The Chicago Bulls are entering another very important offseason. But this time, they are looking for a new head of basketball operations as well as a general manager. They could also be looking for a new head coach as well.

After making the decision to fire both Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, Chicago will have to replace both. It’s important that they get this right as they need to rebuild the roster and get this franchise back on track. But easier said than done.

As Chicago enters this offseason, the search for a new head of basketball operations has officially begun and there’s some interesting names involved.

The first names of Chicago Bulls coaching search revealed

On Monday morning, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the search has officially begun and the Bulls have received permission to interview some candidates:

“The Chicago Bulls have started the search process for their new head of basketball operations, receiving permission to interview Minnesota’s Matt Lloyd, Detroit’s Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta’s Bryson Graham, Cleveland’s Mike Gansey and San Antonio’s Dave Telep, per ESPN sources. The Bulls are also expected to speak with the co-head of CAA’s basketball division, Austin Brown, regarding the vacancy, sources said.”

A few of those names have been mentioned before as the coaching search had yet to begin. Most notably is Minnesota’s Matt Lloyd.

He has a connection with the franchise, getting his start as a scout. He then worked his way up and earned promotions, leading him to where he is right now with the Timberwolves.

The other interesting name is co-head of CAA basketball division, Austin Brown. Teams are exploring the route of agencies more now, due to the connections they have established across the league.

Chicago will certainly move quickly to find their guy as the draft and then free agency looms.

The post Initial list of Chicago Bulls’ front office targets emerge as search begins appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 23XI Racing team celebrated another victory lane on Sunday, winning the AdventHealth 400 in Kansas. It was the fifth win for d for most wins in the first nine races of the season.

After the race went to overtime, Reddick was able to make a push and beat out Kyle Larson to win the checkered flag. As the previous wins have been, it was a party for 23XI Racing, including owner Michael Jordan. And again, the former basketball great had something to celebrate.

Michael Jordan speaks on Tyler Reddick’s win

Checkered flag #5 goes to the Bossman pic.twitter.com/Po3Oqhj5qC

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) April 19, 2026

Following the race, Jordan caught up with the TV crew for another post-race interview. He had nothing but praise for Reddick after his fifth win of the 2026 NASCAR season.

“Well, look I mean, I’m racing against Denny [Hamlin],” Jordan said. “I really wanted to beat him because I know he was going to talk a little trash later. It was a good race, when we started running out of fuel, I didn’t know what was happening. But 23XI, all the guys drove well today, I think all four games in then top 15. That tells a lot about the program. This kid is on fire. I don’t even know what to say, I don’t know if I can cool him down. He’s unbelievable. That was an unbelievable last couple of laps. I’m proud of him. I’m proud of the whole team.”

Jordan went on to say how much fun this has been this season especially for all of the 23XI team. He knows a lot about winning and how fun it can be on the basketball court and now he’s getting a taste of that on the track.

It doesn’t look like 23XI is slowing down anytime soon, either.

The post Michael Jordan after another Tyler Reddick win: ‘This kid is on fire’ appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Throughout their NBA careers, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley had a fun rivalry but a level of respect as well. The two were friends in their playing days but since then, they had a fallout.

The rumored beef between the two is when Barkley criticized Jordan’s general manager skills with the Hornets over the years. Barkley stated that Jordan went ‘ballistic’ on him at one point for the criticism.

While both share the love of golf in their post-NBA careers, the two often played rounds together. Now, they are reportedly heading back to the golf course once this season is done to re-kindle the friendship. And that’s good news for basketball fans both young and old.

Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan will rekindle friendship

During a recent appearance on Chris Russo’s SiriusXM radio show, Barkley says he’s been in touch with Jordan — a surprising revelation.

“We had a conversation,” Barkley told Russo. “We’re going to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”

Barkley made it known that he always “had a lot of love” for Jordan.

“We’re not like Prince William and Prince Harry. We always had a lot of love for each other. But we talked, actually, in the last probably 72 hours. We decided to get together and play golf as soon as basketball is over.”

That’s great news that the two are not only talking but planning to get together on the golf course. The only bad news for Barkley is that Jordan takes his golf game serious, often betting.

We will see soon if the two actually do meet up for a round.

The post Charles Barkley provides positive update on friendship with Michael Jordan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls will welcome in a new regime this offseason, moving on from Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley. They still have a decision to make with Billy Donovan, but enough was enough for the franchise in terms of roster construction under this regime.

Over the past few years, there have been some bad decisions that they have made. Missing on draft picks, giving out bad contracts and extensions and even waiting too long to move on from guys. That all set the Bulls back. But one move that gets a lot of attention is the 2020 NBA Draft where the Bulls selected Patrick Williams out of Florida State at No. 4 overall.

The Bulls liked the potential of Williams, however, the entire wasn’t officially sold. Now, more reports are coming out about that draft and the players they could have had.

Chicago Bulls scouts, front office were split on Tyrese Haliburton

In his latest piece for the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls beat writer Joe Cowley wrote on the Williams’ draft. He noted that there were multiple scouts and other personnel in the draft room who wanted to draft Haliburton.

But Karnisovas was sold on Williams.

“Holding No. 4, Karnisovas settled on Patrick Williams,” Cowley wrote on Wednesday. “There were multiple scouts and other personnel in the draft room, however, that wanted Tyrese Haliburton. Now, the entire draft process was messed up because of Covid, but Karnisovas specifically was not only fixated on Williams, but didn’t even consider Haliburton a serious prospect.”

That’s not the only player the Bulls passed on at No. 4 either. Portland standout Deni Avdija recently revealed that many believed he would be the No. 4 overall pick to the Bulls in that draft.

He went No. 9 to the Washington Wizards before being traded to Portland a few years later. Williams has struggled in his time with the Bulls but he did earn a big contract extension. The pick was a miss and when you’re picking at No. 4, you have to make sure you get it right or it could set you back. And that’s what’s happening in Chicago.

The post Chicago Bulls Rumors: Organization was split on drafting Patrick Williams appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls picked a direction for the franchise this year, beginning with their moves at the NBA Trade Deadline. Chicago dealt a handful of players including Nikola Vucevic, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.

In return, the Bulls received a handful of players as well as some second-round picks to help with the rebuild. But those weren’t the only moves the Bulls at least attempted to make. In fact, they tried to acquire a key player to build around for the future, even after those moves.

And they had their eyes on Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro according to the latest reports.

