The Chicago Bulls enter the 2025-26 NBA season with a renewed sense of optimism, banking on their young core to propel them beyond last season’s No. 10 seed Play-In finish. At the heart of their ambitious rebuild is Josh Giddey, the 6-foot-8 Australian point guard who signed a four-year, $100 million contract in the off-season. This move signaled the Bulls’ unwavering confidence in Giddey as the cornerstone of their future, and early signs suggest this trust is about to pay dividends in ways that could surprise even the most optimistic fans.
Giddey Takes the Reins
Following Zach LaVine’s trade to Sacramento, Giddey was handed the keys to Chicago’s offense, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. Post-All-Star break last season, he averaged an eye-popping 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.5 steals, shooting 50% from the field, 45.7% from three, and 80.9% from the free-throw line. These numbers showcased his ability to orchestrate a fast-paced, dynamic offense while making significant strides defensively—a critical area of focus for the Bulls this season.
“He’s got an incredible ability to get you easy baskets,” said head coach Billy Donovan. “We want him to be who he’s always been—very, very creative. You saw him make strides defensively last year, and that’s something we need collectively as a team.”
Giddey’s playmaking prowess in transition, combined with his vision and versatility, has the Bulls leaning into a high-tempo style that maximizes his strengths. As the team’s highest-paid player, the 23-year-old carries the responsibility of leading a youthful roster featuring Coby White, Matas Buzelis, and Ayo Dosunmu—all 25 or younger. With Giddey at the helm, the Bulls are poised to surprise the league, and his potential All-Star push is no longer a distant dream but a tangible goal.
A Young Core Ready to Shine
The Bulls’ 39-43 record last season, coupled with a late surge of 15 wins in their final 20 games, hinted at the potential of this young roster. While they avoided splashy off-season moves, Chicago is betting on internal development to elevate their game. Coby White, who emerged as a cornerstone last season with 20.4 points per game and 37% three-point shooting on 7.9 attempts, remains a reliable scoring threat. Ayo Dosunmu’s defensive tenacity and hustle add balance, but the X-factor lies with rookie Matas Buzelis.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/1979027145927127439
Selected No. 11 in the 2024 NBA Draft, Buzelis has already shown flashes of star potential. His performances in the pre-season, including a standout 126-120 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, have silenced doubters who questioned his readiness. “I’m not surprised,” Buzelis said of his rapid progress. “I know how hard I work. I think there’s always going to be a learning curve, but that builds character.”
Tied with Giddey for the sixth-best odds to win Most Improved Player, per Unibet, Buzelis brings a dynamic skill set that could swing Chicago’s fortunes. His ability to stretch the floor, attack off the dribble, and defend multiple positions makes him the perfect complement to Giddey’s playmaking and White’s scoring. If Buzelis takes the leap many expect, this trio could transform the Bulls into a playoff contender sooner than anticipated.
A Season of Progress
For Chicago, a successful 2025-26 season hinges on tangible progress. Sneaking into the Play-In last year was a start, but the Bulls are aiming higher. A top-eight seed in the Eastern Conference, paired with continued development from their young core, would signal a step forward. Giddey’s ability to maintain his post-All-Star form—potentially averaging a near triple-double—could earn him All-Star consideration and solidify his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
The Bulls’ trust in Giddey is not just about his individual brilliance but his ability to elevate those around him. His playmaking unlocks White’s scoring and Buzelis’ versatility, creating a cohesive unit that thrives in transition. Defensively, Chicago must improve collectively, with Giddey and Buzelis leading the charge in effort and execution.
The Unexpected Reward
What makes this season so intriguing is the potential for Chicago to exceed expectations in ways few could have predicted. Giddey’s emergence as a borderline All-Star, paired with Buzelis’ rapid ascent and White’s consistency, could push the Bulls into the playoff conversation. Their fast-paced, creative style under Donovan’s guidance is tailor-made for an NBA that rewards versatility and speed. If Giddey continues to orchestrate the offense with flair, and if Buzelis proves to be the two-way star many project, Chicago could not only make the playoffs but also pull off a first-round upset.
The Bulls’ “absolute” trust in Josh Giddey is more than a contract—it’s a vision for a new era in Chicago. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, that vision is poised to be rewarded with a breakout campaign that could redefine the franchise’s trajectory. No one saw this coming, but the Bulls are ready to prove the doubters wrong.