The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a challenging stretch, having dropped eight straight games. While this might seem like a significant slump, it’s worth noting that the Bulls' streak is actually the third-longest in the league right now, trailing only behind the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings.
In situations like this, you’d expect the Bulls to be experimenting with their lineup, perhaps giving younger players more time on the court to evaluate their potential. However, that hasn’t been the case. The Kings, for example, are focusing on developing their rookies, and the Mavericks have been trying out various rotations since the trade deadline.
Instead, the Bulls appear to be sticking with their veterans. Guerschon Yabusele, a recent addition, played 24 minutes in their loss to the Detroit Pistons. While Yabusele is a solid player, questions arise about the wisdom of giving significant minutes to a 30-year-old set to hit free agency soon.
Other new additions haven't seen much action. Jaden Ivey, who was sidelined with knee soreness, and Anfernee Simons, who played briefly before getting injured, haven’t had the chance to make an impact. Collin Sexton and Leonard Miller have also seen limited time on the court, with Miller playing just three minutes.
Perhaps most puzzling is the case of Rob Dillingham. The young guard, picked eighth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, played only eight minutes in the game against Detroit. With his talent and potential, you’d expect the Bulls to give him more opportunities to shine.
The decision to prioritize veteran presence over youth development is a head-scratcher. Yabusele and Patrick Williams are getting significant minutes, but their contributions haven’t been game-changing. Williams, for instance, is averaging just over nine points per game this month.
The Bulls should be looking at players like Dillingham, Ivey, and Miller. Dillingham, with multiple years left on his rookie contract, could be a cornerstone for the future.
Ivey, despite his injury struggles, has shown flashes of brilliance and deserves a chance to prove himself. Miller, though largely untested in the NBA, has been impressive in the G League and could provide much-needed size to the Bulls' lineup.
Chicago’s current strategy leaves many questions unanswered. The trade deadline was supposed to bring a fresh wave of talent and excitement, yet the spark hasn’t been there. With the season still ongoing, there’s time to shift focus and prioritize player development, potentially setting the stage for a more promising future.