Chicago Bulls made trade offer for Tyler Herro?

As the NBA Playoffs will officially begin this weekend, the Bulls are on the outside looking in again. But now we are starting to find out some potential plans the previous regime of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley had.

Per NBA insider Brett Siegal, there were two teams attempting to trade for Herro at the deadline. One of them? The Bulls:

“Going back to Tyler Herro, real quick. Other piece of intel we had in our intel story that I did not mention when we were talking about Tyler Herro before… two teams did reach out to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline,” Siegel said.

“Two teams: one in the Eastern Conference and one in the Western Conference reached out to the Heat while they were actively talking to the Bucks about a potential Giannis trade, whether or not they would’ve been an extension of it to get Tyler Herro and include other pieces,” Siegel added.

“But those two teams: one in the East was the Chicago Bulls. A team that was going through a rebuild and looking at buy low opportunities. I’m told they were looking to flip the expiring contracts of Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton along with some protected picks to get Tyler Herro.”

That’s interesting.

Was it a big chance that the previous regime was going to take to maybe prolong their time here? It doesn’t appear that Miami was actually series in moving Herro for any package despite reported talks to land Giannis. But landing Herro would have helped the Bulls in terms of getting another key scorer.

Will this new regime make a push for another scorer this offseason? Looks like we will have to wait and see.

The post Chicago Bulls rumored to offer trade package for Miami Heat standout appeared first on ChiCitySports.

.The Chicago Bulls officially picked a direction this past Febuary when they made several trades. Among the players that Chicago moved on from was former lottery pick Coby White.

Chicago sent White to Charlotte and his home state of North Carolina. In the end of the deal, the Bulls only got two second-round picks for him, a little bit of a disappointing return. But Chicago waited too long to move on from White and likely would have gotten more if they traded him last season.

White is finding success in Charlotte, helping the team advance in the play-in round to face off against the Orlando Magic with the winner moving to the Playoffs as the No. 8 seed. He hit the game-tying three-pointer at the end of regulation and had a big game. After the game, The Ringer podcast had nothing but praise for White while criticizing their former teams.

Bill Simmons says Coby White was trade of year

Did the Bulls give up too early on Coby White? They only got that second-round pick and it may not have been worth it in the end.

“Can I give you guys my theme of the night…Bad teams give away good players too soon…Coby White was f%cking awesome, man. And I was electric watching him..Coby hit some big boy shots down the stretch for Charlotte to save their season.”

Simmons then chimed in: “That was the trade of the year.”

“Can I give you guys my theme of the night…Bad teams give away good players too soon…Coby White was f%cking awesome, man. And I was electric watching him..Coby hit some big boy shots down the stretch for Charlotte to save their season.” Simmons: “That was the trade of the year” pic.twitter.com/QFlyhrnH2l

— See Red Fred (@cbefred) April 15, 2026

They have a point.

White was one of three players on Tuesday night that really made an impact for their new team and helping them advance on. We saw the flashes of what White can do here in Chicago. And it’s a shame they couldn’t hold onto him to build around for the future.

The post Bill Simmons bashes Bulls for Coby White trade appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls actually got good news on Wednesday night for the first time in a while. Entering an offseason in which they will need to find a new executive and general manager, the Bulls have to find a way to get this roster right.

Thanks to the Portland Trail Blazers, they have a better chance.

With Tuesday’s Trail Blazers’ win over the Phoenix Suns, they officially make the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. That means Chicago will now get their draft pick at No. 15 overall. A big reason why was a career night from guard Deni Avdija who scored 41 points including the game-winning basket which went for an and-one, to seal the deal at the end.

Avdija was on fire for the game, introducing himself on a big stage. While he helped the Bulls on Tuesday, he recently hinted that he thought he would actually end up with the Chicago Bulls.

Deni Avdija on Chicago Bulls passing on him

Before Tuesdsay’s game, Avdija appeared on a podcast to talk about his draft process. The 2020 NBA Draft was an odd one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, throwing a wrinkle into team’s evaluations. But many back then had the Bulls taking Avdija as they needed a guard, and he even admitted that as well.

Here is what Avdija said on the latest episode of the “Old Man and The Three” Podcast on Tuesday:

“The whole world thought Chicago will take me at 4 (draft pick). Like, it made the most sense, and when Chicago drafted Patrick Williams it was a surprise. Because.. I don’t know, nobody really thought about him going four… nobody really knew his name.”

Deni Avdija: "The whole world thought Chicago will take me at 4 (draft pick). Like, it made the most sense, and when Chicago drafted Patrick Williams it was a surprise. Because.. I don't know, nobody really thought about him going four… nobody really knew his name."

Via… pic.twitter.com/SHvx3zCSKF

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 14, 2026

That hurts to hear.

The Wizards ended up drafting him and then trading him away in 2024. But seeing what he’s become in Portland, it’s a tough one for Bulls fans to see as they could have had a legit player here. Instead, they are re-shaping the roster again.

The post Portland Trail Blazers star speaks out on Chicago Bulls passing on him appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls’ season is in the books as the franchise is making big changes ahead of the offseason. For the Bulls, they will enter the offseason holding the ninth-best lottery odds in a loaded draft.

Following Sunday’s results, the Bulls finished in that ninth spot which gives them a 20.3 percent chance at a top four pick and a 4.5 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick. Those odds are certainly better than if they finished tenth, which they were in danger of doing. While Chicago has one lottery pick already, there’s the chance they could have another.

But they don’t have control of that situation. Instead, they will have their eyes on the Portland Trail Blazers.

How Portland Trail Blazers could lead Chicago Bulls to another lottery pick

On Tuesday night, the Trail Blazers will face off against the Phoenix Suns in the 7-8 play-in game. The winner earns the No. 7 seed and will face off against the San Antonio Spurs. The loser? They head to the next play-in game where they will face the winner of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers matchup.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting for the Bulls. If the Trail Blazers win tonight, they will make the playoffs meaning their first-round pick would go to the Chicago Bulls. If they lose on Tuesday and win the next game, it would qualify them for the playoffs and the pick would go to the Bulls.

The Bulls could be conveyed a lottery-protected 1st round pick from the Trail Blazers if Portland (currently in 8th place) makes it out of the play-in this week

The pick originated from a 2021 deal that sent Larry Nance Jr. to the Blazers and is lottery protected until 2028

The… pic.twitter.com/Kf2VgDXtBs

— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) April 13, 2026

So any win in the play-in round gives the Bulls the pick and it will end up in the lottery. Bulls fans really should be cheering for the Trail Blazers here the next few days in order for that first-round pick to move to them.

