Chicago Bulls News & Analysis: In-Depth Team Coverage

Category: News

  • Bulls Zach Collins Suggests Nikola Vučević Should Be More Selfish

    Bulls Zach Collins Suggests Nikola Vučević Should Be More Selfish

    The Chicago Bulls didn’t make the playoffs this season, but there were some bright spots. One of those was Zach Collins, who stepped into a starting role when Jalen Smith and Nikola Vučević were injured. Recently, he spoke with NBA Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson about playing with Vučević—and why he thinks his veteran teammate should be more selfish on the court.

    Collins Compares Vučević to Jusuf Nurkić

    When asked about playing with Vučević, Collins compared him to another skilled big man he’s played with: Jusuf Nurkić, his former teammate in Portland. But Collins pointed out key differences between the two.

    “[Jusuf] Nurkić was also a very skilled big man but more of a brute,” Collins said. “But Vooch is all about footwork-footwork-footwork-touch. He plays below the rim but is incredibly crafty and super smart. He could be more selfish than he is, but he plays the right way and that makes him unique.”

    While Collins praised Vučević’s basketball IQ and finesse, his suggestion that Vučević should be more selfish got fans’ attention. But would Bulls fans agree?

    Do Bulls Fans Want Vučević to Be More Selfish?

    For many Bulls fans, Vučević’s game is a mixed bag. On one hand, his offense is undeniable, he’s a master at creating space with his footwork and delivering soft touches around the basket. On the other hand, his defense has been subpar. Many fans feel Vučević’s lack of aggression on defense hurts the team as a whole.

    So while Collins’ comments might apply offensively, telling Vučević to take more and demand the ball, it’s hard to imagine fans wanting him to do the same on defense. His lack of energy on that end has been a problem for years.

    Zach Collins: A Trade Asset

    Collins, 27, signed for just under $18 million next season and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026-27. He’s a valuable piece as a starter or backup for the Bulls, or another team looking to add frontcourt depth.

    If the Bulls decide to rebuild or retool in the offseason, Collins could be trade bait. Or if they keep him, his affordable contract provides flexibility for a roster overhaul.

    What’s Next for the Bulls?

    The Bulls’ loss to the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament marked the end of the season. Now it’s time to focus on the NBA Draft Lottery where the Bulls have a 1.7% chance of getting the number one pick. Even a top-four pick could bring in a lot of talent, whether it’s a star or a player who can be the centerpiece of a trade.

    Collins’ future in Chicago will depend on how the front office approaches the offseason. With aging stars, mediocre results and pressure to make moves, the Bulls have big decisions to make.

  • Is Kenny Beecham Right About the Bulls? His Comments Paint a Grim Picture

    Is Kenny Beecham Right About the Bulls? His Comments Paint a Grim Picture

    The Bulls season is over and with it comes the uncertainty of what’s next for the franchise. The front office is in the process of preparing for the 2025 NBA Draft and looking at free agency targets. But as they navigate this transition period, Kenny Beecham’s comments recently had me thinking about the Bulls immediate future.

    On the latest Run It Back on FanDuel TV, Beecham didn’t sugar coat it when talking about the Bulls. He said they are 2-3 years away from being competitive again. Ouch. That’s a tough pill to swallow and makes you wonder if the Bulls are on the right track.

    Beecham’s Harsh Reality Check

    Kenny Beecham didn’t sugarcoat it when he talked about the Bulls’ roster. “Not a lot going on here.”

    “A lot of us wanted this team to take a step back, which they did,” Beecham said. “They traded Zach LaVine. Traded DeMar DeRozan before the season started. And even then, we looked at the roster and squinted our eyes and said, ‘there’s not a lot going on here.’ I think we’ve got two to three more years before we can be excited about Bulls basketball again.”

    His comments sum up the harsh reality. Despite some good play after the trade deadline, the Bulls were eliminated by the Miami Heat for the third straight year. That’s how far they are from being a real team.

