Cowley: Bulls Zoned in on Demin at 12

[CROBulls]

My only hope, and it's a legit one, it's that if you were going to make up one lie about who you were focused on to misdirect other teams to NOT trade up to get ahead of you and take the guy you'd really want, it would be Demin. In essence, he's literally the LAST guy the Bulls should want in this range, so it would make sense to lie about it. Teams interested in your target will be less likely to trade up to take whoever that is, and a team that wants Demin will be more likely to trade up and help your real guy fall to you. I want to say this all seems obvious, also as a way to flush out who if anyone leaks to Cowley, but I'm still scared. Drafting Demin would push me to the edge of walking away as a fan, especially in the likely event that they don't make a great trade with Giddey.

You gonna walk out now because of Demin? Not because we gave a half a decade of picks for Vic and DeRozan. Or 27 years without ring or 15 years since Conference Finals. And 14 years with true franchise player on roster?

[sco]

Right now I'm kind of hoping Maluach. I see the weaknesses that others will point out but if I'm going to have to develop someone, I'll take the really smart 7''2" guy with the 9'8" standing reach as a starting point.

I'll be surprised if Malluach is there at #12. I could see the Raptors taking him at 9 or the Rockets at 10. Maybe even a team with higher pick who likes his upside (New Orleans? Washington?).

Kasapras Jukucionis is who I'd like the Bulls to draft (and felt that way a long time ago), but I bet he'll also be gone before the 12th pick.

But hey the Bulls went on a run late in the season that ultimately won't mean much (other than a worse draft pick).

https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/?year-mock=2025

They currently have Maluach at 18 and Demin at 9. Juk at 16.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45179882/2025-nba-mock-draft-projecting-all-59-picks-post-combine-cooper-flagg-dallas-mavericks
Maluach 7,
Jak 10
Demin 11

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2025-nba-mock-draft-dylan-harper-lands-with-bucks-at-no-2-if-giannis-antetokounmpo-traded-to-spurs/
Demin 8
Jak 11
Maluach 12 (us)

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/?view=default&board=0&filter=round%3Aall
Maluach 9
Jak 10
Demin 18

Never seen mock drafts disagree so much. There is a tier of players that starts around 7 and goes to around 18 where everyone is about the same and people really disagree about who goes where. Regardless, most mocks have 1 or 2 of these guys available at 12.

Great point!

Totally agree. This draft starts plateauing around 5 and might stay relatively flat in terms of arguable picks to around 20. It's really that all of the guys have big upside, but are also dealing with a big question mark. Be it a missing skill (3pt shooting, defense, handles) or other factor (being older, not playing much, not playing against top competition, measurements).

At this point, I'm just hoping that Demin is gone by 12. I was rooting for the same with Queen, but at least AK seems to be reading our posts there.

[Jcool0]

Kind of seems like learning the wrong lesions from the Matas pick, a top 5 talent that dropped and worked out well for Chicago. Also he probably thinks it could give them leverage in signing Giddey. So in AK's mind hey this guy was seen as a top 6 talent early on (like Matas) that could fall to us... GREAT!. What could go wrong....

[dougthonus]

Right now I'm kind of hoping Maluach. I see the weaknesses that others will point out but if I'm going to have to develop someone, I'll take the really smart 7''2" guy with the 9'8" standing reach as a starting point.

I was going to say there's no chance Maluach falls to us, but I'd be happy if he did, and now some of the mocks have him slipping there.

[Jcool0]

Right now I'm kind of hoping Maluach. I see the weaknesses that others will point out but if I'm going to have to develop someone, I'll take the really smart 7''2" guy with the 9'8" standing reach as a starting point.

I was going to say there's no chance Maluach falls to us, but I'd be happy if he did, and now some of the mocks have him slipping there.

Still think his absolute floor is Raptors at #9.

[burlydee]

Watched a bit more tape on Denim -

He's definitely a look at the highlights, not the stats guy. Very fluid, plays big, not super athletic but coordinated and balanced and never out of control.

His passing instincts are good, not great. Really benefits from being able to see over the defense. I didn't see him hit the roll as much as you'd like but his size allows to get to angles you otherwise wouldn't.

Has a very quick and good stroke, but have to remember only 27% went in. Took a lot shots off the dribble. Wonder what his spot up numbers look like. Shooting is the swing skill for him. A 6'9 guy who can hit catch and shoot jumpers and handle the ball enough to attack closeouts is a bonus in this league. But if he shoots 32% no one will guard him.out there.

