The Chicago Bulls have long dreamed of landing a superstar like Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ electrifying guard who’s taken the NBA by storm. However, with Edwards locked in with Minnesota for the foreseeable future, the Bulls are turning their sights to the 2026 NBA Draft, where they might just find his near-perfect doppelgänger: Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou.
According to Bleacher Report’s latest NBA mock draft, the Bulls are projected to select Yessoufou with the No. 12 pick. Hailing from Santa Maria, California, by way of Benin, Africa, this 6-foot-6, 210-pound freshman is drawing comparisons to Edwards for his uncanny blend of athleticism, power, and playstyle. At just 17 years old, Yessoufou is already turning heads with his jaw-dropping highlights, including a high school debut where he literally shattered a backboard.
A Freak Athlete with Edwards-Like Flair
Yessoufou’s game screams Anthony Edwards. His explosive dunks, relentless drives, and defensive tenacity mirror the Timberwolves star’s dynamic presence. A viral clip from the Nike Hoop Summit, shared by B/R Hoops on April 10, 2025, showcases Yessoufou’s freakish athleticism, leaving fans and scouts buzzing about his potential. At 6-foot-6, he’s slightly taller than Edwards (listed at 6-4, 225 pounds), but his ability to dominate the paint and finish through contact is eerily similar.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report describes Yessoufou as possessing “a rare combination of power and explosion for finishing and defending.” Beyond his athletic gifts, Yessoufou has shown flashes of self-creation and shotmaking, hinting at untapped scoring potential that could make him a nightmare matchup in the NBA. For a Bulls team craving a high-upside wing, Yessoufou’s raw talent and Edwards-like intangibles make him a dream fit.
The “UNREAL” Thing Yessoufou Brings
What makes Yessoufou truly special—and what could elevate him beyond a mere Edwards clone—is his unrelenting motor and defensive versatility. While his offensive highlights grab attention, his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents with his physicality is what sets him apart. At Baylor, Yessoufou is expected to step into the role vacated by V.J. Edgecombe, a projected lottery pick, and could solidify himself as a top-tier prospect by showcasing his two-way prowess.
His high school scouting report as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 17 in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports, praised his ability to attack the rim and defend with intensity. If Yessoufou can refine his playmaking and shooting at Baylor, he could climb draft boards and become a steal for Chicago at No. 12. His combination of raw power, explosive athleticism, and defensive grit is the “unreal” ingredient that could transform the Bulls’ roster, giving them a cornerstone to build around in the post-Zach LaVine era.
Why Chicago Needs Yessoufou
The Bulls have been searching for a spark to revitalize their franchise, and Yessoufou could be the answer. With his ability to emulate Edwards’ scoring punch and bring a defensive edge, he fits perfectly into Chicago’s need for a dynamic, two-way wing. If he follows in Edgecombe’s footsteps and dominates at Baylor, Yessoufou could cement himself as the second consecutive Bears lottery pick, a testament to the program’s talent pipeline.
For Bulls fans, the idea of drafting a player who not only looks like Anthony Edwards but plays with the same ferocity is almost too good to be true. While Edwards himself remains out of reach, Tounde Yessoufou’s arrival in 2026 could bring the Windy City the next best thing—a “perfect” clone with the potential to become a star in his own right.