The Chicago Bulls versus Miami Heat Play-In Tournament matchup is on the peripheral. The two middling Eastern Conference squads will battle in the abbreviated tournament for the third consecutive year hoping to earn the NBA’s eighth seed to take on the 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers.

With two games between now and the playoffs, it’s not certain the Bulls will advance to the postseason. And, even if Chicago does advance, their subpar defense will contend with the second-best offense in NBA history.

Not to be overly pessimistic (the Bulls have been pretty good as of late), but anticipating next month’s draft lottery and, most importantly, the NBA Draft is arguably more exciting than a first-round date with the Cavaliers. While the 2024 NBA Draft Class was less than stellar, the 2025 class is as enticing as ever.

The hyped draft class, combined with Chicago’s youth, make for a compelling offseason storyline. The terrific trio of 25-year-old Coby White, 22-year-old Josh Giddey, and 20-year-old rookie Matas Buzelis have reenergized a destitute fan base. A promising lottery pick will only add to the rejuvenation.

South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles declared for the draft

While some mock drafts have pinpointed some…interesting choices, to say the least, others have been met with approval from Pippen Ain’t Easy, and surely hoards of Bulls fans. Bleacher Report’s most recent mock draft linked South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles to Chicago—an ideal candidate considering the Bulls’ weak frontcourt.

With Murray-Boyles to Chicago gaining steam, it’s only coincidental that the sophomore would declare for the NBA Draft—which is exactly what occurred on the morning of April 15. In an Instagram post, Murray-Boyles thanked Gamecock Nation while confirming his move to the next level.

The 6-foot-7 forward ends his collegiate career with averages of 13.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Murray-Boyles appeared in 60 games for the Gamecocks, including 51 starts. The sophomore earned an AP All-SEC Second Team honor in 2025. Murray-Boyles notably led the Gamecocks in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks and came in second in assists on the team in his sophomore season.

The versatile forward is a prospect who should top Chicago’s draft board. At 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, Murray-Boyles is an elite physical specimen. He’s strong enough to defend centers and quick enough to stick with forwards and even some guards on the perimeters. The stockier Murray-Boyles makes perfect sense next to the 6-foot-10, 209-pound Buzelis on the wing.

While he’s a stout defender, Murray-Boyles is a uniquely talented offensive player. He operates with an old-school, post-game mentality. Although he’s a bit undersized, he’s a powerful finisher who shot north of 70 percent on cuts and above 50 percent as a pick-and-roll man. Murray-Boyles ranked in the 86th percentile in post-up scoring.

If the Bulls are able to land Murray-Boyles in June’s draft—consider it a win. The sophomore may not pair well with every NBA squad, but his fit with the fast-paced, three-point-happy Bulls is picturesque. Now that the sophomore has officially declared, the Murray-Boyles to Chicago hype- rain can begin.