Honestly, if you looked at the Chicago Bulls regular season record right now—sitting at 19-21 as of mid-January 2026—you’d probably think this is just another year of the "treadmill of mediocrity." But the vibes at the United Center tell a different story. This isn't the same stagnant roster that Artūras Karnišovas clung to for years. It’s younger, faster, and frankly, a lot more chaotic.
Remember that 5-0 start? That was the best opening to a Bulls season since 1996-97.
Fans were actually letting themselves feel hope. Then, reality hit in November and December. The defense, which has been porous at best, started giving up 120.9 points per game. You can’t win many games when you're 27th in the league in points allowed. Still, there is a weird, frantic energy to this team that makes them a must-watch on the new Chicago Sports Network.
The Josh Giddey Experiment and the Stats That Lie
The biggest talking point of the Chicago Bulls regular season has undoubtedly been Josh Giddey. When the trade with OKC happened, everyone knew he’d rack up counting stats, but nobody expected this. He’s averaging 19.2 points, 9.0 assists, and 8.9 rebounds. Basically a walking triple-double.
But here is the catch.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
During a rough stretch in late 2025, Giddey was putting up historic numbers while the Bulls went 4-12. Critics on Reddit and X were quick to point out that while his individual production is elite, the team's offensive rating with him on the floor hasn't always matched the "eye test" of his highlight passes. Part of that is the pace. Billy Donovan has these guys running at the third-fastest pace in the NBA (101.8). High pace means more possessions, which means inflated stats.
Giddey is currently sidelined with a left hamstring strain, and you can really feel his absence in the transition game. When he’s out, the ball-handling duties fall to Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones. Ayo has been a bright spot, shooting a career-high 45.1% from deep, proving that his development wasn't a fluke.
Matas Buzelis and the Future of the Frontcourt
If you want to know why Bulls fans aren't completely miserable despite being 10th in the East, look at Matas Buzelis. The rookie is legit. He’s averaging 14.8 points and 1.4 blocks, showing a defensive versatility we haven't seen in Chicago in years.
He had a 26-point game against Boston recently that felt like a turning point. He isn't just a "wait and see" prospect; he’s a "he's starting right now" reality. He’s playing about 28 minutes a night and isn't shy about taking big shots. Watching him and Coby White (when healthy) operate in the pick-and-roll gives you a glimpse of what the 2027 Bulls might look like.
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
The Roster Rotation as of January 2026
The lineup has been a bit of a revolving door due to injuries. Here is a look at the current key contributors:
- Nikola Vučević: The veteran anchor. He’s still giving you 16.9 points and 9.2 boards. He’s been surprisingly efficient from three (37.8%), which spaces the floor for the younger guards.
- Coby White: He’s been in and out with leg and calf issues, but when he's on, he’s still that flamethrower. He’s averaging 18.6 points, though his three-point clip has dipped to 31.7% this season.
- Kevin Huerter: Acquired to fix the shooting woes, he’s been steady. Currently dealing with a hip flexor but should be back soon.
- Patrick Williams: Still the enigma. He’s playing under 19 minutes a game and averaging just 6.3 points. At this point, it is what it is.
Why the Defense is a Problem
The Bulls are 26th in Defensive Rating (118.1). It's bad. They miss Alex Caruso's point-of-attack defense every single night. While Isaac Okoro was brought in to provide some of that grit, one guy can't fix a system that focuses so heavily on transition offense.
Billy Donovan's strategy seems to be: "We can't stop you, so we'll just try to outrun you."
It leads to some wild games, like the 152-150 overtime win against Atlanta in December. Fun for the fans? Absolutely. Sustainable for a playoff run? Probably not. The Bulls are currently in that 10th-seed play-in spot, fighting with the Hawks and the struggling Bucks to stay alive.
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
The Path Forward: What Happens Next?
The Chicago Bulls regular season enters a brutal stretch in late January. They’ve got matchups against the Lakers, Celtics, and a back-to-back with the Heat. With Giddey out and Coby White being managed for workload, the team needs more from the bench.
If you are following this team, keep an eye on the trade deadline. There are constant rumors about Zach Collins or even the veteran Vooch being moved to a contender if the Bulls slide further below .500. Artūras Karnišovas has a history of being patient—sometimes too patient—but the youth movement spearheaded by Buzelis and Giddey suggests the "win now" mandate might finally be shifting toward "build now."
Actionable Insights for Bulls Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Josh Giddey’s hamstring and Coby White’s calf are the two biggest factors for the next 10 games. If both are out, the offense stagnates.
- Monitor the Pace: When the Bulls play slow, they lose. Look for them to keep the pace above 100 to maximize their transition scoring.
- Follow Matas Buzelis’ Minutes: His development is the most important part of this season. If his usage rate climbs above 20%, it's a sign the coaching staff is handing him the keys.
- Check the Play-In Standings: Chicago is currently 10th. A three-game win streak could vault them to 8th, but a slide could see them overtaken by the Nets or Hornets.
The season isn't a lost cause, but it’s definitely a transition year. The "Fire Billy" chants have quieted down a bit because of the player development, but the defensive numbers will eventually have to be addressed if this team ever wants to be more than a play-in participant.