The post Chicago Bulls could have two lottery picks in 2026 NBA Draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are one of the teams that are looking to take that next step after missing the playoffs once again. They have to figure out who will be leading the franchise in the front office, but they can make an immediate splash. One of the biggest potential available names this offseason is Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Bulls could make a play to trade for him. Let’s take a deeper dive into what one outlet believes is the team’s best trade package and what it would mean for Chicago to make the deal.

The Chicago Bulls mortgage their future for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bulls could take advantage of the dissolving relationship between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo and get him in the Windy City. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report wrote an article about some potential landing spots for the superstar following the departure of Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers. Chicago would land on the list as a possible suitor and it would involve a major trade return to Milwaukee for the team to consider it. Below is what Bailey believes a trade would cost the Bulls:

• Josh Giddey
• Patrick Williams
• Matas Buzelis
• 2026 first-round pick
• 2028 first-round pick
• 2030 first-round pick
• 2032 first-round pick

Antetokounmpo just finished the first year of his three-year, $175 million contract. However, the third year is a player option, meaning the 2026-27 season is the final season he does not have control of his future. Chicago would be easier for him to attract stars, but it would be difficult to envision a core around him that can be competitive right away. The Bulls have significant cap space, and it will be intriguing to see if the team wants to be that aggressive right out of the gates with a new front office.

The post Chicago Bulls potential package for Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 2025-26 NBA regular season is in the books and for the Chicago Bulls, they enter another crucial offseason. After firing Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley, the search for a new vice president and general manager are underway.

We know that the Bulls prefer to have Billy Donovan back but these two hires just might be the most important in a long time for the franchise. Chicago has already been connected to former players in Kyle Korver, Mike Dunleavy Jr, and Jordan Farmar so far. However, another name that is very intriguing is making the rounds in terms of a candidate for the Bulls.

Will Chicago Bulls bring back Matt Lloyd?

The lead executive position in Chicago will be in focus this offseason and Michael Scotto of HoopsHype already has a name to keep an eye on. Scotto mentions current Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd as a prime candidate:

Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, who began his career working for the Bulls, is a rising executive who’s been on the radar of several teams over the years. One factor to consider is whether the Bulls would want to hire another one of Tim Connelly’s right-hand executives after hiring Karnisoves, who worked for Connelly in Denver. Ironically, Tim’s brother, Pat, also remains on staff as Chicago’s assistant general manager.

Lloyd worked in Chicago early in his career getting his start as a media coordinator. He worked his way up the ranks including being the director of college scouting for the franchise. He then was named the assistant general manager of the Orlando Magic.

While with the Timberwolves, he’s helped build one of the best rosters in the Western Conference. He has the Timberwolves in the playoffs once again as they seek to make a run in a tough west. Lloyd feels like a home run hire and has multiple connections to the team already.

Another thing to consider is the status of Billy Donovan. It sounds like the Bulls want to have him back, based on comments Michael Reisndorf said about the search for a new general manager. That will be the first domino to fall in terms of what to expect this offseason moving forward.

The post Western Conference GM emerging as a candidate for Chicago Bulls executive job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have some questions the franchise needs to answer quickly. With the front office getting changed, they have little time to figure out what they can do. However, there is one decision that is pressing at the moment in Chicago. Let’s take a closer look at what one outlet believes it to be.

The Chicago Bulls need to figure out what to do with Billy Donovan

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports’ wrote an article highlighting what each non-playoff team needs to do first. For the Bulls, Quinn made it that the franchise needs to figure out what they are doing with coach Billy Donovan. Below is the snippet regarding the Bulls:

“The Bulls fired their top two basketball executives on Monday. Before they can figure out what comes next, they have to settle Billy Donovan’s future. The Bulls have said they want Donovan back as coach. If he’s not the coach, he could be elevated to the front office as Brad Stevens was in Boston. He may also decide he’d simply prefer to coach another team — he left Oklahoma City right before a rebuild, and if the Bulls wind up going in that direction, he’d likely have options on more competitive teams.”

Donovan has one more game left this season to complete his sixth year with the Bulls. He has gone 226-255 (.470) since taking the job ahead of the 2020-21 season. In that time, he also has made the playoffs once, losing in five games. Donovan has the support from his bosses and could be more involved with the front office if he stays in Chicago.

Figuring out either way what Donovan is doing is paramount for the franchise. It allows the team to know what they have in the offseason and plan if they need to replace the coach. It will be intriguing as it appears to be Donovan’s sole decision on whether he is returning to Chicago for the 2026-27 season.

The post This is the to-do item for the Chicago Bulls this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 2025-26 NBA regular season will wrap up on Sunday as the league prepares for the play-in round and then the playoffs next weekend. For the Chicago Bulls, they won’t return to the play-in round and will now turn their attention to the offseason.

Last week, the Bulls opted to move on from both Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, going in a new direction. It was a ‘bold’ move for the franchise after years of the same result. But now, they have to get things right.

With the search beginning for two front office members, the Bulls will enter this offseason with a good amount of cap space and a lottery pick, potentially two depending on the Portland pick and where they finish. But for the Bulls pick, Sunday’s finale against the Dallas Mavericks has some implications on their lottery position.

Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks battling for lottery odds

The Bulls enter the season finale sitting in ninth in the lottery standings. They can’t get to eighth and they can’t finish worse than tenth as the Milwaukee Bucks are there just one game better than the Bulls. And while it may not seem like a big deal between the two spots, the odds say different.

Bulls’ beat writer K.C. Johnson broke down the odds depending on the finishes from Sunday. The difference between finishing at No. 9 and No. 10 is close to seven percent getting into the top four. It’s one percent difference to get the No. 1 pick:

9th-best odds: 20.3% for top 4, 4.5% for No. 1 pick
10th-best odds: 13.9% for top-4, 3.5 for No. 1 pick

Bucks beat Nets. If this Bulls' deficit holds, they'll enter Sunday finale with 9th-best lottery odds but only 1 game "lead" over Bucks

Sunday: Bucks at 76ers. Bulls at Mavs

9th-best odds: 20.3% for top 4, 4.5% for No. 1 pick
10th-best odds: 13.9% for top-4, 3.5 for No. 1

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 11, 2026

All the Bulls need is a loss to the Mavericks or a Bucks win over the 76ers to get that No. 9 pick in the draft. If they tie, it will go to a tie-breaking coin flip, similar to last year when the Mavericks won it and then eventually got the No. 1 pick.