Not super explosive on drives, rarely displayed a 2nd gear. With his size you'd hope he'd use his physicality to bully people, but you really don't s

ee that. I have questions about his finishing around the rim. The good thing is based on his frame seemingly could add 20 lbs of muscle and not lose a step.

He reminds me of Hedo Turkugku. I have questions about his ability to get in the lane in the NBA, particularly in the half court. Not a real shifty 1 on 1 player.

A lot of this guys in this range have warts. Really depends on who is left. He's has a high floor but low ceiling.

[nomorezorro]

you just said demin's top skills are "being fluid" and "good not great passing instincts", that he was a bad shooter in college, wasn't explosive, didn't use his size as an advantage on drives, isn't shifty 1-on-1, doesn't inspire confidence in his ability to get to the lane at the nba level, and that you have a lot of questions about his finishing ability

that, to me, does not sound like a "high floor" player. it sounds like he might suck really bad!

[Indomitable]

My only hope, and it's a legit one, it's that if you were going to make up one lie about who you were focused on to misdirect other teams to NOT trade up to get ahead of you and take the guy you'd really want, it would be Demin. In essence, he's literally the LAST guy the Bulls should want in this range, so it would make sense to lie about it. Teams interested in your target will be less likely to trade up to take whoever that is, and a team that wants Demin will be more likely to trade up and help your real guy fall to you. I want to say this all seems obvious, also as a way to flush out who if anyone leaks to Cowley, but I'm still scared. Drafting Demin would push me to the edge of walking away as a fan, especially in the likely event that they don't make a great trade with Giddey.

You gonna walk out now because of Demin? Not because we gave a half a decade of picks for Vic and DeRozan. Or 27 years without ring or 15 years since Conference Finals. And 14 years with true franchise player on roster?

It is his decision and how dare you tell someone when they can get feed up with something.

Who are you?
It is his personal choice and he has that right.

[Chi town]

you just said demin's top skills are "being fluid" and "good not great passing instincts", that he was a bad shooter in college, wasn't explosive, didn't use his size as an advantage on drives, isn't shifty 1-on-1, doesn't inspire confidence in his ability to get to the lane at the nba level, and that you have a lot of questions about his finishing ability

that, to me, does not sound like a "high floor" player. it sounds like he might suck really bad!

Exactly!

His floor is out of the league no 2nd contract.

[Dan Z]

you just said demin's top skills are "being fluid" and "good not great passing instincts", that he was a bad shooter in college, wasn't explosive, didn't use his size as an advantage on drives, isn't shifty 1-on-1, doesn't inspire confidence in his ability to get to the lane at the nba level, and that you have a lot of questions about his finishing ability

that, to me, does not sound like a "high floor" player. it sounds like he might suck really bad!

Exactly!

His floor is out of the league no 2nd contract.

Worse than Dalen Terry?

[Chi town]

you just said demin's top skills are "being fluid" and "good not great passing instincts", that he was a bad shooter in college, wasn't explosive, didn't use his size as an advantage on drives, isn't shifty 1-on-1, doesn't inspire confidence in his ability to get to the lane at the nba level, and that you have a lot of questions about his finishing ability

that, to me, does not sound like a "high floor" player. it sounds like he might suck really bad!

Exactly!

His floor is out of the league no 2nd contract.

Worse than Dalen Terry?

His shot numbers look very similar to Dalen and Dalen plays way better D.

[Stratmaster]

#1, I completely trust this info. The Bulls have a tendency to decide on a guy and then broadcast it.

#2, this guy would have a lot of work to do to be good at an NBA level but he is starting with a good base

He allows you to trade Giddey or Coby. Plus it saves on cap space.

He isn't going to be anything in the NBA for years. If he allows you to trade Giddey or Coby then you can trade Giddey or Coby now with nothing.

I have looked around and none of the guys who might be available at 12 impress me. All of them have major holes that they are going to have to spend years working on to fix. If they think Demin is the guy most likely to do that, then fine. I just don't see anyone available as being a big contributor next year.

Not going to be popular, or maybe it will be, but if Buzelis was available in this draft he would be top 5. This really doesn't seem like a particularly good draft year.

Disclaimer: I don't watch college Bball. All I know is what I have read here and elsewhere.

