The Chicago Bulls have now dropped six straight games, signaling that their long-awaited rebuild is fully in motion. With just one win in February, it may be a while before they find another victory. Upcoming matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors won’t make things any easier, leaving uncertainty about which teams this squad can realistically compete with.
If there’s a silver lining to this losing streak, it’s that several players are making the most of their extended opportunities. Chief among them is impending restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who has been on a tear. The 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 19.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in February while shooting 48.8% from three on 5.4 attempts per game. After a slow start to the season, he has stepped up since Zach LaVine’s departure.
Rookie 11th-overall pick Matas Buzelis has also thrived in an expanded role. In his eight February appearances, he has averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10 forward is scoring with remarkable efficiency, hitting 55.3% of his field goals and 36.8% from deep—an impressive leap after failing to average more than 7.0 points in any previous month.
With the season winding down, giving Giddey and Buzelis extended playing time is crucial. Giddey, just 23 years old, is heading into free agency, and the Bulls have 25 games left to decide if he fits into their long-term plans. If his recent form is any indication, he may be in line for the contract he’s been seeking.
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Meanwhile, Buzelis appears to be a key building block for the future. As one of the few dependable wings on the roster and the youngest player on the team, his development is a priority. But beyond Giddey and Buzelis, other recent additions are also getting extended minutes—players who might not be in Chicago for long but still deserve a showcase.
Among them are Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Zach Collins. While Jones’ future with the team is uncertain due to his expiring contract, Collins and Huerter are set to make around $18 million each next season. Their deals may seem inflated given their recent struggles, but at one point, they were considered worth those salaries. With 25 games remaining, both players still have time to rebuild their value before potentially moving on.
After five lackluster performances to start his Bulls tenure, Huerter broke out against the Phoenix Suns, scoring 14 points and knocking down four three-pointers. He also led the team in plus/minus at +11. Collins, whose minutes have fluctuated since arriving in Chicago, saw increased playing time with Jalen Smith sidelined. In 18 minutes against Phoenix, the 27-year-old contributed eight points and 10 rebounds.
Shooting is always in demand, and Huerter was once known for it before hitting a prolonged slump. If he regains his touch, other teams may show interest this summer—something Chicago could capitalize on.
Collins, still in his prime, possesses an intriguing skill set. At 6-foot-11, he has perimeter abilities and provides solid interior defense, often lowering opponents’ field goal percentages by five or more percentage points. While he isn’t a dominant shot-blocker, his overall presence makes him a desirable trade asset. Like Huerter, he could be a key piece in potential offseason moves.
Neither player needs to help the Bulls win now, but they do need to showcase their value. While Huerter and Collins ultimately control their own futures, Billy Donovan’s rotations will play a role in boosting their stock—and that process has already begun.
