The Chicago Bulls are officially off the rails. Heads were fully turned when they started the year 6-1, and many wondered if they had finally found a new formula for playoff contention. Immediately following the hot streak, they followed it with a 3-11 standing over their next 14 outings, landing them at 9-12 on the season. Any trade speculation early in the season was met with combative counterpoints that credited the newfound success as a reason to keep the current group together. After one of the ugliest slides of recent memory and last night's added proof, it's time to move on from one specific Chicago Bulls player officially.
Nikola Vucevic Has To Go
Arturas Karnisovas has to find a way to get rid of their 35-year-old center. After an excellent start to the year, including multiple clutch buckets to win games for Chicago, he's come crashing down to reality. Not only has his performance declined, but his poor behavior and chemistry have also seemingly seeped into the young core. Last night, it was painfully clear that he is the source of the majority of the Bulls' issues. They faced off against the 4-16 Brooklyn Nets, a team that ranked last in the NBA in points and points in the paint, who posted 113 points with 19 three-pointers made and 18 free throws. Vucevic's lack of rim protection or defensive versatility is the core of the defensive woes.
All nice guys, all nice offensive players, but Giddey-Buzelis-Vooch comprise the worst defensive frontcourt in the NBA, and it’s likely not close. “Vucevic had not played very much defense w/ resistance in this game” - Adam Amin. I love ya AA, but It’s hardly just this game.
— See Red Fred (@cbefred) December 4, 2025
Teams quickly learned that Vucevic's lack of defensive talent and athleticism creates opportunities at the rim. In 12 of the Bulls' last 14 games, teams have scored 120 or more points, and they've surrendered the most points in the paint leaguewide, at 55.9 per game.
Becoming A Liability Offensively
After shooting 50% from deep through the first seven games of the year, Vucevic has fallen off a cliff from an efficiency standpoint. He has made 50% or more of his three-point attempts in three of his last 13 outings, and is shooting just 36.2% since October. Add 10 turnovers over the last four games, including a season-high six against Brooklyn, and he's now completely crippling the offense. Not only is his rim protection the worst from the center position leaguewide, but now he's hurting the offense more than helping.
Bulls really struggling at both ends. Vucevic just airballed an open look from 3.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 4, 2025
There was never an argument for Vucevic to stick around for his defense. The last dozen games have decimated anyone who debates that his offense is necessary for the Bulls. Not contributing on either end of the floor, with declining effort and energy, and exhibiting the worst body language on the roster, it's time for Karnisovas to part ways with their veteran center. Thankfully, Zach Collins is eyeing the end of the week for a potential return, and it is a saving grace for Chicago's most glaring weakness.
