Breaking Down Every Chicago Bulls First-Round Pick of the 2020s

The Chicago Bulls have been active in the first round this decade, selecting several players since 2020. Here is a look at each pick, their background, career production, and where they stand today.

Patrick Williams | Florida State | No. 4 Overall, 2020

Williams arrived as one of the most athletic forwards in his draft class, spending one season at Florida State, where he averaged 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game coming off the bench. Over six seasons with the Bulls, he has averaged 9.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 348 regular-season games. Williams is under contract for 2026-27 and appears ticketed for a reserve role on the wing. A versatile two-way forward with elite length and athleticism, Williams has the tools to defend multiple positions and attack the basket downhill, but has never fully lived up to his No. 4 overall billing due to inconsistency.

Dalen Terry | Arizona | No. 18 Overall, 2022

Terry was one of the premier defensive guards in college basketball, earning Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors at Arizona after averaging 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists as a sophomore. Terry averaged 3.5 points on 44.4% shooting, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 204 games over his career with the Bulls. He was traded from the Bulls to the New York Knicks in February 2026 and eventually signed with the Golden State Warriors this past offseason. A two-way wing with the length and instincts to guard multiple positions, Terry's offensive limitations kept him from establishing a consistent role, and he never found his footing as a rotation piece in Chicago.

Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | No. 11 Overall, 2024

A product of the G League Ignite, Buzelis was widely projected as a top-five pick before sliding to the Bulls at No. 11. Buzelis finished the 2025-26 season averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game, a remarkable leap from his rookie year. He is currently with the Bulls and entering his third season. A dynamic two-way forward who can score in a variety of ways and impact the game defensively, Buzelis has the makings of a cornerstone piece in Chicago's rebuild if his jump shot continues to develop.

Noa Essengue | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | No. 12 Overall, 2025

Essengue is a 6-foot-10 French forward who played professionally in Germany's Bundesliga before being drafted. His rookie season was cut short when the Bulls announced he would undergo shoulder surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He remains on the roster heading into 2026-27. An athletic forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and outstanding defensive instincts, Essengue is still raw offensively, but his finishing ability and motor give him immense upside if his shooting develops.

Caleb Wilson | North Carolina | No. 4 Overall, 2026

Wilson is the crown jewel of the new Bryson Graham era, selected fourth overall out of North Carolina, where he averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He is currently with the Bulls as a rookie. A physically imposing forward who can score from all three levels and rebound at an elite rate, Wilson has the versatility and upside to develop into the franchise superstar the Bulls have been searching for.

Dailyn Swain | Texas | No. 15 Overall, 2026

Swain comes to Chicago after leading Texas in points, rebounds, and assists, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the SEC. He is currently with the Bulls as a rookie. A long, athletic guard/wing with a tight handle and the ability to impact the game on both ends, Swain's offensive upside is tied to the development of his jump shot, but his physicality and quickness give him every chance to carve out a meaningful role in the league.