When the Chicago Bulls initially traded their 2025 pick to the San Antonio Spurs, it was protected for two additional seasons if it was not conveyed during the designated draft. However, Chicago regained the rights to this pick through the Zach LaVine trade, giving them complete control over their future. This alleviates any concerns about losing the chance to draft a potential star to the Spurs.

As the lottery seeding solidifies, the Bulls may select between sixth and eighth, with Derik Queen being an intriguing option due to his fit and upside.

Derik Queen

Bio: Freshman | Maryland | 6’10” | 246 pounds

Stats: 15.9 points | 9.1 rebounds | 2.1 assists | 54.9 FG% | 9.1 3P% | 76.5 FT% | 1.0 steals | 1.0 blocks | 2.3 turnovers (27 games played)

Analysis

Queen has quietly taken the most polarizing draft prospect title from Zach Edey, thanks to his unique offensive versatility as an undersized big man. He excels around the rim and has proven ball-handling skills. Given his limited three-point production, his floor spacing is unconventional; however, he compensates with strong mid-range scoring and effective passing. While Queen cannot anchor a defense, he can certainly hold his own in various matchups.

Derik Queen GOES OFF against Rutgers dropping a career-high🔥

29 PTS | 9-16 FG | 15 REB | 5 AST pic.twitter.com/zZvaHIx9MQ

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 9, 2025

NBA Comparison

What made Karl-Anthony Towns the best comparison was their similarity in offensive styles. Neither player wastes time backing down in the post rather, they utilize the post-up to quickly create shots for themselves or others. Similar to Queen, Towns was not a strong shooter out of college; he shot 25% from beyond the arc on fewer than one attempt per game. Queen’s three-point percentage may be disappointing, but he compensates for it with his promising form and a solid free-throw percentage.

Bulls Fit

Ideally, Queen would transition to power forward in the NBA due to his defensive limitations. While he may not offer a lateral advantage, his quick feet and size enable him to guard other power forwards. A combination of Matas Buzelis, Derik Queen, and Jalen Smith may develop into a promising defense. Smith’s shooting allows Queen to generate offense inside the arc where he feels most comfortable. Like Nikola Vucevic, Queen is a savvy screener who can make the short roll pass and adjust to an array of defenses.