Each year, NBA training camp brings a fresh sense of hope and opportunity around the league. With rosters allowing up to 21 players throughout the preseason compared to the 18 allowed in the regular season, nearly 90 additional players across all 30 teams will be fighting to earn one of those coveted spots.
For Bulls fans, training camp is also a reminder of how many familiar faces are still scattered throughout the NBA. Everyone knows the stars: Jimmy Butler, Lauri Markkanen, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, to name a few. But there is also a group of forgotten Bulls still grinding to extend their careers or even return to the NBA after playing professionally elsewhere.
Former Bulls trying to make a comeback
The first group of players are those who have left the NBA but earned another chance to fight their way back, starting with the most recent training camp signing, Alize Johnson. Since his 16-game stint with the Bulls in the 2021-22 season, Johnson has bounced around eight different NBA, G-League, and overseas rosters before signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ training camp this fall. He earned his way back through impressive rebounding numbers internationally and a major role in helping Busan KCC Egis win the 2024 KBL championship.
Malcolm Hill is another former Bull who has earned another shot at a regular-season roster. Hill appeared in 21 games for Chicago between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Since leaving, he has hovered on the edge of full-time NBA roles, splitting time between the New Orleans Pelicans and their G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron.
Jahmir Young, one of the Bulls’ two-way contract players from the 2024-25 season, has also earned a training camp spot with the Miami Heat after spending most of last season in the G-League.
Journeymen still fighting for a spot
Some former Bulls have managed to hang around the league but still need training camp to prove they belong. Javonte Green, all five of him to be exact, was a fan favorite in Chicago for his hustle and defense, and is now competing for a spot with the division rival Detroit Pistons. Kris Dunn, who spent time in the G-League after leaving the Bulls, should have a more secure role with the Los Angeles Clippers alongside Derrick Jones Jr., following their contributions in the 2025 playoffs.
Tony Bradley is not as secure, joining the Indiana Pacers’ camp where he will battle James Wiseman for the final center spot. Veteran Garrett Temple is entering his third season in Toronto, serving as a mentor and leader for the young roster up north.
The ones that got away
The last group consists of players who slipped through Chicago’s hands but have built solid careers elsewhere. Illinois native Max Strus is entering his third season with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the starting small forward. However, he will miss a significant portion of the season due to injury.
Daniel Gafford has become a reliable rim protector with the Mavericks after being traded in 2021. Former Bulls lottery pick Doug McDermott has bounced around as a dependable second-unit scorer and is entering his second season with Sacramento. Luke Kornet signed a four-year, $41 million contract this offseason with the San Antonio Spurs, serving as a backup to Victor Wembanyama.
The Bulls are well represented
Training camp is full of stories like these. For every former Chicago Bulls star you see on TV, there are countless other alumni still trying to survive or make their way back into the league. Training camp is more than just established players warming up to NBA action after a long offseason, but it's also a chance for borderline players to prove they belong in the league and help keep their NBA dreams alive.