    Nikola Vucevic: A Trade Piece on the Move?

    One of the biggest questions for the Bulls is what happens with Nikola Vucevic. The veteran big man has been a bright spot, but his contract is up after the 2025-26 season, and he’s an unrestricted free agent. Recently, he mentioned wanting to play for a contender in a media availability.

    “There are some good, young pieces that can be built around,” Vucevic said. “But I’m at the stage in my career where I’m trying to win now, play in the playoffs and hopefully have deep playoff runs. It’s a young team and it takes time.”

    With those words echoing in the locker room, the Bulls may trade Vucevic rather than lose him for nothing next summer. His value could bring in much needed assets to speed up the rebuild.

    Arturas Karnisovas Asks for Patience

    Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas knows it won’t be easy. In a press conference on April 17, he asked the fans to be patient as the team enters “the first year of that transition”.

    “I’m asking for the fans to have patience,” Karnisovas said. “We’re in the first year of that transition. I thought we finished the year strong. It’s hard to win games in this league. But to go 15-5 [after the trade deadline], it’s not a victory lap, but I think there are some positives.”

    Karnisovas pointed to the draft, free agency, and player development as the key steps to rebuilding the roster. He emphasized adding talent through the lottery and free agency, and giving the young players time to grow.

    Reasons to be Cheerful

    Beecham’s assessment is dire, but there’s hope for Bulls fans. Josh Giddey and Coby White are the foundation of the team’s future. If the front office can sign them long term the Bulls can build something.

    Plus the 15-5 finish to the 2024-25 season after the trade deadline was a glimpse into the future. Young players showed growth and the new additions brought energy to the roster.

    Will Fans Buy In?

    For Bulls fans patience has been the theme of this rebuild. The front office has to prove progress is being made. If the team shows improvement and a clear plan moving forward the city will get behind them.

    But Beecham’s comments are a reminder the Bulls are far from relevant. The future is bright but the present is dark.

  • Nikola Vučević on the Move? Analyzing the Bulls’ Top Trade Targets

    Nikola Vučević on the Move? Analyzing the Bulls’ Top Trade Targets

    The Bulls season ended with a thud after the 109-90 loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, officially out of the playoffs. While the blame for this season doesn’t fall all on Nikola Vučević’s shoulders, his performance in crunch time showed just how much of a liability he’s become. With an expiring contract and declining production, it’s clear he needs to be moved – and fast.

    Let’s get into why trading Vučević is not only necessary but also possible and who the trade partners could be.

    Why Vučević Needs to Go?

    Wednesday night against the Heat was the perfect example of everything that’s wrong with Vučević. On paper his line – 16 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks – looks fine. But if you watched the game you know better. Vučević’s defense was a sieve, allowing Heat players to walk into the paint like they had an open invitation. His lack of effort resulted in countless easy baskets and a team worst -18 for the night.

    Vučević can still post empty double doubles, but his inability to defend or elevate those around him has made him expendable. At 34 he’s no longer part of the long term solution for a team that’s lost direction. The Bulls need to pivot now, and moving Vučević could be the start of that.

    The Perfect Trade Partner: Atlanta Hawks

    If there’s one team that fits as a logical landing spot for Vučević, it’s the Atlanta Hawks. Stuck in mediocrity themselves, the Hawks are in dire need of frontcourt help and leadership. Meanwhile, the Bulls have been searching for athleticism and defensive versatility at the center position—a role perfectly suited for Onyeka Okongwu.

    Here’s the proposed deal:

    Bulls Receive:

    • Onyeka Okongwu
    • Georges Niang
    • Mouhamed Gueye
    • Vit Krejčí

    Hawks Receive:

    • Nikola Vučević
    • Jevon Carter
    • 2026 Second-Round Pick
    • 2027 Second-Round Pick

    This package checks all the boxes for both teams under NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) rules. It’s clean, straightforward, and mutually beneficial.

