Bulls Need to Prioritize Draft Position Over Wins

Recent history shows why the NBA is about collecting top draft talent, not chasing play-in spots.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:06pm

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Despite the Bulls' executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas prioritizing a competitive roster, the article argues the team should focus on securing the best possible draft position rather than chasing play-in tournament spots. The piece cites successful teams like the Celtics, Pistons, Spurs, and Thunder who have built through the draft, especially with top-5 picks, in contrast to Karnisovas' draft record in Chicago.

Why it matters

The NBA is a league driven by acquiring top draft talent, and the Bulls need to embrace that reality rather than chasing short-term competitiveness. Securing a higher draft pick gives the team a better chance at landing an impact player who can be the foundation of a championship contender.

The details

The article highlights how the Celtics, Pistons, Spurs, and Thunder have all built their rosters around top-5 draft picks, while the Bulls under Karnisovas have only managed one such pick (Patrick Williams at #4 in 2020). With the Bulls on the cusp of the play-in tournament, the team would be better served by prioritizing their draft position and playing their younger, inexperienced players down the stretch.

  • The Bulls have 8 games left in the regular season.
  • The Bulls will play two games against the lowly Wizards in the coming weeks.

The players

Arturas Karnisovas

The executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls.

Collin Sexton

A Bulls guard who could potentially leave the team in free agency this offseason.

Tre Jones

A Bulls guard who contributed to the team's recent loss to the Grizzlies.

Jalen Brown

A top-3 draft pick by the Celtics in 2016 who has helped build the team into a contender.

Jayson Tatum

Another top-3 draft pick by the Celtics in 2017 who has become a superstar.

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What they’re saying

“The NBA is a talent-acquisition based coloring book, and the top of the draft provides the best crayons. Karnisovas needs to start there.”

— Joe Cowley, Author

What’s next

With the Bulls on the cusp of the play-in tournament, the team would be better served by prioritizing their draft position and playing their younger, inexperienced players down the stretch.

The takeaway

The Bulls need to embrace the reality that the NBA is driven by acquiring top draft talent, rather than chasing short-term competitiveness. Securing a higher draft pick gives the team a better chance at landing an impact player who can be the foundation of a championship contender.