) in the 2020 NBA Draft class.<\/p>\n However, over the past 10 years, there have been two players drafted fourth overall who have become All-Stars: Scottie Barnes<\/a> (Toronto Raptors) and Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> (Utah Jazz). Among the most recent No. 4 picks are Houston Rockets playmaker Amen Thompson<\/a> (2023), San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle<\/a> (2024) and Charlotte Hornets wing Kon Knueppel<\/a> (2025), all of whom are considered integral to their teams. In comparison, over the last 10 years there have been no players drafted 15th overall that have been named an All-Star. The most notable selection in that span is Miami Heat semi-starter Kel’el Ware<\/a>, who was part of the 2024 NBA Draft class.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that that history lesson is complete, let’s focus on the Bulls’ best options. Right now, no player is guaranteed to be a top-three pick because there are four players in the discussion: BYU wing AJ Dybantsa<\/a>, Duke forward Cameron Boozer<\/a>, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson<\/a> and UNC forward Caleb Wilson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Frankly, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr.<\/a> played so well in 2025-26 that it wouldn’t be a complete shock if he wound up being drafted top-three. Of course, if Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham is convinced that Josh Giddey<\/a> is his franchise point guard, it’s unlikely that Acuff will be their selection either way. However, Peterson’s length and the role he played at Kansas lend more credence to his ability to primarily be a two-guard. So, if Chicago does change the guard with the fourth pick, Peterson is a better fit and<\/em> has more upside.<\/p>\n All the same, Dybantsa’s guard skills and prototypical athleticism<\/a> would allow him to be a large shooting guard for the Bulls. At approximately 6-foot-8 and 217 pounds, he could actually play the 2-4, similar to Philadelphia 76ers swingman Paul George<\/a>. As arguably the most talented player in this draft class, his being available at four would be a miracle for Chicago. He’d be their most exciting draft prospect since Derrick Rose<\/a> and possibly even propped up as Bulls legend Michael Jordan<\/a>‘s heir to the throne.<\/p>\n Will Cameron Boozer Be Available?<\/strong><\/p>\n In the same vein, Boozer could very well slide to fourth base.<\/p>\n Though he’s been occasionally painted as the No. 1 prospect in his class, questions have persisted about his athleticism. The doubts about his explosive should have been quelled by the NBA Draft Combine results<\/a>, where he showed that he’s sound all-around. Nevertheless, in a league that loves flash and bangs, he might not have enough highlights.<\/p>\n As silly as that may sound, these are humans in the front offices, not robots. The emotional regions of their brain are tied to their memories, and people typically get more excited watching Dybantsa or Wilson cross an opponent up and dunk than watching Boozer push, punish and pivot<\/a> his way to points. As a result, scouts and executives could lean more towards a more aesthetically pleasing prospect, though everything that glitters isn’t gold.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Graham was first hired by the Bulls, he expressed a belief in a defensive philosophy that emphasized size, length, athleticism and physicality, using the acronym SLAP<\/em>.<\/p>\n If he plans on sticking by his word, then Acuff won’t be his choice, even if he’s available. Though he does have a 6-foot-7 wingspan, all of his other physical measurements are average. On top of that, he’s just not a very good defender<\/a>, especially when he’s on-ball. Though his assertive scoring could complement Giddey’s natural passiveness, their defense would be left far too vulnerable.<\/p>\n Not many players fit Bryson Graham\u2019s SLAP better than Caleb Wilson pic.twitter.com\/KTss0ccWYW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Joey (@jaelkhateam) May 12, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe Great Debate — Who Falls Out Of The Top-3?<\/h3>\n
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