After winning just one game in February, the Chicago Bulls are more in play for the number one overall pick in this year’s draft than you think.
You read that correctly. The Chicago Bulls won a single game all month long in February. Currently, they stand at a record of 20-40.
Just a few weeks ago, many simulators had the Bulls picking anywhere from the no. 9 spot to no. 13 overall. Fast forward to March, and things have changed drastically.
Per Tankathon, the Bulls are most likely to land at pick no. 7 — shocker, right? That would be the fourth year in a row Chicago picks at the same exact number seven spot. But, if things continue to go the way they have been going, the Bulls will be moving up even further.
Current odds say the Bulls won’t pick any later than the 10th spot. Right now, they are tied in the win column with the Detroit Pistons. The Atlanta Hawks have won 19 games, while the New York Knicks have won 18.
Just behind the Knicks are both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves with 17 wins. Then, you’ll find the Golden State Warriors at 13 — the lowest win total in the league at this point.
In their next 10 games, the Bulls play both the Cavs and Wolves. If you’re a fan rooting for the tank, then of course you’re hoping they lose those crucial matchups. Other than those two opponents, the Bulls have a worse record than the other eight teams they’re soon facing.
With the plethora of injuries the Bulls currently face, combined with the constant tension between head coach Jim Boylen and team leader Zach LaVine, I don’t see Chicago on the upswing anytime soon.
If the Bulls do end up continuing this cold streak, they very well could end up with some of the better chances at the no. 1 overall pick. The question is, if they land near the top, who is the pick?
At the moment, the top two prospects should end up being James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball, with a guy like Anthony Edwards close behind. This class is no where near as talented as the past couple of years, so if the Bulls are going to go down, they may as well shoot for the top two picks.