Bulls take Dailyn Swain at No. 15: Upside or reach?

15 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain, a 6-foot-7 wing with elite athleticism and a raw offensive skill set. Swain’s selection marks a mid-first-round swing for Chicago, a team still assembling its core under coach Billy Donovan. The Bulls passed on several guards and forwards with more advanced profiles, opting instead for a high-ceiling athlete whose development timeline remains uncertain.

The move reflects a broader trend in the NBA: teams chasing upside in drafts where elite talent is scarce, even if it means rolling the dice on unproven prospects. 9% from three-point range. His defensive versatility and explosive leaping ability drew comparisons to early-career athletic wings like Miles Bridges and OG Anunoby, though his shooting touch lagged behind peers.

9% three-point mark is particularly glaring, given the NBA’s emphasis on spacing and shooting efficiency. Scouts noted that Swain’s shot selection often lacked discipline, a concern that could limit his role in modern offenses. Chicago’s front office framed the pick as a bet on upside.

“We see a player who can guard multiple positions and create easy offense in transition,” a team spokesperson said. ” The Bulls’ confidence in Swain’s long-term potential contrasts with the immediate needs of a roster still searching for consistent wing production. The selection also signals Donovan’s preference for athletes who can disrupt defensively, a trait that has become a premium in today’s NBA.

The Bulls now turn their attention to free agency and summer league, where Swain will have the first chance to prove his readiness for NBA minutes. Summer league will be critical for him to showcase his ability to shoot off the dribble and make plays in half-court sets, areas where his collegiate tape leaves questions. If Swain’s shooting and decision-making catch up, Chicago could land a key cog for Donovan’s system.

If not, the pick risks becoming a mid-first-round cautionary tale in a league that increasingly values floor rather than ceiling. The selection also underscores the Bulls’ willingness to bet on athleticism over polish in a draft class that lacked consensus top-tier wings. Unlike previous years where teams prioritized immediate contributors, Chicago’s approach here aligns with a rebuilding mindset that favors potential over proven production.

This strategy mirrors moves made by teams like the Orlando Magic in 2024, who drafted athletic wings with high upside despite unrefined skills. The Bulls’ gamble is that Swain’s physical tools can mask his offensive limitations long enough to develop into a functional NBA wing. Swain’s arrival coincides with Chicago’s broader roster overhaul, which has seen the team move on from veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond.

The rebuild is now squarely in the hands of Donovan and the front office, who are betting that high-upside draft picks like Swain can accelerate the process. However, the league’s evolving offensive systems—centered on spacing and shooting—pose a significant challenge for a player with Swain’s profile. If he fails to adapt, the Bulls may find themselves repeating the mistakes of past mid-first-round swings, where raw talent never translated to NBA impact. Read at NewsAPI.org