The Chicago Bulls are staring down a season opener that's shrouded in more uncertainties than silver linings, leaving fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats—will this team find its footing, or are these preseason woes a harbinger of struggles ahead?
Let's dive into the gritty details. During preseason, the Bulls' defense was a glaring weak spot, and Saturday brought even grimmer tidings. Struggling already to field consistent physical defenders, the team revealed that backup center Zach Collins—one of their rare big men who thrives on intense, body-on-body confrontations in every contest—underwent surgery on Friday to fix a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist. He'll be reassessed in a month, but pinning down a precise return timeline for Collins is still anyone's guess.
So, what's head coach Billy Donovan's game plan now? It boils down to Jalen Smith stepping in behind Nikola Vucevic, with a hefty dose of optimism thrown in for good measure. But here's where it gets controversial—some might argue that relying on such thin depth at center is a risky gamble, especially for a team aiming to ramp up its physicality. Entering preseason, the Bulls were laser-focused on becoming a tougher, more aggressive squad that disrupts opponents and forces turnovers. Unfortunately, that vision didn't pan out as hoped. While they finished the preseason at a respectable 3-2 record, they ranked a dismal 25th in the league for defensive rating (a key metric that quantifies a team's overall defensive efficiency, where lower numbers indicate better performance), 24th in steals, and recorded the second-fewest forced turnovers among all teams. For context, think of defensive rating as a report card on how well a team prevents the other side from scoring—it's a holistic score factoring in points allowed per possession, adjusted for opponent strength.
The midseason addition of Isaac Okoro was supposed to spark a turnaround, and it might still do so in meaningful games, but Collins was also earmarked as a crucial reserve to bolster that effort. Now, that support could be sidelined until late November. And this is the part most people miss—not only is the defense suffering, but the Bulls are navigating other medical hurdles too. They were forced to waive fan-favorite Yuki Kawamura due to an undisclosed medical issue. Though Kawamura wasn't slated for significant playing time, he contributed to the team's overall locker room vibe and chemistry, which can be just as vital in building a cohesive unit. Imagine a sports team like a well-oiled machine; every part, even the smaller ones, helps keep things running smoothly.
With just two more practices under their belts before the regular season kicks off on Wednesday, the Bulls have a mountain of questions to resolve and scant time to address them:
What's the latest on injured guard Coby White and his strained calf? White participated in a controlled scrimmage on Saturday, a major step forward since aggravating the injury back in August. 'I think he’s in a really good place,' coach Billy Donovan remarked. 'He went through most of the contact. He looked good physically. We worked on a lot of situational stuff five-on-five, but we did go up and down for a couple minutes. As of right now, it’s trending towards him playing (against the Pistons).' Expect White to face minutes restrictions, potentially starting games from the bench to carefully manage his workload and avoid setbacks.
Who will be the starters? Assuming everyone is fit and healthy, the lineup seems straightforward: White, Josh Giddey, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, and Nikola Vucevic. But Donovan has hinted at flexibility, ready to tweak starters based on matchups. For instance, he might swap in Ayo Dosunmu for Okoro to experiment with a three-guard setup or deploy a larger frontcourt against certain opponents. And this is where it could get really intriguing—do you think Donovan's willingness to shuffle lineups will pay off long-term, or is it just a short-term patch for deeper issues? We're all for innovation, but some critics might say it's a sign of unsettled roles that could confuse the team.
Which players might be left scrambling for minutes? Rookie Noa Essengue could face an uphill battle securing playing time, given the competition on the bench: Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, Dosunmu, Patrick Williams, Smith, Dalen Terry, and Julian Phillips. Donovan has expressed openness to an 8- to 10-man rotation, possibly even 11, but stretching it to 12 feels unrealistic without risking fatigue or diluted focus.
What's there to get excited about? The summer buzz around Buzelis has only intensified, and it's time to lean into it wholeheartedly. Granted, these were just preseason matchups, but Buzelis frequently stood out as the Bulls' top performer—and often the best player on the entire court. He's added noticeable bulk to his 21-year-old build and plays with a confidence that matches his athletic prowess, swagger, and relentless drive. With skills like these, the forward's potential feels limitless, offering a glimmer of hope amid the challenges.
As the Bulls prepare to tip off, we're left pondering big questions: Will these injuries force a reimagining of their identity as a physical, turnover-forcing team? Is waiving Kawamura a smart move for chemistry, or a missed opportunity? And how will Buzelis' hype translate to real wins? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Donovan's flexible approach to lineups, or is it time for more stability? Let's discuss!