I understand that all the guys at 12 have holes. Usually at 12, you might have a guy who put up prolific scoring numbers in college, but plays no defense and needs development with his handles. Or a big who dominated inside in college but needs to develop the rest of his game. Or a facilitator who showed elite point skills but needs to develop his shot and defense. Or a ball handler who also plays elite defense but is going to have to develop a way not to be a player the opposing defense can ignore.

What I am trying to decipher from what I read is; what, exactly does this guy already do well? Is there some near elite skill that helps offset everything he will need to work on? I get this sense that we are talking another PWill type pick. I get having to draft "all potential" once you get past the top 20 or so players. But why is it the Bulls, picking in the top half of the first round, are always focused on major projects? Is this another 6'9" guy who has shown nothing? We will hear about his handles only to find he is a turnover machine (the college numbers and comments kind of lean that way). I mean at least PWill does actually drain 3's at a high rate.

All that to say "someone help me understand" lol

[MGB8]

Demin and Duncan have similar athleticism.

Demin literally dribbled around and then passed when he couldn’t do anything. Often resulting in bad shots or shot clock violations.

If he doesn’t develop a shot he won’t even be in the league. His floor is bust. Not even a playoff rotation player.

This is why you take Coward over him all day. Elite defender with wingspan and an elite 3 ball and a strong ceiling.

None of this makes Robinson his comp. Invoking Robinson at all kinda makes it seem like you don’t really know much about Demin. I don’t know if you do or don’t but Robinson is about as a good a comp for Demin as Donovan Clingan.

I comped him to Huerter if his shot really comes on strong.

What he’s showing in workouts is some really similar shooting to Duncan in terms of movement shooting, shot setup, mechanics, arch, rotation etc. Shot looks like an elite shooter’s shot.

My biggest issue with Demin is he’s not a competitor. He gives up. Lots of Pat Vibes. Perfectly happy passing away shots and opportunities.

He would have to hit on so many levels of his game to be a top 3 player on a contender. Couple that with his awful fit for us and it’s such a dumb move.

My only hope is AK is trying to drive up the price for someone to move up to get him or get him picked before the Bulls.

You know who else the Bulls selected because of their workouts showing things that the game tape didn’t? One Patrick Williams. Turns out the game tape is the predictor, and the workouts aren’t.

Now, Denim’s form is good enough that you would expect his shot to improve over time… he very well could become a Giddey clone. But it’s far from a sure thing, and given that the Bulls already have Giddey plus Matas at the defensive forwards spots…

[Indomitable]

None of this makes Robinson his comp. Invoking Robinson at all kinda makes it seem like you don’t really know much about Demin. I don’t know if you do or don’t but Robinson is about as a good a comp for Demin as Donovan Clingan.

I comped him to Huerter if his shot really comes on strong.

What he’s showing in workouts is some really similar shooting to Duncan in terms of movement shooting, shot setup, mechanics, arch, rotation etc. Shot looks like an elite shooter’s shot.

My biggest issue with Demin is he’s not a competitor. He gives up. Lots of Pat Vibes. Perfectly happy passing away shots and opportunities.

He would have to hit on so many levels of his game to be a top 3 player on a contender. Couple that with his awful fit for us and it’s such a dumb move.

My only hope is AK is trying to drive up the price for someone to move up to get him or get him picked before the Bulls.

You know who else the Bulls selected because of their workouts showing things that the game tape didn’t? One Patrick Williams. Turns out the game tape is the predictor, and the workouts aren’t.

Now, Denim’s form is good enough that you would expect his shot to improve over time… he very well could become a Giddey clone. But it’s far from a sure thing, and given that the Bulls already have Giddey plus Matas at the defensive forwards spots…

They need to get a true 3 and D player with some possibility of growth.

I really kate AK and believe he is in over his head.

[WindyCityBorn]

I like Egor but my favorite is Newell. I think Port might take Demin, he'd be a good 6th man for them.
I also like the idea of finding a later pick and getting Fleming, then Demin at #12 makes more sense

Newell is my guy too. If we want pure potential the wing from France is it.

[Chi town]

I comped him to Huerter if his shot really comes on strong.

What he’s showing in workouts is some really similar shooting to Duncan in terms of movement shooting, shot setup, mechanics, arch, rotation etc. Shot looks like an elite shooter’s shot.

My biggest issue with Demin is he’s not a competitor. He gives up. Lots of Pat Vibes. Perfectly happy passing away shots and opportunities.

He would have to hit on so many levels of his game to be a top 3 player on a contender. Couple that with his awful fit for us and it’s such a dumb move.