    Why This Deal Works for the Bulls?

    First of all, Onyeka Okongwu is the kind of player the Bulls have been missing since… well, ever. At 24, he brings athleticism, defensive versatility and upside. Unlike Vučević, he can switch onto guards, protect the rim, and finish above the rim—skills that are crucial in today’s NBA. He averaged 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and almost a block a game last season, so he’s ready to take on more.

    Adding Georges Niang gives the Bulls a stretch four off the bench, which they haven’t had since Nikola Mirotic. And while Mouhamed Gueye is raw, his size, mobility, and shooting touch make him a project worth investing in. Vit Krejčí is just a salary filler—but at least he’s cuttable filler.

    Most importantly, this deal brings youth and upside to a roster that needs it. If the Bulls want to build towards the future, swapping an old veteran for younger assets is the right move.

    Why the Hawks Might Say Yes?

    For the Hawks, this fixes a few issues. First Vučević brings scoring and floor spacing at the 5 which Clint Capela doesn’t. He averages 15-18 points a game and can take some of the load off Trae Young and set solid screens for shooters.

    Jevon Carter adds depth to the backcourt and veteran leadership. The two 2nd round picks are the cherry on top and give the Hawks flexibility down the line.

    From Atlanta’s perspective, they get to reset without fully tanking. They get rid of Okongwu’s impending payday (he’s due for a big extension soon) and get a proven vet in Vučević to mentor their young core.

    Not a Home Run, But a Step Forward

    Let’s be real: trading Vučević won’t get the Bulls a superstar. That train left the station a long time ago. But getting Okongwu is real developmental value. He’s young, athletic and versatile – exactly what the Bulls need to rebuild through youth and athleticism.

    And this gives Bulls fans something to look forward to. Instead of running the same “run it back” narrative the organization has been running for years, management would finally be signaling real change.

  • Arturas Karnisovas Speaks, but Bulls Fans Are Still Searching for Answers

    Arturas Karnisovas Speaks, but Bulls Fans Are Still Searching for Answers

    Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas had a lot to say during his media session yesterday, but instead of answers, he left us with more questions. With the Bulls finishing another disappointing season – and losing to the Heat in the play-in for the third year in a row – Karnisovas doubled down on his vision for the team. But his plan raises more questions than answers.

    Karnisovas Stands Firm: “I’m in Chicago”

    There were rumors that Karnisovas was going to leave Chicago and go back to Denver, where he used to work with the Nuggets. Those rumors were quickly squashed when Karnisovas said he’s not going anywhere.

    “No, I’m in Chicago; I’m focused only on this roster,” Karnisovas said Thursday.

    He also said ownership, Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf, are fully on board with his plan for the team. According to Karnisovas, the whole organization is “on the same page” from the front office to the coaching staff.

    “We have a very good relationship with Jerry and Michael,” Karnisovas said. “We take pride, especially in this building, in everybody being aligned. They’ve always been very supportive of my decisions and thoughts about this direction.”

    Well, unity is great and all, but the real test is whether that direction leads to wins or more of the same.

    The Four-Point Plan That Leaves Fans Frustrated

    Karnisovas outlined four major goals the Bulls aimed to achieve this past season:

    1. Changing the style of play
    2. Retaining the 2025 draft pick
    3. Building the roster by minimizing the timeline with young, experienced players
    4. Focusing on internal development

    He said they met those goals, pointing to the 15-5 finish to the season. But here’s the thing: meeting arbitrary boxes doesn’t mean progress. The Bulls ended the season 39-43, same as last year, and didn’t make the playoffs again.

    Ignoring the Elephant in the Room

    One thing missing from Karnisovas’ comments? How the Bulls are going to get an elite player—a necessity if they want to compete at the top. Opponents like Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler have been eliminating the Bulls for years, exposing their lack of top talent.

