The Bulls could be headed for one of the worst seasons in franchise history, but that may be the right outcome for a team focused on developing young players. New leadership appears to be prioritizing clear roles and individual growth over squeezing out wins—an approach that could make the team more watchable and its prospects more promising, even as the losses pile up.

By the Numbers
  • Chicago’s lowest win total during the writer’s coverage: 22 wins, in both 2018-19 and 2019-20.
  • The Bulls won 23 games in 2003-04.
Yes, But

The roster has talent, and young players may make noticeable development gains. But the pieces may not translate into wins: some players’ production may not help the team’s broader goals, while others are still developing. The writer also expects tougher competition now that teams have less incentive to tank under the revised NBA lottery rules.

State of Play
  • Coaches have set individualized development goals and more defined roles for players.
  • Minutes for prospects such as Noa Essengue, Caleb Wilson and Swain could signal that development is taking priority over immediate results.
  • The writer expects Chicago to struggle on both sides of the ball.
Bottom Line

For the Bulls, a bad record doesn’t have to mean a wasted season. If young players get purposeful minutes and make real progress, development—not wins—could be the season’s most meaningful measure.