Following two impressive back-to-back victories, the Chicago Bulls came out lethargic against the division-rival Indiana Pacers. Indiana outscored Chicago 29-18 in the first period. The Bulls shot only 36.4 percent from the floor and 14.3 percent from downtown. Meanwhile, the Pacers converted on more than half of their field goal attempts despite going 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
The second quarter didn't go much differently than the first. The Bulls shot poorly from behind the arc, 3-of-10 while allowing the Pacers to shoot above 50 percent from the field. Moreover, the Bulls turned the ball over seven times and committed six fouls. Nothing seemed to go right for the streaking Bulls in the first half of action.
Unfortunately for Chicago, much of the same occurred in the third quarter. Indiana shot the lights out, 60.7 percent, as the Bulls scraped to come back. Although the Bulls mustered 32 third-quarter points, they were outscored by five, 37-32. It was too little too late for the Bulls. Despite outscoring Indiana by eight in the final frame, Chicago lost by 16 points—its worst defeat since an 18-point drubbing against the Washington Wizards.
Mediocracy is ravaging the Chicago Bulls
As Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley said following the loss, "Inconsistency and mediocracy are a recipe for disaster." Cowley is absolutely right. While defeating the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs in back-to-back efforts is noteworthy, so is an 18-point loss to the 6-29 Wizards and a 16-point loss to the Pacers after trailing by as much as 34.
Sure, assessing a recent four-game sample to make a point is short-sighted. However, the Bulls have proven to be wildly inconsistent throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Looking back to the end of October, Chicago defeated the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic in back-to-back affairs to own a 3-2 record. For what it's worth, those two squads' combined records are currently 46-29.
Riding high off two straight early-season wins, the Bulls proceeded to lose their next four games, two of which came against the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz, who possess a 22-50 combined record. Chicago has been marred by inconsistency, but the ongoing mediocracy is what should force the front office to either go all-in or smash the rebuild button.
The Bulls are the NBA's only team to not own a win streak of more than four contests while not possessing a losing streak of four or more games. Being stuck in the middle is worse than hemorrhaging losses. At least the Wizards are guaranteed a top selection in next June's draft.
Chicago, on the other hand, is at severe risk of losing their first-round pick. If the Bulls continue on their current path, their first-rounder will likely convey to the Spurs. Instead of playing the waiting game, the time is now for the Bulls' front office to make a move. Whether it be sending a prominent player away in a trade or acquiring an impact player, Chicago must decide on a clear-cut direction. Mediocracy won't cut it, especially when the younger players see less than 15 minutes per game, and the former All-Stars are 29 years old or older.