    When asked how he plans to get an elite player without tanking for a high draft pick, Karnisovas gave vague answers.

    “Well, there’s a plan,” he said. “I think we’re always going to look at how to improve this roster by adding a player or a high-caliber player.”

    But what does that mean? Karnisovas seems to be counting on the growth of young players like Coby White and Josh Giddey to get better. Unfortunately, hope isn’t a strategy—it’s wishful thinking.

    A Path Without Patience

    Karnisovas said the roster might look similar next year, with financial flexibility not arriving until the 2026 offseason. But he won’t take a step back to get a higher draft pick. That’s not the blueprint of every championship team over the last 3 decades.

    “I do believe that the way we want to build this roster is basically by having players that have experience to kind of shrink the timeline,” Karnisovas said. “Billy [Donovan] talked about how important it was for this young group to focus on winning and what goes into winning instead of just rolling the ball out and telling them, ‘Go and develop.’”

    Karnisovas asks for patience but shows no patience. He wants quick results without the growing pains of long term success.

    Asking for Patience, Giving No Assurances

    In conclusion, Karnisovas asked for fan understanding, citing the late season run as proof of progress.

    “I’m asking fans for patience because we’re in the first year of that transition,” Karnisovas said. “I thought we finished the year strong. It’s hard to win games in this league and to finish 15-5, yeah, it’s not a victory lap, but I think there’s some good stuff.”

    Unfortunately, good stuff isn’t enough. Fans want action, accountability and a plan not empty words.

  • Why Arturas Karnisovas Failed to Build a Bulls Roster with Tyler Herro?

    Why Arturas Karnisovas Failed to Build a Bulls Roster with Tyler Herro?

    The Bulls’ season came crashing down in a 109-90 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference play-in game. It wasn’t just the scoreline that hurt—it was how they got beat. Erik Spoelstra outfoxed them at every turn, exposing holes in strategy, execution and talent. And while Josh Giddey and Coby White struggled to make an impact, the real story is higher up the food chain.

    Karnisovas’ Failed Vision

    Arturas Karnisovas has been running the show for years now and this ship is headed straight for the rocks. His focus on “development” and incremental progress has the team treading water instead of making waves.

    No elite player—a true difference maker—was on display against the Heat. All-Star Tyler Herro dropped 38 on the Bulls and Chicago fans are left wondering why their team still doesn’t have a star. The front office’s inability to land or develop one is a big fat failure of Karnisovas’ leadership.

    False Hope and Missed Opportunities

    For months, the Bulls have teased us with glimpses of what could be. A late season surge had many thinking they could finally break free from the Heat’s grip. But Wednesday night proved those hopes were built on sand. Without someone who can take over games when it matters most, the Bulls are stuck in mediocrity.

    Even head coach Billy Donovan acknowledged the issue after the game. “You look at any great team, they have ‘a guy’ that’s really, really elite,” he said. He praised Giddey and White for their progress, but admitted the roster isn’t championship caliber.

    What Went Wrong?

    From the opening tip, everything that could go wrong did. Herro sliced through the defense like it was nothing, setting the tone early. Loose balls? The Bulls didn’t even bother to chase them. Fast break points? Two in the first quarter. This wasn’t just a bad game, it was a systemic failure.

    In the third quarter, the Bulls showed some life, but the deficit was too big. By the end of the game, frustration hung in the air. For the third year in a row, the Heat sent the Bulls packing.

    Player Accountability

    Karnisovis gets a lot of the blame, but the players didn’t help themselves. Giddey looked lost on defense and couldn’t slow down Herro or anyone else Miami threw at him. White shot 5-20 and turned it over 7 times. Rookie Matas Buzelis is promising but too raw to be accountable.

    “We dug ourselves a hole and it was tough to get out,” Giddey said after. But digging holes seems to be a theme for this organization under Karnisovas.

