The 2024-25 season is poised to be an exciting one for the Chicago Bulls, despite the likelihood of modest results on the court.
The team has chosen to abandon mediocrity by letting DeMar DeRozan depart in free agency and trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey. They are now embarking on the journey of rebuilding a competitive team.
At a minimum, the Bulls aim to establish a distinct playing style that reflects their commitment to this rebuilding process. With a roster full of youth and athleticism, head coach Billy Donovan is expected to implement a system that maximizes their strengths.
“Look for the Bulls to unveil a new playing style this season, a more up-tempo offense and a twist on the defensive scheme, one that will shift the focus from defending the paint to protecting the 3-point line,” wrote Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. “The Bulls allowed 39.5 3-point attempts per game last season, which ranked last. Two seasons ago, the Bulls yielded 37.1 3-pointers on average, which ranked 29th.”
Having a young roster will allow the Bulls to cover more ground defensively and offensively. One player expected to thrive in a fast-paced system is rookie forward Matas Buzelis, who “has impressed with his passing and ability to attack the rim” during the team’s minicamp.
The Bulls are also aiming to improve their defensive metrics by limiting quality 3-point looks, leveraging their perimeter athleticism to get into position faster. This approach is essential for a team that will often be at a disadvantage in matchups.
While it may take time for the Bulls to return to contention, this season presents a prime opportunity to rebuild, especially with prospects like Cooper Flagg in the upcoming draft.
Bulls Regain Youthful Stride
Although the Bulls are embracing a youth movement, they are not fully committed yet. Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic remain as holdovers from a previous contending era, but it’s uncertain what teams might pursue them in trades. For now, both seem likely to stay in Chicago.
Nonetheless, several young players could secure a spot in the Bulls’ long-term plans. Coby White has solidified his role as the lead guard, while Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis show considerable potential.
Giddey’s stock has plummeted after a challenging 2023-24 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he is expected to regain a prominent playmaking role.
In addition to White, Giddey, and Buzelis, the Bulls have other under-25 players, including Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Smith, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Dalen Terry, who could benefit from increased opportunities.
