It’s no secret the Chicago Bulls were kinda written off this season. Losing DeRozan and Caruso? Ouch. They even tried to shop Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine over the summer, but no one was biting hard enough. So, the Bulls kept them around, and honestly, that might be working out in their favor.
Sitting at 3-3, the Bulls aren’t exactly dominating, but they’re showing signs of life. Vucevic is steady in the paint, and LaVine is dropping buckets like usual. It’s early, but with these two stepping up, maybe the Bulls have more gas in the tank than people thought.
1. Dynamic Duo In Zach LaVine And Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls’ early-season vibes are all about the LaVine-Vucevic combo. Let’s break it down — Zach LaVine is putting up 22.7 points a night, shooting a solid 49.5% from the field, and he’s hitting 3.7 threes per game at a deadly 45.8% clip. Basically, he’s a walking bucket who can light it up from deep, and defenders are scrambling to keep up with him.
Then there’s Nikola Vucevic, holding it down in the paint. The dude’s averaging 21.5 points and 11.0 boards, shooting a super-efficient 55.2%. He’s been a beast around the rim and isn’t afraid to step out for those mid-range shots either, keeping defenders guessing. Vucevic isn’t just scoring — he’s cleaning up on the boards and giving the Bulls a stable inside presence that balances LaVine’s perimeter play.
The real beauty here is how these two play off each other. LaVine and Vucevic have their pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop game on lock, and it’s opening up so many looks for them. Whether it’s LaVine pulling up from deep or Vucevic rolling to the basket, they’re keeping defenses on their toes.
On top of that, both of them are stepping up as leaders. They’re setting the tone, showing the younger guys like Coby White and Patrick Williams how it’s done. With LaVine torching it outside and Vucevic holding down the paint, this duo gives the Bulls a shot in every game. It’s still early, but these two are making Chicago look like a legit threat to sneak into the playoffs.
2. Josh Giddey’s Seamless Integration
Josh Giddey has been a revelation for the Chicago Bulls this season, fitting into the lineup like he’s been there for years. After being traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey wasted no time making his mark, averaging 14.7 points, along with 8.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and shooting an incredible 45.6% from deep on almost four attempts a game. In his debut against the New Orleans Pelicans, he dropped 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out three assists. He followed that up with a stellar performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 17 points, pulling down six boards, and handing out nine assists.
Giddey’s versatility is a game-changer for the Bulls. Standing at 6’8″, he’s a point guard who can see over defenses, facilitating ball movement and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His court vision and basketball IQ are off the charts, allowing him to make plays that keep defenses guessing.
Beyond the stats, Giddey brings a fresh energy to the team. His hustle on both ends of the floor sets the tone, and his unselfish playstyle is contagious. He’s quickly become a fan favorite, and his chemistry with the rest of the squad is evident. Whether it’s pushing the pace in transition or locking down on defense, Giddey’s impact is felt all over the court.
In a recent game against the Orlando Magic, Giddey showcased his all-around game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, leading the Bulls to a 102-99 victory. Performances like these highlight his ability to step up in crucial moments and contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Giddey’s seamless integration into the Bulls’ system has been a pleasant surprise. His playmaking abilities and versatility have added a new dimension to the team’s offense, making them more dynamic and unpredictable. As he continues to gel with his teammates, Giddey’s role in the Bulls’ success is only expected to grow.
3. Young Legs Giving Great Contributions
The Bulls’ young core is stepping up big time this season, injecting energy and hustle into the lineup. Guys like Coby White, Jalen Smith, Ayo Dosunmu, and Patrick Williams aren’t just filling roles; they’re bringing serious production every night, making this team way deeper than people expected.
Let’s start with Coby White. He’s averaging 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, which shows how he’s become a solid all-around contributor. His shooting has been efficient too, knocking down 43.8% of his shots from the field and hitting 3.5 threes per game at 37.5%. White’s ability to score in bunches and provide playmaking from the guard spot gives the Bulls another offensive weapon.
Then there’s Jalen Smith, who’s only played five games so far but has shown flashes, averaging 10.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in limited minutes (just 13.6 per game). He’s shooting an impressive 53.3% from the field and even stretching the floor a bit with a 52.9% clip from three. Smith is proving he can be a spark plug off the bench, especially with his knack for crashing the boards and his versatility as a big.
Ayo Dosunmu is bringing his defensive hustle and adding a bit of everything else. He’s averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, showing he’s comfortable doing the dirty work while contributing in multiple areas. His shooting might not be lights out (36.5% from the field and 17.9% from three), but his presence on the floor and his willingness to take on tough defensive assignments have been invaluable.
Lastly, Patrick Williams is rounding out this young crew with a solid stat line of 7.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His shooting splits — 28.8% from the field and 30.8% from three — suggest he’s still finding his rhythm, but his rebounding and defensive effort are making a difference. Williams’ athleticism and physicality give the Bulls a tougher frontcourt presence, and if he finds his shot, he’ll be an even bigger asset.
Together, these young guys are bringing fresh legs and versatility, giving the Bulls a balanced roster with depth and potential. It’s a big reason why Chicago has the tools to make a playoff push this season.
4. A Sustainable System That’s Built To Compete
The Bulls might not be championship contenders, but their current system is designed to keep them competitive all season. They’re crushing it on the boards, leading the league in rebounds, which gives them plenty of second-chance points and helps control the pace of the game. That dominance on the glass sets the foundation for their fast-paced, run-and-gun style that’s actually pretty fun to watch.
They’re also ranked 9th in assists, meaning they’re moving the ball a ton and playing unselfish basketball. Everyone’s getting touches, which explains why they’ve got so many guys scoring near double digits each game. This isn’t just the Zach LaVine or Nikola Vucevic show — it’s a full-team effort, and that’s making them harder to defend. Teams have to respect all five guys on the floor, and that ball movement has been a big part of their success.
And they’re lethal from beyond the arc, ranking 4th in total three-pointers made and 7th in three-point percentage. They’re knocking down shots at a respectable clip, and when they’re hot, they can really run up the score. This kind of efficient shooting spreads defenses thin, opening up more lanes and options in their offense.
If they can stay healthy and keep this style up, the Bulls could absolutely hang around in those play-in spots and sneak into the postseason. Are they built to make a deep playoff run? Probably not. Realistically, they’re looking like a team that, at best, might make some noise in the first round. But for a team that’s kind of rebuilding on the fly, competing while developing their younger players is a solid plan. Plus, if they’re still playing well come February, LaVine and Vucevic’s trade value could be at its peak, giving them more options to get assets for the future.