    Time for Change

    Coby White summed it up best: “It’s very disappointing to lose to the same team three years in a row. Just gotta be better. Gotta learn from it.” Maybe start at the top. Karnisovas has been all about missed opportunities, empty promises, and a roster that can’t deliver in big moments.

    If the Bulls want to compete in the East, they need to stop talking about development and start delivering results. That means finding or creating an elite player who can carry the team.

  • How ‘Shorty A’ Became the Heart and Soul of Chicago Bulls Fandom

    How ‘Shorty A’ Became the Heart and Soul of Chicago Bulls Fandom

    Abad Viquez first saw Derrick Rose as a second grader in Chicago. Posters of the Bulls’ then-No. 1 overall pick covered his teacher’s walls and he was hooked.

    For Viquez, now known as ‘Shorty A’ to his 50,000+ social media followers, basketball was more than a sport—it was a lifeline. Born with Sacral Agenesis, a rare condition that left him without a tailbone and affected his growth, Viquez faced many challenges. But through Derrick Rose’s story of perseverance he found inspiration to chase an impossible dream.

    A Lifelong Inspiration: Derrick Rose and Overcoming Adversity

    Viquez remembers the first time he saw Derrick Rose. “Everyone was talking about him and I didn’t even know who he was,” he says. Watching Rose play helped him connect with his peers and make friends at school—a place where fitting in felt impossible due to his disability.

    Rose’s rise to fame—and his comeback from injuries—resonated with Viquez. At 22 years old Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history during the 2010-11 season. But it wasn’t just his success—it was how he came back from injuries that inspired Viquez.

    “I went through a lot of bullying,” Viquez says. “On top of that I had surgeries, physical therapy—all while trying to keep up at school. Seeing Derrick Rose train and fight to get back on the court motivated me to do the same.”

    Basketball became Viquez’s therapy. Whether he was shooting hoops in his backyard or watching Rose dominate games, the sport gave him purpose. It also sparked sibling rivalry. His sister Frida loved LeBron James which led to debates between them. “I got tired of him winning, winning, winning,” Viquez jokes, referring to LeBron’s dominance over the Bulls.

    The Birth of ‘Shorty A’

    In high school, kids called Viquez “Speedy,” “Turbo,” and other fun names because of his power wheelchair. Looking back on those names, he decided to go with one that represented his journey: ‘Shorty A.’

    “When I was younger being short used to bother me,” he says. “But not anymore.” He started his Instagram account in 2019 and posted trick shot videos that went viral. One video reposted by Overtime Sports went crazy and got millions of views.

    After that he joined TikTok and started posting content regularly. His following grew and brands like SeatGeek started to take notice and sponsor his videos. Today ‘Shorty A’ is known not only for his love of basketball but also for his message of hope and determination.

    From Fan to Future Broadcaster

    After graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2024 with a degree in journalism and a minor in sports communication, Viquez wants to be the first broadcaster with a disability in the NBA.

    “I want to inspire the next generation of kids,” he says. “To let them know that anything is possible despite their disability.”

    Viquez is already making progress towards that goal. In February he won AT&T’s NBA Dreams Experience contest and got VIP access to All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. There he met Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who praised Viquez’s mission. “Sports play such an important role in connecting people,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m glad we could make it happen.”

    Another highlight was when Viquez met Derrick Rose himself. At a farewell event in Chicago, Rose gave away free flowers to fans. When Viquez approached him, Rose broke protocol and signed a jersey just for him. “I almost cried in front of him,” Viquez says. “He changed my life.”

    Building a Legacy Beyond Basketball

    While pursuing his broadcasting dreams Viquez is busy designing merchandise under his brand YDDDY (“Your Disability Doesn’t Define You”). Proceeds go to Free Wheelchair Mission reflecting his commitment to giving back.On his platform he posts trick shots, broadcasting highlights and personal thoughts. For him every post reminds him of the lessons he learned from Derrick Rose: resilience, self confidence and putting yourself out there.

