Chicago Bulls 2026-2027 guide

The Chicago Bulls head into a season focused on development and discovering their potential, without much pressure tied to results and with the goal of adding another high-level prospect next year.

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Key players

If Josh Giddey (G, 15.5 cr.) consistently shot 40% from three, he would essentially be the next-best thing to Jokic on Dunkest: last year he recorded 14 triple-doubles in just 54 games. But hypotheticals collide with reality: the Australian continues to be regularly dared to shoot by defenses, is hovering just above 30% from three and physical issues keep sending him back to the sidelines.

As a result, the real cornerstones of the future in Illinois are Caleb Wilson (F, 13.5 cr.) and Matas Buzelis (F, 11.0 cr.). The two share some strengths, most notably overwhelming athleticism and post-up play, while each also brings his own specialty: pull-up threes for the rookie and the Lithuanian’s ability to find efficient solutions even in traffic.

Potential surprises

Even without rediscovering his best days with the Kings and Pacers, Buddy Hield (G, 4.0 cr.) already offers strong upside at the minimum price for a solid – or potentially very profitable – increase in value. Splitter could maximize his skill set by frequently pairing him with Giddey and taking advantage of his ever-present threat from beyond the arc.

Following the same principle, Zach Collins (F, 4.0 cr.) could also become a sensible option at the right time. The injury nightmare has not yet left the big man, who after undergoing surgery on his right toe last February now has to recover from a soft-tissue issue, with no indication given as to whether it is related to the operation. We should not expect the same bounce-back potential as Hield, but once he is available, he could still be worth targeting without too many concerns.

Players to avoid

After an improving season in which he proved himself as a scorer during Giddey’s long absence, Tre Jones (G, 9.0 cr.) will have to fight again to carve out a role that, without extended injuries among his teammates, could be difficult to maintain. Defensively, his lack of size leaves him exposed to mismatches even against many players at his own position, while offensively he is not the best option for spacing the floor.

Projected starting five

PG: Josh Giddey (Guard, 15.5 cr)

SG: Norman Powell (Guard, 9.0 cr)

SF: Matas Buzelis (Forward, 11.0 cr)

PF: Caleb Wilson (Forward, 13.5 cr)

C: Nicolas Claxton (Center, 9.5 cr)

Power Ranking

While it is true that the NBA Draft Lottery’s new reform discourages tanking, it is equally clear that these Bulls have neither the technical foundation nor the cohesion to compete for long with the top favorites and numerous dark horses in a rapidly improving Eastern Conference. It would therefore be far from shocking to see them finish somewhere between 20 and 30 Regular Season wins.

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