As the Chicago Bulls gear up for the 2024-25 season, one glaring criticism has shadowed executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas: his reluctance to shift away from his initial roster construction. Much like a parent unable to see their child’s shortcomings, Karnišovas has clung to a roster that has often been more flawed than effective, hampered by injuries and inconsistent play.
Chicago Bulls 2024-25 Season Preview: Coby White and Zach LaVine at the Helm
A Wake-Up Call for Change
Last season’s disappointing play-in-game loss to the Miami Heat served as a stark reminder of the Bulls’ reality. It seems Karnišovas finally recognized the need for change. The team made significant moves in the offseason, letting key backup center Andre Drummond leave via free agency and trading Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey. Most notably, they dealt DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade that netted them two second-round picks and promising guard Chris Duarte. While these changes mark a shift, one could argue they come a season too late. Effective rebuilds rarely succeed when a team is only partially committed. With two-time All-Star Zach LaVine and center Nikola Vučević still on the roster, the Chicago Bulls may find themselves caught in a limbo of mediocrity.
The Focus: High Performance and Trade Value
Karnišovas will be hoping that LaVine and Vučević start the season strong to attract trade interest before the February deadline. With a highly touted 2025 draft class looming, this should be the Bulls’ primary focus. Retaining their protected 2025 first-round pick from San Antonio hinges on finishing in the bottom 10, a crucial factor if they hope to compete for top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and V.J. Edgecomb.
Despite Karnišovas’ desire to avoid the stigma of tanking, a step back may be essential for long-term success. The presence of LaVine and Vučević complicates this; their experience could lead to unexpected wins, and their roles might hinder the development of younger talent.
Frontcourt Dynamics
Defensively, the Bulls will look to Patrick Williams, who recently signed a lucrative five-year, $90 million deal, to shore up the frontcourt. While rookie Matas Buzelis will provide depth, his defensive skills and shooting range aren’t yet on par with Williams. Expect Buzelis to receive considerable playing time as he adjusts to the NBA. Jalen Smith, acquired from the Pacers, will serve as Vučević’s backup and could fit into head coach Billy Donovan’s small-ball strategies. Meanwhile, veteran Torrey Craig may find himself sidelined, as Donovan typically opts for a tighter rotation.
Backcourt Setup
With Josh Giddey now at the helm as the starting point guard, Coby White will shift to the off-ball guard position. White’s remarkable improvement last season—boosting his scoring average from 9.7 to 19.1 points per game—raises questions about LaVine’s impact on his development. White flourished while LaVine was out due to foot surgery, showcasing his finishing ability in tight games. Donovan is aiming to return to the fast-paced style that characterized the 2021-22 season, but defensive concerns loom large. The combination of LaVine, Giddey, and White may struggle against larger opponents, especially given the team’s drop to 22nd in defensive rating last season.
Depth will be crucial, and Ayo Dosunmu stands out as a vital bench contributor after a strong second half last season. The potential return of Lonzo Ball adds another layer of uncertainty to the backcourt rotation, as he continues to recover from a long-term knee injury.
The Last Word: A Critical Year Ahead
Ultimately, many of the Bulls’ challenges are traced back to Karnišovas and his front-office decisions. The franchise has made strides towards a new direction, but executing this vision will require a full commitment. Expect the Chicago Bulls to focus on moving LaVine, allowing younger players to develop, and aiming to finish the season with a win total that keeps their 2025 first-round pick safe. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but clarity in their strategy could lead to a brighter future.