    “A round ball helped me in many ways,” he says. “I never thought I’d have over 50,000 followers on TikTok and it’s all because of Derrick Rose. He showed me what’s possible.”

  • How the Bulls vs. Heat Play-In Game Could Shape the NBA Postseason

    How the Bulls vs. Heat Play-In Game Could Shape the NBA Postseason

    The Chicago Bulls (39-43) and Miami Heat (37-45) will face off in an NBA Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. EDT in Chicago. The winner of this game will move on to the next round and compete for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Both teams are around .500 so this should be a tough battle between two teams trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.

    Bulls Look to Continue Strong Run

    The Bulls have shown flashes this season, especially against Eastern Conference teams where they’re 28-24. One of their strengths has been their 3-point shooting. Chicago is 3rd in the league with 15.4 3s made per game and 36.7% from 3. Coby White has been a big contributor with 2.9 3s per game at 37.0%.

    The Bulls have been on fire offensively lately, averaging 121.4 points per game over their last 10 games. Nikola Vucevic has been a steady presence in the paint with 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Kevin Huerter has been a spark off the bench with 2.4 3s per game during that stretch.

    But injuries could be a factor. Lonzo Ball is day-to-day with a wrist issue and Tre Jones and Josh Giddey are also dealing with injuries. The Bulls need everyone available to step up to get this big win.

    Heat Hoping to Ride Hot Streak

    Despite struggling at times this season, the Heat have shown toughness, especially on the defensive end. They’re 9th in the league with 33.7 defensive rebounds per game thanks to Bam Adebayo on the glass. Adebayo grabs 7.2 rebounds per game and anchors the Heat’s interior defense.Tyler Herro has been on fire offensively, averaging 22.5 points and 3.9 rebounds over his last 10 games. Andrew Wiggins has been consistent with 18.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. If the Heat are going to win, they need both to bring it.

    Miami has its own injury issues. Key players Andrew Wiggins (hamstring), Alec Burks (back) and Nikola Jovic (hand) are day-to-day. And Kevin Love is dealing with personal matters so the roster is a little thin heading into this big game.

    Key Matchups to Watch

    • Nikola Vucevic vs. Bam Adebayo: This battle in the paint will decide the game. Both big men are board controllers and playmakers.
    • Tyler Herro vs. Coby White: These two guards can get hot and light it up from deep. Whoever gets going first will swing momentum.

    Injury Updates Impacting the Game

    For the Bulls:

    • Ayo Dosunmu out for the season with a shoulder injury.
    • Lonzo Ball, Tre Jones and Josh Giddey questionable with wrist, foot and forearm issues respectively.

    For the Heat:

    • Dru Smith out for the year with an Achilles injury.
    • Pelle Larsson, Isaiah Stevens, Alec Burks, Nikola Jovic, Kevin Love and Andrew Wiggins day-to-day with various injuries.

    What’s on the Line?

    This game is more than just advancing—it’s about pride and proving people wrong. For the Bulls it’s an opportunity to shut up the doubters who think they can’t compete in the playoffs. For the Heat it’s a chance to prove their regular season was just a blip.

    With the line at -1 and over/under 219 the sportsbook expects a close game. Fans can expect a fast paced, physical game with a lot of drama.

  • Bulls Clinch No. 9 Seed, Set to Host Heat in Play-In Showdown Wednesday

    Bulls Clinch No. 9 Seed, Set to Host Heat in Play-In Showdown Wednesday

    The Bulls are officially the 9th seed in the East after beating the Washington Wizards 119-89 on Friday night at the United Center. Julian Phillips had a career high 23 points in a rare start.

    With this win, the Bulls get home court for their play-in game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. A Bulls loss would eliminate them from the playoffs, but a win would send them to play either the Atlanta Hawks or Orlando Magic on April 18. The winner of that game gets the 8th seed and will play the 1st seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs.