This could be an important game for the Bulls’ rebuild.

The post Chicago Bulls lottery odds revealed going into season finale appeared first on ChiCitySports.

To the American sports fan, and to a Chicago audience in particular, whose life is built on strong opinions and sharper second guesses, a final week of an NBA season is the place where instinct is beginning to lose out to information. The regular season comes to an end in April 14, so each rotation adjustment, injury designation, and late seeding drive means even more. General stories are no longer sufficient in that setting. The question is how the analysts can arrange sizeable amounts of data into something valuable before the market can catch up.

The Globalization of Sports Analytics

Such an analysis was not entirely an American basketball product. Much of the most powerful predictive thinking was polished within the European football game, in which matches were scored lowly, compelling analysts to develop an obsessive interest in probability, match condition, anticipated result, and simulation. The current football prediction work by Opta is still in that vein, with supercomputer models being used to produce match and season forecasts. Meanwhile, the analytics infrastructure of NBA, itself, has grown intensely global and highly technical with Second Spectrum being an official analytics provider of a team. The outcome is that the sports ecosystem has been transformed in the sense that the most effective forecasting techniques are no longer confined to a single league or a single continent.

High-tech predictive models have revolutionized the serious analyst approach to the study of pace, efficiency, travel, rest and value of the point spread over an 82 games season. Among the more obvious ones is Sportytrader.de: Germany’s leading source for football predictions. The origin of the site are rooted in football, which is why it makes a good case study of how European sports analytics can be translated to the US basketball. That cross-continental exchange is significant as the NBA rewards the same habits that made soccer modeling so powerful in the first place, which is treating outcomes as probabilities and continually revising the assumptions and avoiding the temptation to mistake recent noise with long-lasting form.

How a European Platform is Mastering the NBA Grind

The Power of a Proven Proprietary Algorithm

Whether the prediction engine can process the information overload of the NBA without reducing the sport to a simplistic form is the true test of any prediction engine. A plausible model must be able to take in offensive and defensive effectiveness, shot make-up, home versus road divisions, back-to-back, timetable thickness, and the varying prices set by bookmakers. On its present NBA picks page, SportyTrader claims to base its picks on an internal algorithm in addition to the human form analysis, and that it will be particularly focusing on spreads, totals, player props, injury reports, and load management. That is a heavier structure than the common hot, take economy since it commences with data processing at scale as opposed to personality motivated opinion.

That is not the value of that approach, which is the fact that an algorithm is able to substitute judgment. It is because it provides a superior starting point of judgment. Raw statistics can inform you of what a team has been in late season NBA betting, but not necessarily what that team will do tomorrow. A model can learn the trends of efficiency, and still fail to capture the practical sense of lineup experimentation, travel exhaustion, or a coaching staff discreetly shielding legs prior to the postseason. This is why the best systems are hybrid systems: machine does the hard numerical work, and then seasoned analysts come into play to check the read and make amendments when the situation requires more than a spreadsheet can identify.

Human Tipsters: Reading Between the Statistical Lines

The fact that human layer is particularly significant is due to the official reporting rules of NBA whereby the teams are expected to post and update the participation status on a rigid schedule, with some special considerations made regarding the game day updates and the second night of back-to-back games. Practically, that translates to bettors being constantly dealing with dynamic information. Some player who appeared likely yesterday may become doubtful, or a team who had every incentive to go out there and win may turn back into a more conservative outfit as the situation changes. It is the human informers that make their wages in such times. They read the injury report, know why it is important, and consider motives that are not limited to the raw numbers.

Equipping the Modern NBA Bettor with Pro-Level Tools

Unlocking Value with the Quoten Wettrechner and Cross-Sport Odds Comparison

Half the battle is prediction. The other half is price. Even when the number is incorrect, a bettor has the opportunity to determine the side that is more likely and make a poor choice. It is there that the Quoten Wettrechner comes in handy since the calculator is set to display the total odds and maximum returns on single bets and multi leg slips within only a few clicks. Combined with its own NBA odds comparison page it promotes a more disciplined workflow: estimate the actual probability, compare the price offered, and compute whether the risk and payout are actually worth the bet. That is the way the thinking of hobbyists begins to appear more professional.

Such a tooling is important in basketball since the market is volatile, particularly when a lineup is in flux. A position that would appear playable in the morning, can be rendered useless later in the afternoon as the injury news comes in or the money moves the price out of action. The value of odds comparison does not lie in the fact that it ensures that a winner is created, but in the fact that it helps the bettors to avoid overpaying the opinion that they already have. The contemporary advantage is not as big as the fans think. One is seldom about seeing what no one sees. In most cases it is a question of quantifying the difference between an astute prediction and a bad figure with much greater discipline than the average punter carries to the table.

Taking the Same Winning Formula to the Tennis Courts

The same technology with human formula is directly translated to tennis, which keeps punters occupied throughout the year. The 2026 calendar of the ATP is comprised of January events up till the November finals, and the 2026 calendar of the WTA is equally made up of hard courts, clay, grass, and indoor swings. That constant movement makes tennis a hybrid model, since changes in the surface, traveling, exhaustion and the desire among players can all cause changes in the worth of a line. The tennis coverage in the platform is based on that reasoning by combining the detailed coverage with expert forecasts instead of using rankings as a shortcut. To betting enthusiasts, that is the greater lesson: the most believable contemporary forecasting does not decide between information and individuals. It uses both.

The post Data-Driven Hoops: The European Predictive Tech Decoding the NBA Season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Few debates in basketball history generate as much discussion as the comparison between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Both players dominated their eras, won multiple championships, and built legacies defined by relentless competitiveness and unmatched work ethic.

Bryant openly modeled much of his game after Jordan, while Jordan respected Kobe as one of the few players who truly mirrored his mindset. Their connection went far beyond statistics, creating one of the most fascinating mentor inspired rivalries the NBA has ever seen.

Michael Jordan’s Legendary Career

Michael Jordan’s resume remains one of the most dominant in sports history. Over 15 NBA seasons, he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and never lost in the NBA Finals, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record in championship series. Jordan also earned five NBA Most Valuable Player awards and six NBA Finals MVP awards during his career.

