The Chicago Bulls Worked Out Nate Ament, Would He Make Sense at 15?

The Chicago Bulls enter the 2026-27 season with an intriguing forward rotation. One of Chicago's biggest issues was a lack of overall size, but that could flip into a strength next season if all the Bulls forwards are healthy. Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, Noa Essengue and presumably, Caleb Wilson, give the Bulls a quartet of 6-foot-10 forwards who figure to bring a decent amount of defensive intensity despite possessing more length than strength. I believe the Bulls should continue to stack this archetype, as it appears to be a surefire way to build a competent defensive team (look at the New York Knicks in the Finals with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, etc).

That is why if Tennessee forward Nate Ament slips to 15th overall, the Bulls must strike. Reports indicate that Chicago has officially hosted Ament for a workout. 

I say "slip" because despite Ament's uneven and at times unimpressive, freshman season, there has been a ton of chatter surrounding the lanky forward being the Brooklyn Nets selection at No. 6 overall. 

The Bulls reportedly worked out Nate Ament privately. While it is not yet known if they worked him out because they think he will be available at 15th overall or they plan to try to move up from 15, it is clear that Chicago is at least interested in Ament. 

There is good reason for Bryson Graham to be looking deeper into Ament. The 6-foot-10-inch (in shoes) forward has a near 7-foot  wingspan and weighed in just under 221 lbs. He has prototypical size for an NBA combo forward. What likely intrigued Graham as much as the measureables is the pedigree, as Ament was one of the top high school players in the nation. 

To be more specific, Ament ranked 4th in the Recruiting Services Index (RSCI) Rankings for 2025, right behind Cameron Boozer and in front of likely Bulls pick Caleb Wilson. 

The obvious appeal to Ament's game is he is a massive wing with an intriguing jumper.

"Intriguing," in this case refers to the fact that Ament can look like Tony Snell on some nights, and Paul George on others. That inconsistency shows up in Ament's overall shooting numbers. He shot 33.3% from the 3-point line (3.9 attempts per game) and an ice-cold 39.9% from the field. 

At Tennessee, Ament did many of the same things that made him such a tantalizing prospect in the first place. He scored at a solid rate (33.3 points per 100 possessions), played decent defense (1.6 steals + blocks per game) and displayed good touch for a player of his size (79% from the free throw line, 33% on 3-pt FGs). 

If Ament fell to the Bulls with their 15th overall pick, he would join a rotation that includes--at least--Miller and Buzelis. The Bulls next head coach would be able to experiment with lineups with no less than three 6-foot-10 players on the floor. When paired with 6-foot-7 playmaker Josh Giddey, Chicago would be able to field some jumbo lineups that still possess enough floor-spacing and ball-handling to be productive. 

Bulls' Executive VP of Basketball Operations has preached drafting players with "SLAP" (Size Length Athleticism Physicality). Coming out of the 1st round with Caleb Wilson and Nate Ament--two 6-foot-10 forwards--would give the Bulls a bevvy of switchable, lanky and athletic defenders who could help shape a franchise-changing defensive identity.