    This is the 2nd year in a row the Bulls have been the 9th seed, and the 3rd time in a row they’ve made the play-in tournament. Unfortunately, their last two appearances ended with road losses to the Heat.

    Julian Phillips Shines in Rare Opportunity

    One of the big takeaways from Friday’s game was Julian Phillips. He’s been under the radar all season but has become a big piece for the Bulls.

    He made the most of his time, scoring a career high 23 points on 7-11 shooting with 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. His ability to stretch the floor (32.2% from 3 this season) and make plays around the rim has been huge for Chicago.

    “Felt good to contribute like that,” Phillips said. “I’ve been working every day to get better and tonight showed what I can do.”

    Nikola Vučević Nears Another Triple-Double

    Nikola Vučević is still the anchor for the Bulls. After a tough stretch around the trade deadline he’s bounced back big time. Over his last 14 games he’s shooting 47.5% from 3.

    In Friday’s win, he was one triple double short of another one with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. When asked about not getting the triple double he joked to Coby White: “Maybe you should’ve made more shots!”

    Vučević’s play has been huge for the Bulls as they get ready for the play-in.

    Guard Injuries Loom Large Heading Into Playoffs

    While the Bulls are celebrating their win, injuries are still a concern. Lonzo and Tre are not coming back anytime soon.

    Lonzo has been out since October with a right wrist injury and is still in the recovery process. Tre has been in a walking boot for 3 weeks after suffering a left midfoot sprain and was reevaluated recently but still has discomfort.

    Luckily, Josh Giddey, who missed Friday’s game with a forearm injury, should be back for the play in the tournament. He will be big for the Bulls.

    Regular Season Finale vs. Philadelphia

    Sunday is the final game of the season and they play the 76ers on the road. Doesn’t matter the outcome but it’s one last prep for Wednesday against the Heat.

    For now the focus is simple: win against Miami and keep alive.

  • Bulls Edge Heat 119-111, Move Closer to Hosting Play-In Game

    Bulls Edge Heat 119-111, Move Closer to Hosting Play-In Game

    The Chicago Bulls took a big step towards getting home court in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament with a 119-111 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Josh Giddey was brilliant and clutch down the stretch and the Bulls are now 37-43, one game ahead of the Heat (36-44) for 9th in the East.

    Josh Giddey with his 7th Triple-Double

    Josh Giddey had another monster game, his 7th triple-double of the season with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists. He was the engine that drove the Bulls to the win and also made some history.

    Giddey is the 3rd player this season to reach 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists. With 7 triple-doubles, he’s now 2nd behind Michael Jordan who had 15 in the 1988-89 season for the most by a Bull in a season.

    “We knew going into the game what was at stake with a win or loss,” Giddey said after the game. “We’re happy with the win but we can’t look too far ahead. We’ve got 2 games left. We’re taking it one game at a time.”

    Clutch Moments Win It

    Giddey’s heroics weren’t enough to win the game on their own. With the Bulls up 5 and 43 seconds left, Tyler Herro stole the ball from Coby White and had an open layup. Instead of laying it in, Herro pulled up for a 26 foot three. Missed.

    Kevin Huerter grabbed the rebound and Matas Buzelis sealed the deal with a dagger three on the other end.

    “That was pretty gutsy,” Huerter said of Herro’s shot. “If he makes it, it’s great. Luckily for us he missed.”

    Huerter himself had a big night with 22 points and his hustle plays were huge in the win.

    Play-In Implications: Home-Court Advantage in Reach

    The win gives the Bulls a big edge in the ninth place race as they now own the head to head tiebreaker over the Heat since they won all three games this season. To clinch ninth and get a home game in the play-in the Bulls need to win either Friday vs the Wizards or Sunday vs the 76ers.

    Finishing ninth means hosting the Heat in the play-in—a game the Bulls want to get. Over the last two seasons the Heat have ended the Bulls season in Miami so home court is even more important.

