The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads in 2025, with fans buzzing about the team’s potential to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite. A recent revelation from former Bulls star DeMar DeRozan has reignited hope and sparked debate: could a healthy Lonzo Ball be the key to unlocking Chicago’s championship aspirations? Speaking on the Run Your Race podcast, DeRozan praised Ball as the “missing piece” that once made the Bulls click. As the team eyes a fast-paced, deep-roster rebuild inspired by the Indiana Pacers, and with the 12th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the question looms: can Ball’s return and a smart draft choice propel the Bulls back to glory? Let’s dive into this compelling narrative and explore why Ball’s health and the team’s new direction are generating so much excitement.
DeMar DeRozan’s Praise: Lonzo Ball’s Impact
When DeMar DeRozan joined the Chicago Bulls in 2021 alongside Lonzo Ball, the team briefly showed flashes of brilliance. On the Run Your Race podcast, DeRozan, now with the Sacramento Kings, reflected on Ball’s unique ability to elevate the team. “When you talk about a piece that’s missing for something… Lonzo was that big piece of the puzzle that put everything together for all of us. He made everything so easy,” DeRozan said. Ball’s elite playmaking, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ made him a perfect fit, seamlessly connecting stars like DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
In his first few games with Chicago, Ball averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, shooting an impressive 42.3% from three-point range. His ability to push the pace, facilitate the offense, and guard multiple positions gave the Bulls a dynamic edge. Fans still recall moments like Ball’s slick no-look passes and clutch steals, which energized the United Center. DeRozan’s comments highlight what could have been—a Bulls team poised for a deep playoff run, if only Ball had stayed healthy.
The Injury Setback: A Lost Opportunity
Unfortunately, Ball’s time with DeRozan was cut short by persistent injuries. A knee injury sidelined him for nearly two and a half seasons, limiting him to just 35 games since joining the Bulls in 2021. During this period, DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a 2024 sign-and-trade deal involving the San Antonio Spurs, leaving Chicago without the chance to see their full potential as a duo. Ball’s absence was a gut punch for fans, as the Bulls struggled to maintain consistency, finishing the 2024-25 season with a middling record and an early playoff exit.
Ball’s return in the 2024-25 season showed glimpses of his former self, but he was not yet at full strength. Despite this, his presence on the court—evident in moments like his reactions during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at United Center—reminded fans of his potential. If Ball can regain his 2021 form, his ability to orchestrate a fast-paced offense and anchor the defense could transform the Bulls into a contender, validating DeRozan’s high praise.
The Bulls’ New Blueprint: Emulating the Pacers
Chicago’s front office, led by Arturas Karnisovas, is taking inspiration from the Indiana Pacers, who reached back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals with a deep, athletic roster built around pace and versatility. According to long-time Bulls reporter KC Johnson, the team aims to mirror this approach by prioritizing two-way players and depth at the wing and frontcourt positions. This shift marks a departure from the star-heavy model of recent years, focusing instead on a balanced, high-energy style of play.
With the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Bulls are reportedly eyeing Derik Queen, a 6’9” center from Maryland known for his versatility and playmaking. Queen’s ability to handle the ball, score in the post, and defend multiple positions aligns with Chicago’s new vision. However, as Johnson noted, “There are some question marks… fit with the Bulls’ new offensive style will be crucial to this draft pick.” If Queen is available at No. 12, he could complement Ball’s playmaking, creating a dynamic frontcourt-backcourt duo that thrives in transition and defense.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Bulls’ rebuild faces hurdles. Ball’s health remains the biggest question mark—another injury could derail Chicago’s plans. Additionally, integrating a rookie like Queen into a fast-paced system requires patience, as young players often need time to adapt to the NBA’s intensity. The loss of DeRozan, a reliable 20-point scorer, also leaves a void in leadership and clutch scoring, putting pressure on Ball, LaVine, and emerging stars like Coby White to step up.
Yet, the opportunities are tantalizing. A healthy Ball could orchestrate an offense that maximizes the athleticism of players like White and Patrick Williams, while Queen’s potential addition could bolster the frontcourt alongside Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls’ commitment to depth and pace aligns with the modern NBA, where teams like the Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have thrived by playing fast and sharing the ball. If Ball stays healthy and the draft pick pans out, Chicago could surprise the Eastern Conference in 2025-26.
The Bigger Picture
DeRozan’s comments and the Bulls’ new direction highlight a critical moment for the franchise. Lonzo Ball’s potential as the “missing piece” underscores his unique ability to elevate those around him, but his health is the linchpin. The draft pick, whether Queen or another prospect, represents a chance to build a sustainable future, blending youth with veterans like LaVine and Vucevic. Fans are buzzing on platforms like X, debating whether Ball can return to form and if the Bulls’ Pacers-inspired rebuild will pay off. As Chicago looks to recapture its early-90s glory, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.
DeMar DeRozan’s heartfelt praise for Lonzo Ball has reignited hope among Chicago Bulls fans, who see a healthy Ball as the key to unlocking a championship-caliber team. His playmaking and defensive prowess, paired with a Pacers-inspired rebuild and a promising draft pick like Derik Queen, could transform the Bulls into a force in the East. But with Ball’s injury history and the challenges of integrating young talent, the road ahead is uncertain. Can Ball stay healthy and lead Chicago to glory, or will the Bulls’ dreams remain just out of reach? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this thrilling turning point for the Bulls!