The Chicago Bulls are 18-21 for the third consecutive season in mid-January. Chicago is last in the Central Division standings, albeit 10th in the Eastern Conference, three games behind the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers.
Despite losing to the Sacramento Kings in DeMar DeRozan's return to the United Center on January 12, there's an opportunity for Chicago to get back in the win column because of an incoming lax schedule. Six of Chicago's next seven games are against teams whose records are .500 or worse.
What occurs from now until February 6 is substantial regarding Chicago's future. If the Bulls start creeping up the Eastern Conference standings, a real buying opportunity present itself for the Bulls at the trade deadline. Conversely, if the losses continue to pile on or a trade offer that the Chicago Front Office cannot refuse is made, the draft and a rebuild will certainly be prioritized.
Nonetheless, it's surprising the Bulls are even in such discussions. After winning only 39 contests a season ago and losing their leading scorer and best defender, the Bulls have been a revelation of sorts. Chicago has transformed into one of the best, most fast-paced offenses in the NBA. Veterans Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic have returned from disastrous campaigns to revitalize their values.
Besides LaVine and Vooch, several other Bulls have impressed as the season hits the halfway point. However, others have struggled to find their footing while being relegated to a reserve role or failing to show significant improvement. Below, we've given every Bull a one-sentence progress report ahead of the 41-game mark.
The starters
Josh Giddey
Despite the subtle decrease in scoring and shooting percentages, Giddey is a valuable rebounder and playmaker who helps raise Chicago's offensive ceiling.
Coby White
The Bulls' most valuable player moving forward is a proven scorer whose scoring averages could creep into the mid-20s if a rebuild is started.
Zach LaVine
The comeback season no one expected; efficiency is absurd, and LaVine is as good as ever.
Patrick Williams
Time has run out for Williams to become an All-Star-level talent now, the hope is that he shows increased aggressiveness and works on improving his ball handling after signing a five-year contract in the offseason.
Nikola Vucevic
20 and 10 on fantastic efficiency while upping his true shooting percentage by 10 points makes Vooch an integral part of the lineup and a potential trade candidate.
The reserves
Ayo Dosunmu
The well-rounded glue guy deserves a spot in the Bulls' lineup for years to come.
Lonzo Ball
The return of the ages: Lonzo made his miraculous way back to the floor after two years and continues improving each and every week.
Dalen Terry
Three years after being drafted outside the lottery, time is running out for Terry to demonstrate his once-sought-after combo guard profile.
Matas Buzelis
The rookie growing pains are evident, but Buzelis' length, athleticism, and three-point shotmaking are palpable.
Julian Phillips
An above-the-rim athlete, Phillips is on the brink of looking like a solid, 3-and-D forward.
Jalen Smith
Stretch big who flourishes in a reserve role that could potentially turn into a full-time starting position in the near future.
Talen Horton-Tucker
Skillful all-around scorer deserving of a rotational role this season and beyond.
Torrey Craig
Veteran journeyman who has shown he's still capable of providing 3-and-D value to a team in need of forward help.
Jevon Carter
From a rotation player to an end-of-the-bench guy, Carter needs more playing time to discern whether he remains useful at this stage of his career.
Chris Duarte
Finite amount of NBA reps led to an explosive G-League outing, still has potential as a 3-and-D wing going forward.
Two-way players
Adama Sanogo
An athletic, 6-foot-9, rim-running big who could see the floor if the Bulls decide to trade Vucevic.
E.J. Liddell
Limited NBA run, but if his G-League performances have taught us anything, it's that Liddell offers an intriguing, big 3-and-D archetype at either forward spot.
Emanuel Miller
The newest addition to the Bulls' roster—an opportunistic scorer in the mold of Patrick Williams at 6-foot-7.