Free-falling. That’s the Chicago Bulls. They’ve won just one game since Thanksgiving (against the 8-18 Charlotte Hornets) and are 5-14 since the start of November, including ugly losses to the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers (twice), and New Orleans Pelicans (twice).
Chicago’s offense has sputtered, its defense has looked lifeless, and things don’t appear to be improving, as all five of the Bulls’ upcoming games come against teams in the top eight of the Eastern Conference.
There’s a very real possibility the Bulls could slide from 10-15 to 10-20, despite starting the season 6-1. It’s a harsh reality, but also a much-needed push to give the front office a legitimate reason to finally start a full-fledged rebuild—something that has seemed delayed for years.
Chicago Bulls among the NBA’s bottom-feeders
The Bulls’ free-fall is especially stark considering their strong start. In ESPN’s November 5 Power Rankings, Chicago ranked 8th, with their improved defense cited as a key reason for their early success.
Fast forward to mid-December, and the Bulls sit 25th in ESPN’s latest Power Rankings. NBA insider Jamal Collier highlighted the team's struggles, writing, “No team in the league is playing as poorly as Chicago right now. The Bulls have dropped eight of their past nine games, despite eight of those games coming against teams under .500.”
As harsh as Collier’s remarks are, there’s truth to them. Through mid-December, Chicago ranks 26th in points per game, 28th in field goal percentage, 29th in plus/minus, 28th in offensive rating, 25th in defensive rating, and 29th in net rating.
Things couldn’t be going any worse for the Bulls, but the craziest part is that Chicago also started last season 10-15. That means there’s still the dreaded possibility that the team finishes once again with 39 wins and a late-lottery draft pick. It’s a worst-case scenario that somehow feels plausible, given the Bulls’ current state.
Nonetheless, the Bulls’ bottom-tier ranking, combined with their late-season surge, ultimately landing them the 9th seed, should be a sign of the inevitable. A teardown is needed, and with the current roster showing little cohesion, there’s no wrong solution besides standing pat.
A 10-15 record at this point should paint the Bulls as sellers. Chicago has plenty to move, with seven players on expiring contracts. While it may not be much of a wake-up call for fans, the front office should finally recognize that the time is now.