The Chicago Bulls are once again staring down a familiar path - one that leads straight to the NBA Draft Lottery. At 11-15, they’re not bottoming out entirely, but they’re not exactly climbing the Eastern Conference ladder either.
That 12th spot in the lottery standings? It’s the same position they used to select Noa Essengue in the 2025 NBA Draft.
And unless something changes dramatically, it looks like they’ll be back in that same neighborhood come draft night in 2026.
Now, let’s be clear - this Bulls team has some strengths. They’re strong on the defensive glass, consistently limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents.
But when it comes to creating those same second chances for themselves? That’s where things fall apart.
They rank 22nd in offensive rebounds per game, and the offensive struggles don’t stop there. Despite generating quality looks - they’re No. 1 in Location Effective Field Goal Percentage, which essentially means they’re taking shots from the right spots - they still sit at 23rd in Offensive Rating (112.3).
That’s a frustrating combination: good shot selection, poor results.
So what’s missing? Talent.
Specifically, shot-makers and defensive difference-makers. That’s why the latest mock draft projecting the Bulls to select Washington Huskies freshman Hannes Steinbach with the 10th pick feels like a logical fit.
Steinbach, a 6-foot-11 forward out of Germany, has been turning heads early in his college career. He plays with a maturity that jumps off the screen - patient, purposeful, and efficient.
He runs the floor hard, carves out space early in the post, and finishes with authority around the rim. His catch radius is huge, and once he gets the ball inside, he’s a tough cover.
He’s also a relentless offensive rebounder, something the Bulls could desperately use.
Through seven games, Steinbach is averaging 17.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and a block per game while shooting a scorching 64.9% from the field. His breakout game came in a narrow loss to UCLA, where he dropped 29 points on 11-of-12 shooting and added a double-double for good measure.
The Bruins eventually had to double him on the catch - and that just opened up the floor for his teammates. He’s a willing passer, especially out of the post, and already shows a strong feel for reading defenses.
The one area where Steinbach still has room to grow is his shooting range. Right now, he’s not a volume three-point shooter, but the early signs are encouraging.
He’s hit four of his six attempts from deep this season and is shooting 73.5% from the free-throw line - a solid indicator of touch. Even if he never becomes a stretch-five in the traditional sense, his ability to finish in the paint and facilitate out of pick-and-roll actions makes him a valuable offensive piece.
For a Bulls team that’s light on long-term options at center, Steinbach checks a lot of boxes. He brings size, rebounding, interior scoring, and the kind of basketball IQ that could translate quickly to the next level. If Chicago is looking for a foundational piece in the frontcourt, Steinbach might just be their guy.