Jordan’s impact went far beyond championships. He captured 10 scoring titles, won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award once, and was selected to the All-NBA First Team 10 times. His ability to dominate both offensively and defensively helped redefine what a superstar guard could be.

Statistically, Jordan’s numbers were extraordinary. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during his career, while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. In the playoffs, he raised his level even further, averaging 33.4 points per game across his playoff career.

Jordan’s legacy rests not only on his achievements but on the aura he created around the game. He brought global attention to basketball, turning the NBA into a worldwide spectacle. His clutch performances, leadership, and relentless competitive nature established him as the standard against which all future stars would be measured.

Kobe Bryant’s Incredible Legacy

Kobe Bryant entered the NBA as a teenager in 1996 and spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time, he won five NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards, becoming one of the defining players of his generation.

Bryant also earned one regular season MVP award and was selected to 18 All-Star teams, reflecting both his longevity and his consistent excellence. He was named to the All-NBA First Team 11 times and to the All-Defensive First Team nine times, demonstrating his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.

Over his career, Bryant averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, finishing with 33,643 career points. His scoring ability was legendary, highlighted by explosive performances and an unmatched willingness to take difficult shots in high pressure moments.

Bryant’s influence on the game was also defined by what became known as the “Mamba Mentality.” The phrase described his obsessive work ethic, constant pursuit of improvement, and refusal to back down from any challenge. That mentality inspired an entire generation of players and fans.

According to RotoWire—widely regarded as a trusted authority in fantasy sports news, rankings, and analysis—Kobe Bryant remains one of the defining figures of the modern basketball era. His enduring legacy, deeply connected to the Los Angeles Lakers, continues to be referenced across sports media and even in broader conversations tied to promotions like the bet365 bonus. As one RotoWire contributor notes, “Kobe’s impact goes far beyond his championships—his influence still shapes how fans, analysts, and brands engage with the game today, even in discussions around offers like the bet365 bonus”.

How Jordan Inspired Kobe

Kobe Bryant never hid the fact that Michael Jordan was his basketball idol. As a young player, Bryant studied Jordan’s footwork, mid-range scoring, and competitive demeanor. Many of Kobe’s signature moves, including the fadeaway jumper and post footwork, were heavily inspired by Jordan’s style.

Their similarities extended beyond technique. Both players shared a relentless desire to win and a willingness to push teammates to their limits. Jordan’s influence helped shape Kobe’s approach to preparation, practice, and competition.

Jordan himself acknowledged the connection between their games and personalities. In interviews over the years, he often praised Bryant’s dedication and competitive drive, recognizing that Kobe carried forward many of the traits that defined Jordan’s own career.

What They Meant to Each Other

Despite constant comparisons between them, Jordan and Bryant maintained deep mutual respect. Kobe frequently described Jordan as a mentor figure who offered advice and guidance throughout his career. When Bryant faced difficult moments or needed perspective, Jordan was someone he could call.

Jordan appreciated Bryant’s dedication to mastering the craft of basketball. Among the many players who attempted to emulate him, Kobe was the one who came closest in terms of mentality and playing style. That connection created a bond that went beyond competition.

Jordan’s Reaction to Kobe’s Passing

When Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, Jordan delivered one of the most emotional tributes of his life. Speaking publicly about Bryant, Jordan said he felt like he had lost a little brother.

Jordan described the relationship as one built on constant conversations about basketball, strategy, and life. He revealed that Bryant would often text him late at night asking questions about moves, leadership, or preparation.

The loss deeply affected Jordan because he saw Kobe not just as a fellow legend but as family within the basketball community.

Who Was the Better Player?

Statistically and historically, Michael Jordan often holds the edge in the greatest of all time debate. His six championships, five MVP awards, 10 scoring titles, and perfect Finals record create a legacy that many analysts consider unmatched.

Kobe Bryant’s career, however, remains one of the most influential in NBA history. His five championships, legendary scoring ability, and iconic mentality made him one of the most respected competitors the sport has ever seen.

Ultimately, the comparison between Jordan and Bryant reflects two generations connected by inspiration. Jordan set the standard for greatness. Kobe carried that standard forward, building his own legendary legacy while honoring the player who inspired him.

The post Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant: Who Was the Better Player and the True GOAT? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls finally picked a direction. Since February, the Bulls decided to become sellers at the NBA trade deadline, moving key pieces. From there, they fired both Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, making some big changes ahead of the offseason.

With the rebuild all but officially initiated, it will be a VERY important next few offseasons for the Bulls. This year, they are going to finish either 9th or 10th in the lottery, giving them slim odds at a top pick. It’s clear this team needs a superstar and the fastest way to finding that is through the draft. While this 2026 draft is considered to be a strong one, the same cannot be said for 2027.

At least this early.

Is the 2027 NBA Draft considered weak for the Chicago Bulls?

The 2026 NBA Draft class is headlined by AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson, and Darius Acuff among others. All have that feel of being a potential superstar. But for 2027? Early indications are that this could be a ‘weak class’:

NBA executives view the 2027 draft class as the weakest in over a decade.

A lot of contending teams will be active in trade talks this offseason attempting to flip their 2027 1st for a win-now veteran instead. pic.twitter.com/pMRuN16aXt

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) April 9, 2026

There will still be talent at the top, obviously. But looking overall, in terms of the landscape of this draft it might not be strong at all. That’s not great news for a team like the Bulls who have two picks in that draft. With the team likely not being very good again next year, they have to hope they can find a superstar if they get a top lottery pick.

Duke’s Cameron Williams and uncommitted recruit Tyran Stokes lead the way in most mock drafts. After that, it’s a crap shoot it feels like right now.

The post Will Chicago Bulls rebuild hit bump in 2027 NBA Draft? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls finally made a move that will usher in a new era for the franchise after years of disappointment. On Monday, the team announced they were moving on from Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley after another bad year in the Windy City.

With those moves, a search for those positions will open up and get underway as the season winds down. You would think Chicago would be an attractive destination as they have some cap space and potentially two lottery picks to work with. But this thing needs to be torn down once again and rebuilt.

There’s another another big factor that could steer top candidates away. At least, according to another report out this week.

Is Jerry Reinsdorf costing the Chicago Bulls again?!

