The United Center feels different these days. It’s not the dynasty era, and it’s certainly not the "continuity" era that drove fans crazy for the last few seasons. If you haven’t checked in on the roster of the Chicago Bulls lately, you might not even recognize the starting lineup. Gone are the days of DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range mastery or Zach LaVine’s high-flying (yet often debated) scoring outbursts.
Instead, we’re looking at a group that is younger, faster, and—honestly—a bit chaotic.
As of mid-January 2026, the Bulls are hovering around a .463 winning percentage. They’ve got a 19-22 record, sitting 9th in the East. It’s a "play-in" life for now, but the vibe is less about desperation and more about discovery.
The Giddey Experiment is Actually Working
When the Bulls traded for Josh Giddey, people had questions. Could he shoot? Would he fit with Coby White?
Basically, Giddey has become the engine. He’s averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. Those are borderline triple-double-average numbers, putting him in a statistical conversation with guys like Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson. He’s already notched seven triple-doubles this season alone.
But it hasn't been perfect. He’s currently dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that’s made him a game-time decision for the recent tilt against Brooklyn.
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Giddey’s presence has allowed Coby White to lean more into his natural scoring role. White is putting up about 19.2 points of his own, though his three-point percentage has dipped slightly to 31.3% as he adjusts to a higher-volume defensive focus from opponents.
The New Frontcourt Identity
The most surprising development? Matas Buzelis.
The rookie—well, technically second-year player by 2026 standards—has taken over the starting Power Forward slot. He’s not just a "project" anymore. Buzelis is giving the Bulls 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, but it’s the 1.4 blocks per game that really matter. He provides a secondary rim protector that Nikola Vučević simply isn't.
Speaking of Vooch, the veteran is still the rock of this roster. He’s 35 now, but he’s still efficient, dropping 17 points and grabbing 9 rebounds nightly. There’s constant trade chatter around him, especially with the deadline approaching, but for now, he’s the only person in the building who knows what a playoff win feels like.
Depth and the Defensive Specialist
The Bulls' bench is a mix of veteran "grit" and young "hope."
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Tre Jones has been a steadying hand at backup PG, leading the second unit with 10 assists per 48 minutes when he’s on the floor. Then you have Ayo Dosunmu. Ayo remains the heart of the "hometown kid" narrative, shooting a blistering 51.4% from the field. He’s the guy Billy Donovan throws at the opposing team's best scorer every single night.
The full active roster right now looks something like this:
- Guards: Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones, Jevon Carter, Yuki Kawamura.
- Wings: Isaac Okoro, Kevin Huerter, Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips, Emanuel Miller.
- Bigs: Nikola Vučević, Matas Buzelis, Patrick Williams, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins.
Patrick Williams is in a weird spot. He signed that big contract extension but has struggled to find a consistent rhythm, lately dealing with an ankle injury. He’s averaging around 6.3 points and 2.9 rebounds—not exactly the "leap" fans were promised.
Why the Defense Still Struggles
The Bulls score 117.3 points per game, which is top-tier (11th in the NBA). The problem? They give up 120.7.
They play at the 4th fastest pace in the league. It’s fun to watch, sure. But when Zach Collins is out with a toe injury—which he is, until at least late February—the interior defense is basically non-existent. Jalen Smith has stepped up, recording some massive double-doubles with four-block games, but he can't be everywhere at once.
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Isaac Okoro was brought in to fix the perimeter defense, and while he’s been solid, the team's defensive rating is still 24th in the league. They are basically trying to outrun their problems.
What Happens Next?
The trade deadline is looming. Reports from Nathaniel Holloway at Athlon Sports and other insiders suggest the Bulls might finally be ready to move on from the remaining "win-now" pieces.
Coby White’s name has popped up in rumors involving the Timberwolves. If that happens, the roster of the Chicago Bulls will shift entirely toward the Giddey-Buzelis timeline.
Most fans want to see more of the youth. They want to see what 19-year-old Noa Essengue can do once he returns from his season-ending shoulder surgery. They want to see if Julian Phillips can develop into a true 3-and-D threat.
The reality is that this team is a work in progress. It’s a "beta version" of a contender.
If you're following the Bulls right now, the smart move is to stop looking at the standings and start looking at the player development curves. The 19-22 record doesn't tell the whole story. The story is Giddey’s vision, Buzelis’s length, and whether Artūras Karnišovas has the guts to trade his veterans for more picks before the February deadline.
Actionable Insights for Bulls Fans:
- Watch the Injury Report: Monitor Josh Giddey’s hamstring; if he sits, the Bulls' assist-to-turnover ratio usually plummets.
- Keep an eye on Jalen Smith: His rim protection is currently the only thing keeping the Bulls' defense from being dead last.
- Trade Deadline Focus: Expect rumors to peak around the Jan 24th game against Boston. If Vooch or Coby aren't moved by then, they likely stay through the season.