Bulls' latest firing sends confusing message about their rebuild

The 2024-25 campaign was transformative in the Windy City. The Chicago Bulls nailed their 2024 first-round pick, but it took months for Matas Buzelis to make an impact. Zach LaVine garnered serious All-Star consideration before being jettisoned for salary cap relief in February.

Nikola Vucevic also received some All-Star hype after averaging a 20-point double-double while slashing north of 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. The 34-year-old big man ultimately remained in Chicago through the trade deadline. However, he could be shipped elsewhere now that he only has a year left on his contract.

Lastly, the organic improvements of veterans Coby White and Josh Giddey were staggering. White began the season slowly, averaging 18.1 points and shooting 42.7 percent from the floor before the All-Star break. Then, something clicked. Maybe it was LaVine's departure, maybe something else, but White's post-All-Star break numbers were fantastic. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 24.5 points per game while converting 49.4 percent of his field goals in 26 appearances.

Giddey's resurgence was arguably more eye-opening than White's. The Aussies' growth appeared to stagnate in Oklahoma City, and the stagnation carried over to Chicago. Giddey averaged 12.2 points and shot 44.6 percent from the floor and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc before the All-Star break. Post-All-Star, Giddey's scoring average increased to 21.2, his field goal percentage to 50.0, and his three-point percentage to 45.7.

The vast improvement in perimeter shooting is especially remarkable. Giddey finished the season shooting 37.8 percent on 4.0 three-point attempts per contest—both career highs. His 105 three-point makes were 23 more than his next-best season. Giddey's confidence and fluidity noticeably improved throughout the season.

The Bulls' strangely let go of shooting coach Peter Patton

Despite improvement across the board (all but one new addition improved their three-point shooting clips, and four of six holdovers' three-point conversion rates increased), the Bulls opted against bringing back well-respected Director of Player Development, Peter Patton.

Although not a prominent name amongst most fans, Patton was near and dear to the Bulls fans' hearts. The response to Patton's team option not being picked up was less than stellar. Fans were quick to point out the players' shooting improvements across the board and the Bulls' drastic three-point shooting development.

Chicago ranked 25th or worse in three-pointers per game over the last three seasons before finishing third this season. And, despite the massive uptick in three-point attempts, Chicago finished 13th in three-point marksmanship. Patton proved to be an extremely impactful addition in merely two seasons in Chicago.

The timing of the firing is peculiar. As a rebuilding team, fresh off a Play-In appearance, keeping the band together feels logical. Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas remains in place, and Head Coach Billy Donovan will man the sideline for his sixth season. Yet, Karnišovas and the Bulls' brass opted against development continuity.

While letting go of Patton appears minimal on the surface level, it could come back to bite the three-point happy, space, and pace Bulls. As briefly mentioned, Chicago's offensive identity underwent a massive change in 2024-25. Chicago went from being one of the slowest, mid-range-focused teams to an up-and-down, three-point bombarding squad.

The change in play style was rash, a transition Patton likely paved the way for. Now, entering a tumultuous offseason, Chicago will have to pinpoint a new Director of Player Development and revamp its basketball strategy—hopefully and necessarily before the NBA Draft and free agency.