National NBA reporter Zach Lowe touched on the Chicago Bulls’ situation going into this offseason and had some concerning things to say about it. Lowe believes a ‘lack of trust’ in ownership could steer top candidates away from the job:

“I talked to a front office free agent who would have his pick of any job if they came open, and he said to me ‘What would you do if you’re me?’ I said whoever saves the Bulls will be a legend in the NBA forever… and he said to me ‘That sounds great in theory. I don’t trust the ownership.’”

That’s not a good thing you want to hear if you’re a Bulls fan. Chicago has already been connected to some targets who are rising candidates in the league.  That includes Kyle Korver and Mike Dunleavy Jr. 

However, it’s pretty well known how messy this situation is around the league. The hope is that a historic franchise like this is enough to land a top candidate. This is a huge hire for the Bulls and it’s crucial they get it right.

Time will tell if they did and if they finally get this on track.

The post Ownership could steer top Chicago Bulls’ general manager targets away per report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Now that the NCAA Tournament is officially over, the Chicago Bulls have all the available tape on the players in the 2026 NBA Draft. While players still have to decide what their future holds, the Bulls are preparing for the draft with the people still in the front office. One outlet has them selecting a player who was in the national championship game. Let’s take a closer look at who that is and what it would mean for Chicago.

The Chicago Bulls select Braylon Mullins in Bleacher Report’s mock draft

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report created a mock draft following the 2026 National Championship Game. For the Bulls, he had them receiving the ninth pick and selecting UConn guard Braylon Mullins. Wasserman had his NBA comparison to Aaron Nesmith and wrote the following about Mullins:

“One shot won’t change a player’s draft stock, but on Braylon Mullins’ game-winning three against Duke that came from well beyond the arc, his effortles range and confidence was evident. He took and buried a 40-footer in rhythm without altering his mechanics for a heave. Mullins went on to have a strong Final Four, delivering his signature mix of shotmaking and athletic/hustle plays that separate him from off-ball shooting specialists. He’s trending upward entering a predraft process that he can excel in with his stroke and athleticism.”

Mullins had a strong freshman season for the UConn Huskies. He recorded 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. His shooting stroke looked strong as well, posting a 42.1/33.5/88.9 shooting split throughout the year. The 6-foot-6 guard would be an excellent player to be a two-guard for Chicago if he lands with the Bulls. With the team having a lot of decisions to make regarding the backcourt, this would be intriguing to see right away.

Mullins has the size to shift to a small forward position as well, so this could be a way to alleviate that. The Bulls have a lot of decisions to make and the new front office will likely be a major factor into this decision.

The post Chicago Bulls select March Madness star in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Billy Donovan has been one of the names who have been linked to the North Carolina Tar Heels coaching job. With the Chicago Bulls being in a position where they may decide to hit the reset button, there is a chance these are the final games of the Donovan tenure. One college basketball analyst believes this is the final hour for a decision to be made on both sides. Let’s take a look at what has been said to understand where things stand for UNC and Donovan right now.

Billy Donovan to North Carolina rumors heat up ahead of the national championship game

College basketball analyst Jeff Goodman appeared on ‘The Field of 68’ podcast and gave an update on the Donovan to North Carolina rumors.

“North Carolina is now solely focusing its efforts on Billy Donovan. They’re going to go hard after him, per sources. They expect to know more in the next 24 hours.”

Donovan is one of the top college basketball coaches, winning back-to-back national championships with the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2007. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times had an article come out during the weekend, highlighting how Donovan could be out as the Bulls coach. If that were to happen, this could give a lot of smoke to the North Carolina rumors. The Tar Heels have also been rumored to be involved with Arizona Wildcats coach Tommy Lloyd; however, he signed an extension with the program last week.

For Chicago, they could see a massive change in the front office this offseason to change things up. If that were to happen, Donovan could also be retained to head the program, but it seems like things may go down to how the Bulls play in the final handful of games. Last offseason, it was announced that Donovan signed a multiyear extension, so he is under contract with Chicago following this year. It will be intriguing to see if the Bulls are able to keep Donovan for next season.

The post Basketball analyst believes the next 24 hours could be major for Billy Donovan to UNC rumors appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls picked a direction on Monday afternoon when they fired vice president Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley. After years of being in the play-in round and not improving, the Bulls had to make the decision to move on. And it was the right one.

It also showed their faith in head coach Billy Donovan.

Despite rumored interest with North Carolina, Donovan wanted to wait until the season was over to make a decision on that job. North Carolina went a different direction and hired Michael Malone. A few minutes later, the Bulls fired Karnisovas and Eversley to pick their direction. It showed just how much faith they have in Donovan and on Tuesday, Michael Reinsdorf reiterated that during a press conference.

Billy Donovan will play role in Chicago Bulls general manager search

There’s going to be a decision to make for Billy Donovan by the end of next week. Does he want to stay in Chicago and continue on coaching the Bulls? Or is he going to leave and try to take a new job?

But during Reinsdorf’s presser on Tuesday, it feels like the Bulls are operating with the notion that Donovan will be back. Not only did he mention it should be a ‘quick’ decision for Donovan but he also told the media that the head coach will be a BIG factor in the general manager search.

“If we’re interviewing someone and they’re not sold on Billy and a Hall of Fame coach and person who has won championships in college and gone deep in playoffs in OKC and, given teams he was given, achieved good results in Chicago, then they’re not right candidate for us.”

Michael Reinsdorf on the future of the Front Office as it relates to Billy Donovan:

“If we're interviewing someone and they're not sold on Billy and a Hall of Fame coach and person who has won championships in college and gone deep in playoffs in OKC and, given teams he was… pic.twitter.com/WY39cVHKpY

— SleeperBulls (@SleeperChicago) April 7, 2026

Wow. That really sounds like they believe Donovan will stay and a big reason why is the decision they made with Karnisovas and Eversley.

Of course, Donovan could change his mind. But it would be a big change for the Bulls’ process in this general manager search.

The post Billy Donovan will be key factor in general manager search for Chicago Bulls appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Despite having only played professionally for two years, Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is already regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women’s basketball.

Clark made all sorts of history even before turning pro. The 6-foot guard cemented her legacy as an all-time great during his four-year stint with the Iowa Hawkeyes. This includes setting the all-time scoring record in NCAA Division I history, for both men’s and women’s basketball.

Clark made an immediate impact in the WNBA, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. Her second second, however, was marred by injuries. Clark was limited to just 13 games in 2025, and she is now eager to make amends.

