The Chicago Bulls just got some fantastic news—but if history is any guide, their fans might want to brace themselves.
In the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, the Bulls moved up to the No. 4 overall pick. That means they'll have their pick of elite prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, or Caleb Wilson. On paper, it's a dream scenario.
But here's the catch: the Bulls have a truly awful track record when it comes to the fourth pick.
Chicago has held the No. 4 slot five times in franchise history, and the results are, well, painful to look at. In back-to-back years (2000 and 2001), they selected Marcus Fizer and Eddy Curry—neither of whom became a franchise cornerstone. Then came 2020, when they picked Patrick Williams, a player whose potential has yet to fully translate into consistent impact. And let's not forget 2006, when they traded down from No. 2 to No. 4 and landed Tyrus Thomas.
To put it bluntly: the Bulls' history with the fourth pick is a graveyard of missed opportunities.
Of course, this year feels different. The 2026 draft class is loaded with talent, and it's hard to imagine Chicago swinging and missing again. You could even argue they're due for a win—after all, even the worst streaks have to end sometime.
But when Michael Jordan hasn't been involved in the Bulls' draft decisions, things have historically gone sideways. So while the optimism is real, so is the nervous energy. Bulls fans know all too well that this specific spot on the draft board has been more curse than blessing.
Will 2026 be the year they break the streak? Only time will tell—but the pressure is definitely on.