Chemistry within a roster and organization is often the backbone of the product between the lines, and in most cases can be a reflection of the product seen on game days. In Chicago, the early cohesion seemed remarkably good compared to the last several seasons. The team started 6-1. Ayo Dosunmu discussed the brotherhood within the locker room, Josh Giddey spoke about the willingness to play for one another and the unwavering trust down the lineup, and Dosunmu, Giddey, and Matas Buzelis were featured in podcast episodes together. After a blazing start, the team has won only three of its last 14 outings and is currently riding a seven-game losing streak. More alarming than the record has been the quality of opponents. The Bulls have lost to teams with four or fewer wins five times in seven games. Little signs began to show on the floor, including Vucevic's abrupt dismissal of his teammates during a postgame interview, the slowly declining level of focus and energy defensively, and now the season-high percentage of isolation basketball they're currently playing. Things have completely flipped. Here's what some of the players and coaches have said regarding the team's chemistry.
Jevon Carter's Damning Words
One of the more interesting insights to hear on the locker room happenings is 30-year-old Jevon Carter. He has played for six franchises, has 22 postseason games under his belt, and has played anywhere from eight minutes to 22 minutes per night across various seasons and stops in his career. His diversity of clubhouses and history of being around different scenarios give him the best understanding of a successful unit on the roster. According to his take, too many young players are trying to do too much with shouldering the burden in an attempt to correct wrongdoings, and too much focus is being put on the personal relationships as opposed to the basketball court.
Jevon Carter on why a team made up of “youth with experience” and a couple older guys haven’t been able to form good habits. He pointed to the details, giving an example that plagues the Bulls’ offense.
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) December 8, 2025
On their margin of error: “more times than not, we start off already down… pic.twitter.com/BaxQwrsUeH
Jevon Carter on the team needing to love each other more
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) December 8, 2025
“I don’t get into all that. We got a job to do. It’s simple. Just go out there and do your job” pic.twitter.com/ABeigKMCTn
It doesn't seem like a direct shot at Josh Giddey or Ayo Dosunmu, who often discuss their relationships with teammates off the court. Still, it does feel like a reality check for translating those relationships into wins. Being friends away from the game can be helpful, but the priority is getting on the same page on the basketball court if the goal is to win. Listening to his tone, it's inferred that this idea gets lost with the young group in Chicago.
Coby White Senses The Cracks
Coby White brings another unique perspective to the locker room atmosphere as the longest tenured Chicago Bull. He's in his sixth season and has been on the team longer than anyone else in that group. When he feels that things are getting bleak within the organization, it's best to take his word for it. In the midst of a seven-game slide and a 2-5 record when White has played, questions start being asked.
Coby White on the Bulls' woes: "We just got to continue to have the honest conversations we’re having with each other and continue to grow. It’s going to take all of us, and it’s going to take a ton of spirit, a ton of heart. But it is fixable, which is the most important thing."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 6, 2025
The recurring theme of discipline, honest conversations, accountability, and sacrificing for one another is common in the youngest groups leaguewide. The lack of veteran leadership is haunting Chicago, and they'll need something to strike if things are going to change.
Billy Donovan Feels The Disconnect
Another significant aspect of any team's chemistry is the belief in the head coach. There's a growing sense that the Bulls have chosen to divert from Donovan's message, and are on a lone venture. Each time he takes the stand, he speaks about ball movement, growing assist numbers, protecting the paint, rebounding, and playing for one another. Between the lines? The team's offensive isolation numbers have grown during the losing streak. Their rebounding numbers have dipped; they allow the fifth most offensive rebounds per game and the most points in the paint to their opponents. Getting one of the youngest rosters in the NBA to buy into the details is a difficult task, and one that Donovan has seemingly failed at.
Billy Donovan: “I don’t care (about the injuries), it’s part of the NBA. … what are we doing? What can we control? The disconnect is, when they care enough about each other in that locker room, that’s when it’ll get done.”
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) December 8, 2025
Said earlier: “I think the group gets along very well.… pic.twitter.com/rKTKc3Lsvb
Can the Bulls fix what seems to be a rapidly imploding situation in the locker room, or does Arturas Karnisovas take matters into his own hands by executing trades, potentially firing Donovan, or taking other measures? It feels like a scenario where everyone is saying the same things and the correct solutions, but without changing results, it only grows frustration and division.
