Coby White's Chicago Homecoming and the Bulls' Strategic Shift
Coby White's return to Chicago last night was more than just a reunion; it marked a significant moment in the Bulls' evolving narrative. Traded to Charlotte just 21 days ago, White, the longest-tenured Bull before the trade frenzy, seemed to embrace his new chapter with the Hornets.
Meanwhile, the Bulls were on a mission to break a nine-game losing streak and secure their first win in February. Despite Matas Buzelis’ standout performance, dropping a career-high 32 points on an impressive 13-of-19 shooting, the rest of the team struggled, shooting just 34.9% from the field, extending their slump to 0-10 this month.
But there's more to this story than the final score-a strategic pivot that could be the best-case scenario for Chicago.
Matas Buzelis: A Star in the Making
Last night's game may well be remembered as the night Matas Buzelis truly arrived. Scoring 20 or more points for the 21st time, and the 16th this season, Buzelis reached the 30-point mark for the second time, showcasing over 66% shooting and five-plus three-pointers.
The Bulls' focus for the rest of the season should be on Buzelis’ development, especially his scoring prowess. With Josh Giddey already proving his worth with triple-double averages, and flashes of brilliance from Tre Jones and Zach Collins, Buzelis remains the key unknown.
His growth could be pivotal in determining the Bulls' competitiveness for future NBA titles. Last night's 33-minute display, with 19 shots and the freedom to play without the burden of winning, was a perfect blueprint for his development in the 2025-26 campaign.
Embracing the Rebuild: A Path to Lottery Luck
Chicago fans are witnessing a long-awaited rebuild. This month, Arturas Karnisovas took bold steps, initiating a full reset.
While the returns might not reflect peak trade value, the Bulls have embraced a strategic retreat to advance in the future. With a focus on securing better draft odds rather than another Play-In tournament appearance, the Bulls have gone 1-13 in their last 14 games, including 0-10 this month.
The question now is, how much further can Chicago slide in the standings over the next 23 games?
Currently, the Bulls have a 20.3% chance at a top-four pick in the 2026 draft, a significant shift from their 23-22 record just a month ago to 24-35 now. The tank is officially in full effect.
As the season winds down, the Bulls' best outcome lies in Buzelis continuing to develop his offensive skills and the team securing a better draft position. With ample cap space and draft capital on the horizon, could Chicago add a top-ten pick to their arsenal this offseason? The stage is set for an intriguing rebuild.