It's the NBA offseason, and the Chicago Bulls will have their work cut out for them. They hired a new VP of Basketball Operations in Bryson Graham, a man who brings a certain approach to the game that reflects the present day. He has an eye for talent that prioritizes versatility and adaptability.
Qualities that the Bulls will certainly look for in anticipation of the 2026 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 23 to 24. First, they have to go through the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago to determine which draft pick the Bulls will get.
Meanwhile, one Bulls' insider believes Chicago has the type of player in their vicinity in Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. According to Cowley, Lendeborg fits into what Graham calls “SLAP”, an acronym for Size, Length, Athleticism, and Physicality. The kind of versatility that matches what is in the NBA in this current moment.
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Lendeborg is coming off leading Michigan to the NCAA title. He is 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, and is known for his lockdown defense on the perimeter and overall athleticism and strength. Lendeborg finished the season averaging 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
The Bulls currently hold the No.9 pick according to lottery predictions. Lendeborg could be a No. 9 pick with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets expressing interest. The Bulls have a 4.5% chance of securing the No.1 pick and a 20.3% chance of getting a top-four pick.
Meanwhile, the Bulls will have two top-15 first-round picks.
It's the NBA offseason, and the Chicago Bulls will have their work cut out for them. They hired a new VP of Basketball Operations in Bryson Graham, a man who brings a certain approach to the game that reflects the present day. He has an eye for talent that prioritizes versatility and adaptability.