The Chicago Bulls have rapidly become one of the worst teams in the NBA. After starting 6-1, claiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and firing on all cylinders, they've since tanked to 3-11 over their most recent 14 outings and taken a deep dive in the standings. They're riding a five-game losing streak, four of them coming against teams with four or fewer wins. Defense has been the main issue, with rim protection being the primary culprit. Despite seemingly being one of the flattest, deflated groups in the NBA currently, Josh Giddey insists the group remains in high spirits and that the end of the struggles is in sight.
Remaining Cohesive During Woes
Chicago's made news for all the wrong reasons over the past two weeks. Whether it's been embarrassing losses to an inferior opponent, breaking records for points allowed in consecutive games, or being mentioned in nearly every trade that hits the rumor mill, the Bulls cannot escape the madness. Injuries have not helped; they've had several key pieces from the starting unit and bench rotate in and out, missing games, including Jalen Smith, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones, who were previously some of their top contributors. Despite all the chaos, Giddey stood firm in saying that the team is more in sync than ever.
Asked Giddey if team is still connected: "I feel even more so than when we were winning. This is where it’s easy for guys to splinter. But credit to our group and coaches who have kept us together. The last 2 weeks haven’t been what we’ve wanted. But we’re all still confident."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 5, 2025
Three of Chicago's next four opponents are near the bottom of the standings. This will be a significant indicator of how the remainder of the year will unfold and may potentially sway them toward, or away from, any of these rumored trades. Can they quickly correct their wrongs and start handling business against some of the worst teams in the league?
Help Is Coming
One sliver of hope for the struggling Chicago Bulls is the return of a few injured players. Namely, Zach Collins, who will help tremendously in their most significant area of struggle, paint defense. While he's not an elite paint defender, he is miles ahead of Nikola Vucevic, who is currently the weakest paint defender in the NBA, and provides zero support in the paint. Adding a youthful, athletic, and energetic center will make an immediate impact. Dalen Terry returning full-time, Isaac Okoro making his way back, and Tre Jones remaining healthy will all play critical roles in fortifying the weak product on that end of the floor. To begin the year, the Bulls were top ten in defense and had beaten some of the league's most potent offenses.
ROSTER UPDATE:
— Bulls Nation (@BullNationCHI) December 4, 2025
The Bulls have recalled Zach Collins up from the Windy City Bulls, per team.
Some much needed rim protection is on the way!#BullsNation | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/CvuOLJLk1S
Zach Collins is not the solution to Chicago's problems, but he will alleviate their weakest point. If his rim protection can be paired with the return of their best perimeter defenders, this team will get back on track.
How soon does Collins return, and how much of Vucevic's job does he absorb? If he's able to plug and play at a high level, are the Bulls more likely to ship off the 35 year old center on an expiring contract?
