The 2025-2026 NBA basketball season might be a promising one for the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls started off the season 5-0, their best start to a season since 1996-97. They beat the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and the New York Knicks, all in close wins. Their past season ended with a record of 39-43, and a loss in the first round against the Miami Heat in the playoffs.
Many speculated and worried about the future of the Bulls once guard Zach Lavine, the near legacy player, left the organization after a trade to rebuild the team. Lavine has scored 10,056 points as a Bull, putting him at sixth of total points scored from a Bulls player. Additionally, Coby White, the starting shooting guard, strained his right calf in August, causing him to miss training camp and the first several games of the season. As of Nov. 10, the Bulls assigned him to the G League to prepare him to return next week.
Regardless of the doubt and speculation about the 2025-26 season, players such as Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, and Matas Buzelis have stepped up and have made a significant impacts on the team’s success. Giddey shifted from the point guard to the shooting guard role, and Tre Jones was pulled up from the second team to be the starting point guard. Giddey is currently averaging 21.4 points per game, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. He is playing significantly better than last season, as he was previously averaging 14.6 points per game.
Although the Bulls have had an unanticipated start, the following games dropped their record to 6-6. They could not restrain Giannis Antetokounmpo in their game against the Milwaukee Bucks, as he dropped 41 points while only playing 37 minutes. 36 of his points were under the basket, showing Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams’ inability to guard him. Their loss against the San Antonio Spurs ended 121-117, and was the result of Victor Wembenyama’s ability to make shots all throughout the court, as he ended the game with 38 points.
Despite their recent losses, the Bulls have a very prospective future and potential in the playoffs. White came back in the game against the Utah Jazz, showing his potential for the rest of the season. He dropped 27 points in his first game back, and helped push the game into double overtime where the Bulls lost by three. With integral players such as White back in the lineup, allowing Giddey to play his original position, the team now has an opportunity to develop their synergy and prepare for teams such as the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. The Bulls have had a rocky start with significant highs and lows, but with the current and developing state of the team, they have a momentous opportunity for the postseason.