    “It’s an advantage if you play well,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “But if you don’t play well it doesn’t matter where you are.”

    The Play’s the Word

    We’re 2 games in and I’m feeling nostalgic.

    Parish is still in the hunt for 8th place. We’re a half game behind Atlanta and they own the tiebreaker. Overtaking Atlanta won’t be easy; we’re a game behind in the loss column and they have the tiebreaker.

    Regardless of where we land, Donovan said you want to play well in the playoffs.

    “You want to play at home but at the same time you’ve got to play well against a good team,” Donovan said. “We’re all bunched up. You’ve got to take care of business.”

    Feeling Good as We Head into the Play-In

    With momentum on our side we’re feeling good going into the final 2 games of the season. Kevin Huerter said he’s optimistic about our chances especially since we’ll most likely see them again in a week. He’s been a good team for us.

    “The confidence is high,” Huerter said. “We’re playing good basketball but we’re most likely going to see this team right back here in a week. We’ve got to take care of business the last 2 games, see if we can get some help and Atlanta can lose a game for us. If not we’ll be ready to play Miami again.”

  • Lonzo Ball Meets Family of Donor Who Helped Save His NBA Career

    Lonzo Ball Meets Family of Donor Who Helped Save His NBA Career

    Bulls guard Lonzo Ball met with the family of Alex Reinhardt before the game against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Alex’s donated cartilage saved his NBA career. Ball was out with a sprained right wrist and didn’t play in the game but made sure to honor Alex by bringing his family and expressing his gratitude for their incredible sacrifice.

    The Gift That Saved Lonzo Ball’s Career

    In March 2023, Lonzo Ball had a meniscus and cartilage transplant in his left knee—a procedure that allowed him to get back to playing professional basketball after being told he might never play again. The cartilage used in the surgery came from Alex Reinhardt, a 20 year old who passed away in February 2023.

    For Ball, this was more than life changing—it was career saving. He might never have stepped back on the court without it. “It changed my life” Ball said. Before the game Ball met with Alex’s family for the first time, signing jerseys and taking photos. It was an emotional and personal moment for everyone involved. For all of us it was more than just a meet and greet—it was a celebration of life, generosity and resilience.

    Alex’s Family’s Emotional Moment

    For Angie Reinhardt, Alex’s mom, the reunion was sweet but emotional. She told ESPN and the Associated Press how cool it was to see someone like Lonzo thriving because of her son’s gift.

    “It’s been super emotional,” Angie said. “So much happiness with it too. All the people that are donor recipients of Alex’s [tissue], we’re just blessed. We’ve had mothers of some people reach out and say things. Now we get to meet Lonzo. It’s just a blessing to be able to watch people do well with their knees or anything because of Alex. Of course we wish he was here.”

    The Reinhardts were contacted by another recipient of Alex’s tissue who wanted to connect with them. They later found out one of those recipients was none other than Lonzo Ball. That made the meeting even more special because Angie and her family got to see firsthand the impact Alex’s decision to be an organ donor has had on others.

    A Celebration of Life and Legacy

    Lonzo Ball met the Reinhardt family and it was a reminder of the importance of organ and tissue donation. For Alex’s family it’s seeing him thrive on the court is a testament to their son’s selflessness and legacy. For Ball, it’s an opportunity to honor Alex every time he steps on the court.

    “It’s hard not to feel grateful when you think about everything they’ve done,” Ball said. “I wouldn’t be here without him.”

    This is the human side of sports—a world where wins aren’t measured in points but in moments.

    Why This Story Matters?

    These stories go beyond sports. They remind us of the big impact of kindness and sacrifice. While Lonzo Ball is still battling injuries and working towards his comeback, there’s no question that Alex Reinhardt’s gift gave him a second chance – not just as an athlete but as someone who can inspire others through his story.

    As the Reinhardt family watches Ball play, they carry with them the knowledge that Alex’s legacy lives on through the people he touched.