Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Chicago Bulls’ Future: Navigating the 2025 Draft and Trade Rumors
Is the 2025 draft the Chicago Bulls’ last chance to reshape their roster? This question has been on the minds of many fans and analysts alike. In a recent episode of Locked on Bulls, we explored this topic in depth, discussing the potential paths the Bulls could take and the implications of upcoming trades. Let’s dive into the key insights from the episode and what they mean for the Bulls’ future.
The 2025 Draft: A Pivotal Moment
The 2025 draft is shaping up to be a critical juncture for the Chicago Bulls. With the team currently on pace to win about 31 games this season, they are in a position to keep their top 10 pick. This draft is seen as the last significant opportunity for the Bulls’ front office to decide on a clear direction—whether to build a younger, more sustainable team or to continue with their current core.
Many fans are divided on this issue. Some believe the team should capitalize on the talents of Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic to make a playoff run, while others argue for a rebuild. The draft offers a chance to acquire young talent that could alter the franchise’s trajectory. Players like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and Cooper Flagg are among the names generating buzz, but the draft’s depth means there are numerous prospects who could make a significant impact.
The Importance of Developing Young Talent
One of the Bulls’ biggest challenges has been developing a solid foundation of young talent. While they have promising players like Dalen Terry, Ayo Dosunmu, and Julian Phillips, the team needs to focus on nurturing these talents to build a competitive roster. The 2025 draft could provide the Bulls with a player who can be a cornerstone for the future, but it’s crucial that they also invest in the development of their existing young players.
The Bulls’ player development department has shown some progress, with improvements seen in players like Dosunmu and Terry. However, the team must continue to prioritize development to ensure that their young core can grow together and contribute to a winning culture.
Trade Rumors: Timing is Everything
Trade rumors have been swirling around the Bulls, with names like Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine frequently mentioned. The key question is not just who the Bulls might trade, but when they will make these moves. The front office has reportedly given the team 30 to 35 games to prove themselves before making any significant decisions.
With the Bulls currently underperforming, there is a strong case for making trades sooner rather than later. Moving players like LaVine and Vucevic could not only bring in valuable assets but also help the team secure their top 10 pick in the draft. This would allow the Bulls to pivot towards a rebuild and focus on developing a young, talented roster.
The Role of Coaching in the Bulls’ Future
Coaching is another critical factor in the Bulls’ future success. Head coach Billy Donovan has expressed reluctance to rebuild, preferring to field a competitive team. This has influenced the front office’s decisions and may have limited their willingness to fully commit to a rebuild.
For the Bulls to succeed, they need a coach who aligns with the team’s long-term vision. Whether Donovan is the right fit for a young, developing team remains to be seen. The front office must evaluate whether a change in coaching could provide the direction and leadership needed to guide the Bulls through this transitional period.
Call to Action: Embrace the Change
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads. The 2025 draft and potential trades offer a chance to redefine the team’s future. I encourage Bulls fans to stay informed and engaged with the team’s decisions. Whether you’re in favor of a rebuild or believe in the current core, your support and passion are vital as the Bulls navigate this pivotal moment.
For a more in-depth discussion on the Bulls’ future and the latest trade rumors, be sure to listen to the full episode of Locked on Bulls. Join us as we continue to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the team. Let’s see where this journey takes us—Go Bulls!
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Bulls are strategizing to stay in the bottom 10 of the standings, aiming to capitalize on a loaded draft class in 2024. This approach focuses on long-term gains over short-term success. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Fans Poor defensive performances have led to decreased fan interest, with many supporters disheartened by the team’s inability to secure wins. (Chicago Tribune)
Preview The Bulls host the Wizards in the latest NBA Cup group stage matchup. Read the preview.(NBA)
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
