The Chicago Bulls are handling a fresh rebuild under new leadership, a process showed by their recent 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13. Executive VP Bryson Graham and head coach Tiago Splitter are now in charge, steering the franchise toward a future centered on young talent like rookie Caleb Wilson. Their recent form shows the challenge, with a 2-3 record in their last five games (LLWWL).
Expectations are intentionally low for the 2026-27 Chicago Bulls. The front office's priority is player development, not immediate wins. This strategic shift was clear in their offseason moves, which focused on adding veterans like Norman Powell and Nic Claxton to guide the young core. The NBA's revised lottery system, which now gives teams finishing 4th through 10th equal odds for the top pick, also influences this approach. Competing for a Play-In spot would be a major success.
In an ideal world, the Bulls remain in the Play-In conversation late into the season. This would mean their athletic wings, Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, are making significant strides. Wilson doesn't need to be an All-Star yet, but showing steady progress and comfort against NBA competition is key. Winning Rookie of the Year is a legitimate possibility given his expected heavy workload.
For Matas Buzelis, the goal is entering the Most Improved Player discussion. After taking on more scoring responsibility last season, the next step is averaging around 20 points per game while maintaining his shot-blocking. Improvements in rebounding and drawing fouls would also mark a successful year. A Josh Giddey All-Star appearance, while ambitious, would be the cherry on top of a fantastic season.
The primary risk is that the young core fails to develop cohesively. If Caleb Wilson struggles with efficiency or turnover issues, and Matas Buzelis plateaus, the rebuild loses momentum. The veteran additions, Powell and Claxton, could also be flipped at the trade deadline if the season goes south, further emphasizing a long-term view. A bottom-three record, while potentially yielding a high draft pick, would mean the on-court product is painfully rough.
Injuries to key young players would be a devastating blow, stalling development for an entire year. The team's recent 103-127 loss to the Orlando Magic on April 11 highlights the defensive inconsistencies that could plague them. The schedule ahead is tough, and fans can track the upcoming challenges on our schedule page.
The Bulls' recent results paint a picture of a team finding its way. After wins over the Washington Wizards on April 7 (129-98) and April 9 (119-108), they've dropped two straight. The 149-128 defeat in Dallas showed the defensive gaps against elite offenses, while the loss to Orlando prior was equally one-sided. These games are learning experiences for a young group.
This season is about establishing a new culture and evaluating talent. Progress won't always be linear, as shown in the 110-120 loss to Phoenix on April 5 or the 96-136 defeat against New York on April 3. The realistic goal is to see individual flashes that promise a brighter future, regardless of the final win total.