My only hope is AK is trying to drive up the price for someone to move up to get him or get him picked before the Bulls.

You know who else the Bulls selected because of their workouts showing things that the game tape didn’t? One Patrick Williams. Turns out the game tape is the predictor, and the workouts aren’t.

Now, Denim’s form is good enough that you would expect his shot to improve over time… he very well could become a Giddey clone. But it’s far from a sure thing, and given that the Bulls already have Giddey plus Matas at the defensive forwards spots…

They need to get a true 3 and D player with some possibility of growth.

I really kate AK and believe he is in over his head.

That’s Coward. Elite stroke. Kawhi lite Guard Wing who can defend 1-4 with his strength and wingspan.

[WindyCityBorn]

Buz has much more athleticism and hops.

Agreed.

I’ve watched lots of tape and Demin isn’t strong, fast, or explosive. He’s smart. Much like Huerter with very similar profile. Herro toasted Huerter. No chance. Demin would be even worse.

He seems to be a smart defender though and has good Size. I think Lonzo Ball or Ricky Rubio as comps.

He has to become a really good shooter so he can use his handle to attack closeouts. I fully expect teams to leave him wide open for a long time before they start respecting his 3 ball.

We need athletes and defense. Demin is not that.

Well we need great players more than anything else. I'm not saying Demin is going to be a great player, but anyone at 12 is going to need to fix some stuff to be there. I think Demin has an easier path to be great than some other guys, because the instincts are there, but he would still need to make some unlikely leaps for it to happen, and if he doesn't make those leaps his floor is a lot less interesting than other guys for us.

Don’t see how Giddey and Demin can ever be on the floor without a great rim protector.

Not sure how these guys fit together either unless Demin becomes a much better shooter too. Of course, that's a problem with building with Giddey as a core piece with many players.

Lonzo was all-NBA caliber defender. He was better than Caruso on defense imo. No way Denim projects that high.

[Chi town]

I like Egor but my favorite is Newell. I think Port might take Demin, he'd be a good 6th man for them.
I also like the idea of finding a later pick and getting Fleming, then Demin at #12 makes more sense

Newell is my guy too. If we want pure potential the wing from France is it.

I’d say Noa has a higher floor than Demin due to his defense and elite finishing and FT rate. Also being 17 playing against men in a pro league. Noa has that edge and plays with an elite motor. High IQ.

People automatically think high ceiling players have a low floor but some don’t. Ace has a solid floor because he is so good on D and has a good motor with all that size.

Noa has a playoff rotation player mold as a floor and if he improves his shot that already has good form and gets anything on ball he could be a top 2 player on a contender type. High ceiling. Will take years to get there but I think he could look a lot like Buz did at the end of his rookie year.

[WindyCityBorn]

#1, I completely trust this info. The Bulls have a tendency to decide on a guy and then broadcast it.

#2, this guy would have a lot of work to do to be good at an NBA level but he is starting with a good base

He allows you to trade Giddey or Coby. Plus it saves on cap space.

No he doesn’t. What if he sucks which is a high probability? He isn’t as good a prospect as Giddey who is now reaching his potential at only 23 and he definitely won’t replace White’s scoring.

[Chi town]

Buz has much more athleticism and hops.

Agreed.

I’ve watched lots of tape and Demin isn’t strong, fast, or explosive. He’s smart. Much like Huerter with very similar profile. Herro toasted Huerter. No chance. Demin would be even worse.

He seems to be a smart defender though and has good Size. I think Lonzo Ball or Ricky Rubio as comps.

He has to become a really good shooter so he can use his handle to attack closeouts. I fully expect teams to leave him wide open for a long time before they start respecting his 3 ball.

We need athletes and defense. Demin is not that.

Well we need great players more than anything else. I'm not saying Demin is going to be a great player, but anyone at 12 is going to need to fix some stuff to be there. I think Demin has an easier path to be great than some other guys, because the instincts are there, but he would still need to make some unlikely leaps for it to happen, and if he doesn't make those leaps his floor is a lot less interesting than other guys for us.

Don’t see how Giddey and Demin can ever be on the floor without a great rim protector.

Not sure how these guys fit together either unless Demin becomes a much better shooter too. Of course, that's a problem with building with Giddey as a core piece with many players.

Lonzo was all-NBA caliber defender. He was better than Caruso on defense imo. No way Denim projects that high.

Agree. He’s smart but he doesn’t play hard or aggressive. He will get roasted on ball. He will be a solid team defender.