From Chicago Bulls On SI · · 4m
Bulls rebuild: Best and worst case scenarios for 2026-27
New leadership embraces a full rebuild with Caleb Wilson, but the season could go many different ways.
In brief
New leadership embraces a full rebuild with Caleb Wilson, but the season could go many different ways. The Bulls' success this season depends less on wins and more on player development and smart asset management by the new front office. Originally reported by Chicago Bulls On SI.
Bulls finally hit reset
After another middling season, Chicago fired Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley. Billy Donovan walked too, clearing the way for a complete overhaul.
New regime takes over
Bryson Graham is now executive VP of basketball ops and Tiago Splitter is head coach. They're embracing a full rebuild after landing Caleb Wilson in the lottery.
Wide range of possibilities
The 2026-27 season is a blank canvas with realistic scenarios to consider. No MVP votes or buzzer-beaters, just what could actually happen.
Winning isn't the priority
The Bulls are heading into 2026-27 with minimal expectations. What happens in the win-loss column clearly isn't a major concern for Graham's front office.
New lottery system changes strategy
Teams finishing 4-10 now have even odds at the top pick, not just the worst teams. That's why Chicago added veterans like Norman Powell and Nic Claxton.
Play-in hunt would be ideal
The best case scenario might be staying alive in the play-in race. It would signal the young players are competing at a higher level than expected.
Wilson shows steady progress
In an ideal world, Caleb Wilson becomes an instant culture changer. He doesn't need to lead them to a winning record, just look comfortable against NBA size and speed.
Rookie of the Year in play
Wilson winning Rookie of the Year is a legitimate possibility given his immediate workload. Taking home hardware would make this year an obvious win.
Buzelis takes a leap
The Bulls would love to see Matas Buzelis in the Most Improved Player conversation. The next step sees him averaging near 20+ points with the same shot-blocking prowess.
Giddey makes the All-Star game
Josh Giddey made a decent run at the All-Star game last season with repeated triple-doubles. Doing it again would give the front office confidence he's part of the rebuild.
Off-court moves matter most
The next months are about evaluation. The Bulls want to see young talent prove worthy of commitment and trade chips bolster their stock.
Trading veterans for assets
Can Norman Powell shoot lights out and land a haul at the deadline? Moving off Patrick Williams' contract would automatically make this a strong Year 1.
Constant tweaking required
The previous front office sat on their hands and became complacent. The best version of this season includes pushing the roster forward with timely trades and more assets.
Wilson and Buzelis might clash
The worst case starts with the wing combo struggling to fit. Both are unproven long-range shooters who rely on athleticism and open floor scoring.
Wilson's shot doesn't translate
What if the three-point stroke from Las Vegas doesn't make it to the Midwest? His wiry frame could also make suiting up at the four pretty complicated some nights.
Giddey struggles with new role
Giddey signed his deal assuming he'd be a go-to scorer. What if a diminished role doesn't sit well with him as Buzelis and Wilson see their usage go up?
Claxton gamble backfires
Nic Claxton is owed $23 million this season and over $21 million in 2027-28. If he doesn't return to form as a rim protector, it's a massive missed opportunity.
Splitter looks overwhelmed
The new head coach gained fans last season but wasn't the one who set the tone. It's now entirely his job to develop an inexperienced and janky roster.
The headline
The Bulls' success this season depends less on wins and more on player development and smart asset management by the new front office.
