Time is ticking, and with each passing second, we get closer to the 2026 NBA Draft.

From May 10-17, executives, scouts, agents and media crowded into the NBA Draft Combine. This is a pivotal moment where the perceptions of prospects can dramatically shift, for better or worse. For players like Baylor’s Cameron Carr, initially projected to be selected around pick 15, his impressive performance at the Combine has potentially boosted his stock from mid-first to late-lotto, come June. 

While the Draft Combine has always been crucial for players, this year it carried even greater significance for the scouts in attendance. The NIL era is here, and its effects are already being heavily felt. Elite college players no longer need the NBA as quickly as they historically have. Players have realized they can earn seven figures while staying in school and boosting their draft stock. So why rush? 

With the emergence of the NIL, the talent pool of this draft class has thinned overnight. Notable players like Arkansas’s Billy Richmond, Baylor’s Tounde Yessofou, Milan Momcilovic and many more have all recently withdrawn from the draft. 

While the draft pool is noticeably smaller, it is not a barren wasteland. There is still value to be had when the Bulls are on the board at pick 38. 

For a team in desperate need of solid production from its center spot, the Bulls would be wise to take a look at the Cincinnati Bearcat, Baba Miller.

Standing at 6-foot-10 and weighing 208 pounds, with guard instincts and a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Miller brings the jolt of energy Chicago has been missing from a big man for a very long time.

Starting off his collegiate career with the Florida State Seminoles (Hello, Patrick Williams) and the Florida Atlantic Owls, Miller transferred to Cincinnati and had his best year to date. He became the first Bearcat since Oscar Robertson to lead the program in scoring, rebounding and assists in the same season. It doesn’t stop there. Miller also led the Big 12 in rebounding while showcasing rare playmaking skills for a player of his stature.   

Miller plays with an undeniable edge. Lauded as a “point-forward,” drawing comparisons to NBA veterans like Serge Ibaka and Jonathan Isaac, he brings a compelling skill set with the fire to match. Bulls’ EVP Bryson Graham has energized the fanbase with his S.L.A.P. mantra. Miller is S.L.A.P. exemplified. 

Offensively, he remains a work in progress. His jumper leaves a lot to be desired (19.2% from three), but his willingness to shoot the three and the fluidity of his mechanics are promising signs. His free-throw shooting needs improvement as well. However, Graham has been vocal about his faith in player development, and both free-throw shooting and three-pointers are skills that can be honed over time. 

What can’t be taught are the intangibles and size that Miller brings. At nearly seven feet tall with the fluidity of a gazelle, he would give Chicago one of the most tantalizing prospects at the position they've drafted since the likes of Bulls legends Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah.

The Bulls have lacked frontcourt size, rebounding, defensive versatility and INTENSITY for several seasons. Miller would immediately come in and address multiple longstanding deficiencies. The tape speaks for itself. Currently slotted to go No. 37 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on No Ceilings' Nathan Grubel's latest big board, the Cincinnati Bearcat could potentially be someone the Bulls look at in the second round.