Clark shone the spotlight on someone else on Monday, though. The two-time All-Star came across an NBA post featuring a prominent member of the Indiana Pacers organization. The post highlighted the role of Pacers athletic trainer Ayami Sato for the organization.

The NBA has featured coaches and team staff across the league throughout the offseason. On Monday, it was Indiana’s unsung hero’s turn to take center stage.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NBA (@nba)

The Pacers and the Fever are owned by the Simon family and operate under the same company. Clark has had the opportunity to work with Sato throughout the former’s time with the Fever. Clark made her opinion of the trainer extremely clear using just one word.

“GOAT,” Clark commented.

Clark has encountered and worked with many people throughout her career as a professional basketball player. She has also had the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players the sport has produced. Nevertheless, she did not hesitate to name Sato as her GOAT.

The post Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark names her GOAT appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Monday was hopefully a step in the right direction for the Chicago Bulls. With under a week to go in the regular season, the franchise announced they have fired both Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, ushering in a new era for the franchise.

It was much needed as well.

Chicago will miss the playoffs again this season and is headed for another lottery pick as the rebuild continues. It was clear that the franchise was struggling under this leadership, missing out on draft picks and failing to land any big players in free agency. It’s a mess to put it simple. But now, this offseason gets interesting.

The Bulls will have to hire a new vice president as well as general manager. They may also have to hire a new coach depending on what they do with Billy Donovan. And already, the rumors are starting to swirl regarding potential general manager candidates.

Former players connected to Chicago Bulls general manager job

It’s very important that the Bulls get this next set of hires right. The last regime has set them back already and this won’t be an easy rebuild to complete. Chicago does have some resources to work with, however.

On Monday, hours after the news of the firings, the Bulls were connected to three candidates — Kyler Korver, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Landry Fields. Here is what Kurt Helin of NBC Sports wrote on the candidates:

Former Bulls sharpshooter Kyle Korver, currently an assistant general manager with the Hawks, is one of the names league sources told NBC Sports is connected to the job. Other names that sources said were connected to the job early on include former Atlanta Hawks GM Landry Fields, current Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy (this may be more of a wish list play by the Bulls, it is highly unlikely Dunleavy leaves Golden State), current Minnesota GM Matt Lloyd (a Chicago native who worked for the Bulls for 13 years), and CAA agent Austin Brown (this would be following in the footsteps of the Lakers and Knicks, who hired former agents as GMs and had some success with them).

All three options, as well as Matt Lloyd would be intriguing candidates. Fields and Korver have helped turn around the Atlanta Hawks as they are headed to the playoffs this year.

Meanwhile, Dunleavy has been working in the Warriors’ organization since 2018 and took over as general manager. But that does feel like a long shot at this stage.

Whatever the Bulls do, they need to make sure they get this right.

The post Former players among those linked to Chicago Bulls GM job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After the failed Jaden Ivey trade, the Chicago Bulls were headed for the crossroads at the end of the season.

More News: Likely Chicago Bulls replacement for Billy Donovan identified

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was making it clear to ownership that Jerry Reinsdorf had a decision to make.

Chicago would have to decide between Donovan choosing to return or moving on from executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Amid questions about Donovan’s future with the team, it appeared Donovan was a leading candidate for the North Carolina job.

On Monday, things took a drastic turn in both areas.

UNC hired former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as its next head coach, per multiple reports. Malone won the 2023 NBA Finals with the Nuggets.

With the Tar Heels no longer an option, the Bulls quickly made a decision on their front office, firing Karnisovas and Eversley.

Does that mean Donovan will return as the head coach for Chicago next season?

Not necessarily.

Chicago Bulls sent a message to Billy Donovan

Cowley noted that Donovan could make a pivot much like Brad Stevens did in 2021 with the Boston Celtics. Donovan could decide to take a job in the front office to help Chicago manage its rebuild while the team hires another head coach to develop the roster.

Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. could be in line for a promotion if Donovan leaves for the front office.

The timing of the firing for Karnisovas and Eversley is key here. The Bulls fired both just hours after reports surfaced that UNC was hiring Malone.

The Bulls sent a clear message to Donovan that they were making the necessary moves to keep him with the organization after the conclusion of the NBA regular season.

Now it’s up to Donovan to decide how the Basketball Hall of Fame coach wants to proceed with Chicago.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls send big message to Billy Donovan amid UNC news appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are going through a lot of changes in the organization. After not seeing coach Billy Donovan leave to become the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, the franchise is still heading into a new direction. Let’s take a closer look at what happened and what it means for the Bulls going forward.

The Chicago Bulls fire their GM and vice president of basketball operations

For the fourth consecutive season, the Bulls are going to miss the playoffs. As a result, changes are happening for the organization. ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that both executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley are being dismissed. With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, it appears that this could be a way for the franchise to hit the reset button.

Since the team hired Karnisovas in 2020, the Bulls are 224-254 and made the playoffs just one time. Now, the search for a new front office regime is underway and there are a few different options the franchise can go. Below is the statement that CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf released regarding the decision:

“Arturas and Marc have led with a deep commitment to the Chicago Bulls. These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally. We are grateful for their dedication and the work they’ve put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it’s my responsibility to go in a new direction. This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead.

“I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed ot getting this right. At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud.”

The front office decision that the Bulls make will be significant for the next handful of years. With so many options, it will be intriguing to see who is the next general manager and president of basketball operations. The new front office has a lottery pick and a projected league-leading $65 million in cap space.

The post Chicago Bulls fire Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley before end of 2026 season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

There appears to be significant turbulence between Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and the front office after the fallout from the failed Jaden Ivey experiment.

More News: Bulls owner appears to receive ultimatum from Billy Donovan

There has been growing speculation that Donovan could leave the Bulls this offseason as the team begins a new rebuild.

Donovan, who won two national titles as a college basketball head coach with Florida, has been heavily linked to North Carolina after the Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, ownership is weighing making significant changes with leadership this spring. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley could be out.

Donovan could move to Chapel Hill or take a job in the front office with the Bulls. If Donovan is no longer the head coach, Chicago could promote assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. to head coach.

“Either way, there is a real likelihood that the Bulls are conducting a coaching search in less than two weeks or simply promoting Wes Unseld Jr. since the coaching staff is all under contract through at least next season,” Cowley wrote.

Chicago Bulls could promote Wes Unseld Jr.

Unseld was the head coach of the Washington Wizards from 2021 to 2024, going 77-130 in his three seasons. He was fired in 2024 amid a 7-36 start.

