A former Chicago Bulls executive's major misjudgment in the 2020 NBA Draft has come to light, with reports stating he did not consider Tyrese Haliburton a top talent. This blunder looks even worse as Haliburton has become a two-time All-Star who led the Indiana Pacers to the 2025 NBA Finals, while the Bulls' pick, Patrick Williams, has struggled to meet expectations. The team's recent form, including a 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2026, and a 2W-3L record in their last five games, shows the ongoing roster challenges.
What was the reported draft blunder?
According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, former Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas did not view Tyrese Haliburton as a top-tier prospect ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft. The Bulls held the No. 4 overall pick that year and selected Florida State forward Patrick Williams. Haliburton, now a star guard for the Indiana Pacers, was eventually taken by the Sacramento Kings with the 12th pick. If that draft were redone today, Haliburton would unquestionably be a top-five selection, as he is one of only five All-Stars from his class alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Deni Avdija, and Tyrese Maxey.
How have the two players' careers compared?
The gap in production between the two players is stark. Patrick Williams has been a semi-productive role player for Chicago but has not lived up to the standard of a No. 4 overall pick. In the 2025-26 season, he played 72 games, starting six, and averaged a career-low 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His shooting splits were 37.2% from the field, 34.7% from three-point range, and 72.0% from the free-throw line. You can track the team's current player performances on our [stats](/stats) page.
Tyrese Haliburton's career has soared in the opposite direction. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and engineered the Pacers' run to the 2025 NBA Finals, their first appearance since the year 2000. His elite playmaking and scoring have made him a cornerstone franchise player, a status the Bulls have lacked as they cycle through rebuilds.
Why does this matter for the Chicago Bulls now?
This revelation adds context to the Bulls' decision to fire Arturas Karnisovas this past season. While several teams passed on Haliburton, the reported internal assessment that he wasn't a top talent is a significant scouting failure. It directly impacted the team's long-term trajectory during a critical draft. Fans are likely not upset about Karnisovas' departure given this missed opportunity. The team's current struggles, including losing their last three games of the recent season, highlight the continued search for foundational talent. The full scope of the roster can be seen on the official [squad](/squad) page.
What is the current context for the Bulls?
The Bulls are firmly in another rebuild phase. Their final games of the 2025-26 season illustrated their inconsistent form, with a recent run of two wins followed by three losses. They ended with a heavy 149-128 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, 2026. Evaluating past draft decisions is part of building a better future. Missing on a transformative talent like Haliburton while using a top-five pick on a role player sets a franchise back years. The front office's ability to identify and develop star power remains the central question for Chicago's return to contention.
