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Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have started the season well, sitting eighth in the East with a 6–5 record and leaning heavily on a breakout year from Josh Giddey, who is averaging a near triple-double with 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 9.3 assists. With Giddey and Matas Buzelis forming a promising young core — and with uncertainty surrounding Coby White’s long-term future — the Bulls could be looking for another guard to solidify their backcourt depth.
It is still early in the season and draft projections will shift dramatically over the next few months, but the latest Bleacher Report mock draft gives Chicago an intriguing option. Jonathan Wasserman has the Bulls selecting Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz with the No. 17 pick, acquired via Portland.
Bulls Rumors Highlight Stirtz As A High-IQ Fit For Chicago’s Backcourt
Stirtz is one of the more polished guards in this range, and that steadiness is what makes him an appealing fit for Chicago. Wasserman notes that he “operates as both a lead ball-handler and connector,” bringing reliable shooting, decision-making and the ability to organize an offense.
He drew attention last season with two straight 21 point NCAA Tournament games. After that run, he transferred to Iowa to take on a bigger role. With advanced ball-handling, shooting touch and strong feel, Stirtz enters the year aiming to prove he can produce against tougher Big Ten competition.
For the Bulls, the appeal is obvious. Giddey has the ball. Buzelis is growing into a multi-positional scorer. The team needs a secondary guard who can stabilize possessions and hit shots. And with Coby White’s future uncertain, Stirtz offers a cheaper, more controlled option who fits Chicago’s timeline.
Scoring versatility was on full display tonight for Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz — not even sure what that last shot is.
He’s picked up where he left off, averaging 21.3 points:
Why Stirtz Fits Chicago’s Long-Term Plan
Chicago could be searching for guard depth this offseason. Stirtz brings the kind of low-maintenance skill set that fits next to Giddey and Buzelis. He does not need touches to make an impact. The ball moves quickly in his hands. Smart reads keep the offense flowing. His shooting also helps space the floor for Giddey’s drives.
He is not a top-shelf athlete. Even so, Wasserman points to his “creativity, shotmaking and overwhelmingly strong analytics” as reasons teams will look past that. What matters more for Chicago is his ability to play within structure. He shoots well enough to keep defenses honest. He can run second-side actions without disrupting the flow.
For a Bulls team building around two young creators, Stirtz offers the connective tissue their backcourt currently lacks.
What’s Next For The Bulls?
The Bulls’ season is still young. Their spot in the standings will shift as the roster settles. Even so, the latest mock projection offers a glimpse at the type of prospect Chicago may target in the middle of the first round.
Stirtz brings experience, decision-making and floor-spacing. Those traits fit the front office’s vision for a team built around Giddey’s playmaking and Buzelis’ versatility. And if the Bulls were on the clock at No. 17 with Stirtz still available, he would be one of the cleaner, more natural fits on the board.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
