The Chicago Bulls are heading into the 2024-25 season with more questions than answers after enduring another disappointing campaign. Injuries to key players derailed their season, as they finished with a 39-43 record, good for 9th in the Eastern Conference, before being knocked out in the play-in tournament.
The ongoing absence of Lonzo Ball, who hasn’t played in over two and a half seasons, and Zach LaVine’s injury struggles left the team unable to find consistency. Compounding the challenges, DeMar DeRozan departed in free agency, joining the Sacramento Kings, signaling a new era for the Chicago Bulls. With hopes of staying healthy, the team is aiming to make one more push with their current roster before deciding on a potential rebuild.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Lonzo Ball
Reserves: Ayo Dosunmu, Josh Giddey, DJ Steward
Lonzo Ball’s return to the court remains one of the biggest storylines for the Bulls. It has been over 985 days since Ball last played an NBA game due to ongoing knee issues.
His absence has had a massive impact on the Bulls, as his elite defense, playmaking, and three-point shooting were critical to their success before his injury. However, recent reports suggest that Ball is progressing well in his rehabilitation, participating in scrimmages and 5v5 practices. While his health is still a major question mark, there is optimism that he could return this season.
In his last full season, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 42.3% from three-point range. If he can get back to anything close to his All-Star-caliber form, Ball’s return would be a game-changer for the Bulls, who have struggled without a true floor general.
Ayo Dosunmu has developed into a solid backup for Ball. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.1% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc. Dosunmu’s ability to score, defend, and play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the Bulls.
Josh Giddey, acquired in a trade that sent Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, is another versatile playmaker who can handle point guard duties. Giddey’s size, passing ability, and rebounding will be key to the Bulls’ second unit. DJ Steward rounds out the point guard rotation and will likely compete for minutes as an emergency option.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Coby White
Reserves: Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter, Talen Horton-Tucker
With injuries to Ball and LaVine last season, Coby White took advantage of the opportunity to showcase his talent. White had a breakout year, averaging 19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 44.7% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. White has developed into a reliable scorer and playmaker, and his ability to knock down threes has made him a key piece of the Bulls’ offense.
Now entering his fifth season, White will look to build on last year’s success and continue his evolution into a more complete player. He’ll be relied upon heavily, especially if Lonzo Ball’s health remains uncertain.
In the backup shooting guard role, Dalen Terry will provide energy and defense, while veteran guard Jevon Carter brings toughness and defensive intensity. Talen Horton-Tucker, who offers versatility and the ability to create his own shot, will compete for minutes as well.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Zach LaVine
Reserves: Matas Buzelis, Chris Duarte, Onuralp Bitim
Zach LaVine’s future with the Bulls has been a topic of speculation over the past two seasons, with trade rumors surrounding him and his hefty contract. Despite the uncertainty, LaVine remains with the team heading into the 2024-25 season. He has reportedly worked to mend his relationship with the Bulls’ front office and is determined to return as the team’s primary offensive option.
LaVine, a former All-Star, played only 25 games last season due to injuries, posting his lowest numbers since his first year with the Bulls—averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 45.0% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.
If LaVine can stay healthy, he has the talent to regain his status as one of the league’s premier scoring guards. However, his injury history and massive contract have made it difficult for the Bulls to move him, leaving the team in a holding pattern.
Matas Buzelis, one of the top young prospects, will back up LaVine and be groomed as a potential future star. Chris Duarte, a talented two-way player, and Onuralp Bitim provide further depth at the wing position, with Duarte in particular expected to contribute as a shooter and defender.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Patrick Williams
Reserves: Torrey Craig, Julian Phillips, EJ Liddell, Marcus Domask
Patrick Williams continues to be a source of intrigue for the Bulls. Entering his fifth season, Williams has shown flashes of his potential as a versatile forward with defensive upside, but consistency remains an issue. Last season, he averaged 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 44.3% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range.
His ability to knock down threes and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable part of the Bulls’ rotation, but he’ll need to take a leap if the Bulls are to remain competitive.
Behind Williams, the Bulls brought in veteran forward Torrey Craig, who offers defensive versatility and toughness. Julian Phillips, EJ Liddell, and Marcus Domask provide additional depth, though they are likely to see limited minutes unless injuries occur.
Center (C)
Starter: Nikola Vucevic
Reserves: Jalen Smith, Adama Sanogo, Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Nikola Vucevic continues to anchor the center position for the Bulls, delivering another double-double season—his seventh consecutive. Last season, Vucevic averaged 19.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. A skilled scorer and rebounder, Vucevic has been a reliable presence in the paint for Chicago, though his lack of defensive impact has sometimes been a concern.
Despite his productivity, Vucevic has been linked to trade rumors as the Bulls consider their future. If the team decides to rebuild, Vucevic could be moved to a contending team in need of a skilled big man.
Jalen Smith, acquired from the Indiana Pacers, offers a young, athletic backup at center, while Adama Sanogo and Kenneth Lofton Jr. provide additional size and rebounding depth off the bench.
The Chicago Bulls find themselves at a crossroads as they enter the 2024-25 season. With DeMar DeRozan gone and lingering uncertainty surrounding Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball, the team is in a state of flux. Injuries have derailed their progress over the last few seasons, and the Bulls have struggled to find an identity as they balance between being a playoff hopeful and a team in need of a rebuild.
For the Bulls to be competitive this season, they will need Lonzo Ball to return to health, Coby White to continue his development, and Patrick Williams to take the next step in his career. Nikola Vucevic will continue to provide stability, but his future with the team remains uncertain as trade rumors swirl.
The Bulls are stuck in the middle, neither clear contenders nor fully committed to rebuilding. Staying healthy is crucial, as injuries have been the main reason for their failure to capitalize on their talented roster over the past few seasons. Should the injury bug strike again, Chicago may be forced to reconsider its long-term strategy and finally commit to a full-scale rebuild.
