The Chicago Bulls are stepping into the NBA season with a bold strategy, but here’s the catch: key players are still missing in action. With the regular season tipping off next Wednesday against Detroit, the question on everyone’s mind is—are the Bulls truly ready? Let’s dive in.
The Bulls have been experimenting with a deep rotation and varying starting lineups during the preseason, a move that’s both intriguing and risky. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can this approach hold up when the games actually matter? Their preseason finale against Minnesota offered a glimpse of potential, as they secured a 126-120 win over the Timberwolves, finishing with a 3-2 record. Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey shone in the fourth quarter, with Buzelis dropping 19 points in just 25 minutes and Giddey contributing 14 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Julian Phillips added 17 points, while Jevon Carter’s clutch 3-pointers sealed the deal.
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the win, the Bulls were still without Ayo Dosunmu, Isaac Okoro, and Patrick Williams due to injuries. Coach Billy Donovan downplayed the severity of these injuries, but the absence of Coby White—who didn’t play a single preseason game due to a calf strain—looms large. Giddey acknowledged the challenge, saying, ‘It’s hard anytime somebody’s out, especially someone as important as Cobe.’ The hope is that White will return for the opener, though he’s yet to participate in full-contact practice.
Speaking of injuries, forward Zach Collins briefly left the court clutching his wrist during the fourth quarter, though he appeared fine afterward. Here’s the real question: Can the Bulls’ depth and flexibility make up for these absences, or will they struggle to find their rhythm early in the season?
Coach Donovan has made it clear that he plans to mix and match lineups based on matchups. Against Minnesota, he started Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith to counter Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle, a move that paid off. Okoro, acquired from Cleveland for his defensive prowess, is expected to be a starter, but how will he fit into the larger scheme?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the Bulls’ emphasis on flexibility a recipe for success, or does it risk creating inconsistency? Donovan believes the team’s strength lies in its collective effort: ‘We’re going to have to be a team where the whole is better than the parts.’ But with so many moving pieces, will the Bulls gel in time, or will they stumble out of the gate?
The preseason finale against Minnesota was a solid test, with the Timberwolves fielding their regulars for much of the game. Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert all made their presence felt, but the Bulls held their ground. Still, the real challenge begins next week.
As the Bulls prepare to face the Pistons, fans are left wondering: Will the missing pieces return in time, or will the team’s ambitious strategy backfire? What do you think? Are the Bulls setting themselves up for success, or are they biting off more than they can chew? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
