Chicago Bulls: A Historical Perspective
As the 2025-26 NBA season progresses, we will examine significant developments in the league each week to assess their validity. Last week’s discussion revolved around the timing of the NBA Cup.
This week, our focus shifts to the Chicago Bulls, a franchise with a storied history as home to legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Bulls once ruled the NBA, winning six championships in eight years during the 1990s, establishing themselves as one of the sport’s greatest dynasties in a city that ranks as the third largest in basketball fandom.
Recent Struggles and Management Changes
However, the team’s fortunes have dwindled over the past two decades. Since their last championship in 1998, the Bulls have only managed to win five playoff series over 27 years. The majority of those victories occurred during the brief but brilliant rise of Derrick Rose, their last standout number one draft choice.
In recent years, Chicago has been locked in a cycle of mediocrity, with star players like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan unable to elevate the team consistently. Calls for the dismissal of long-serving executives John Paxson and Gar Forman echoed for years until owner Jerry Reinsdorf made significant changes to the management, appointing Artūras Karnišovas in 2020.
Rebuilding and Early Season Success
After DeRozan left in 2024 free agency, Karnišovas took bold action, trading LaVine to acquire Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and a first-round pick, signaling a shift toward rebuilding around young talents. This included lottery pick Matas Buzelis, selected 11th overall, who brings exuberance and potential to the roster.
To everyone’s surprise, the Bulls have started the season strong, achieving a 6-1 record, leading their bracket in a competitive Eastern Conference where the last two champions, the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, are experiencing significant player absences. This raises the pressing question: Are the Bulls poised to be legitimate contenders again?
With their current wins against potential playoff squads like the Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks, one cannot ignore the spirited efforts that could propel them towards a playoff berth, especially in a conference where the playoff landscape appears wide open.
Challenges Ahead
Playing at a rapid pace aligns with modern basketball trends, where their young lineup, primarily composed of players born after 2000, showcases their agility. However, while the Bulls currently boast an impressive shooting percentage from beyond the arc, their previous season’s performance indicates they may not maintain this level of efficiency.
Josh Giddey‘s emergence as a leading performer, averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, has elevated the team’s play. Losing sight of his continued progression, however, could spell trouble for the Bulls’ long-term viability.
Although the initial success is commendable, a closer look reveals signs of potential reversion as the season progresses. The Bulls’ impressive 40.3% three-point shooting and top-ranking offensive rating are unlikely to last; past performance trends suggest a tightening of shooting percentages and defensive lapses.
Looking Forward
As the Bulls prepare for an upcoming stretch against formidable opponents – including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers – they could find themselves facing a reality check by the holiday season. With historical parallels to their past, including a strong start in the 2021-22 season that ultimately faded due to injuries, caution should be exercised in projecting their future success.
BetMGM‘s current over/under for the Bulls suggests a return to mediocrity, with the expected win total settling around 41.5. Therefore, the verdict is clear: the Bulls are more of a revitalized fun team rather than a genuine threat in the conference. While their renewed energy is a welcome change, true contention may still be a dream deferred, with the team stuck in the middle of the pack for the foreseeable future.