Unseld would be a cheap option for the Bulls as they begin their rebuild. Frankly, this team won’t be competitive for a few seasons, so it wouldn’t make sense for the team to bring in an elite coach this offseason.

With Donovan taking on a role similar to what Brad Stevens did with the Boston Celtics, the Bulls would have a strong brain trust to develop younger talent.

Of course, Donovan could leave for the Tar Heels if the Basketball Hall of Fame coach has more to give in his current profession.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Likely Chicago Bulls replacement for Billy Donovan identified appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Windy City Bulls have gotten some hardware this season with Mac McClung. He is one of the more famous players in the league, winning three consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contests. On Friday, he continued to made history for his play. Let’s take a deeper dive into what McClung did and what it means going forward.

Mac McClung becomes the first player to win multiple G League MVP Awards

McClung has been able to showcase his abilities while playing basketball, as he won the 2025-26 G League Most Valuable Player Award on Friday. He put up incredible stats for the Windy City Bulls this season to lock up the award. McClung averaged a league-leading 31.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists over 40 games. However, his shooting stroke was the most impressive thing as he shot 51.5% from the floor and 38.1% from beyond the arc.

This is the second time in his career he won the G League MVP, also winning in 2023-24 with the Osceola Magic. McClung had a memorable season as he also became the G League’s all-time leading scorer, passing Renaldo Major in March. Below is what he said back in March about the record:

“I think it’s a product of good coaches and good teammates putting you in situations like this, and also a product of making the most out of whatever your opportunity is, killing your ego and getting better each year.”

McClung played a handful of games in the NBA this season as well. McClung was still part of All-Star Weekend, playing in the Rising Stars Game. He played a pair of games for the Chicago Bulls and three for the Indiana Pacers. The Windy City Bulls still managed to miss the playoffs, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 15-21 record. It will be intriguing to see if he is able to compete for a third G League MVP or if an NBA team will call him up for next season.

The post Mac McClung makes history winning the G League MVP Award appeared first on ChiCitySports.

To say the Chicago Bulls are not doing well on the court would be a massive understatement. While the league has a third of the teams not trying to win games and better their draft position, there are some teams taking it to a whole other level. Chicago has had a lot of tough headlines, and one Hall of Famer took a shot at them ahead of their game. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what they said.

New York Knicks announcer Clyde Fraizer takes a shot at the Chicago Bulls

As the telecast for the Bulls vs. Knicks game was beginning, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Frazier took a shot at Chicago.

“I was talking to some friends, man, and I was saying eradicated, obliterated, devastated. They thought [that] I was talking about Iran. But I was talking about the Bulls.”

While that felt like an attack, the Bulls followed it up by being outscored 38-16 in the first quarter. This game includes the Knicks not having Karl-Anthony Towns playing. Entering Friday’s game, the Bulls are 5-19 since the trade deadline. With the Jaden Ivey situation and the inability to win games, the franchise has been a bit of a punching bag in recent months.

Chicago is one of the teams hoping for the 2026 NBA Draft to get them in a good spot. However, they won too much early on so they will not have good odds to win the lottery. Many of the mock drafts have them selecting around the 10th pick, so the front office is hoping the ping-pong balls fall in their favor and make these last few months worth it.

The post Hall of Famer takes shot at 2026 Chicago Bulls team before game vs. Knicks appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Head coach Billy Donovan appears to be at a crossroads with the Chicago Bulls as the NBA regular season winds down.

More News: Bulls owner appears to receive ultimatum from Billy Donovan

Unlike the previous few years, the Bulls have no Play-In Tournament to prepare for after trading its core trio this season. Donovan appears frustrated with the front office, and the ramifications of the failed Jaden Ivey trade might have been the final straw for the Basketball Hall of Fame coach.

Donovan has been connected to the North Carolina head coaching search ever since the Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis. Donovan, a two-time national champion at Florida, would be a huge get for UNC.

However, Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd had appeared to be the number one target for the Tar Heels.

Per Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, Lloyd rejected a “top-two contract” at UNC to sign a contract to stay at Arizona.

“Sources: UNC offered Tommy Lloyd a top-two contract in CBB. Lloyd took less to stay, but will still bump up to $7.2 million starting next season,” Norlander posted on X. “Staff pool also will get a huge bump + incentives brought back to their contract structures. He’ll also no longer report to the AD.”

Chicago Bulls HC Billy Donovan could leave for UNC

With Lloyd’s rejection, the door stays open for Donovan.

So does the pay. North Carolina was willing to offer Lloyd over $8 million. Kansas head coach Bill Self makes $8.8 million per year. Arkansas head coach John Calipari makes $8 million.

Donovan has the leverage to ask for a better contract from UNC than what Lloyd would have received, as Donovan has the rings and a HOF resume at the college level.

The Bulls will end their regular season against the Dallas Mavericks on April 12, five days after the transfer portal is set to open for college basketball on April 7.

Donovan could be behind in the portal, but his pedigree should help UNC in the future if he decides to leave the Bulls for college.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls: Billy Donovan gets good news on UNC search appeared first on ChiCitySports.

.Before Toni Kukoc joined the Chicago Bulls in the 1993-94 NBA season, he was making a name for himself overseas. Both Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were able to see that first hand at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Now, the Croatian national team along with Kukoc will be featured in a special documentary about the 1992 Olympics.

Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Jack Baric is set to begin production on his latest feature. More Than a Dream is an inspirational sports documentary that tells the extraordinary story of the Croatian national basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Baric will direct and produce the film, which will explore the team’s remarkable silver medal win in their Olympic debut as an independent nation, challenging the legendary “Dream Team” in the gold medal game. Led by four players who were among the first group of international players to enter the NBA – Drazen Petrovic, Toni Kukoc, Dino Radja, and Stojko Vrankovic – the Croatians emerged as a premier European force, defying expectations and securing a place in basketball history.

The inspiration for the film

While the Dream Team commanded the global spotlight during the 1992 Olympics, the Croatian squad arrived in Barcelona with little fanfare. Back home, the newly independent nation was fighting the deadliest conflict on European soil since World War II — a war that claimed more than 10,000 Croatian lives and displaced over 300,000 people.

With a third of their country under siege and fierce fighting all around them, the Croatians risked everything just to make it to practice and games. Leading the charge were four players who were among the first wave of international stars to enter the NBA: Drazen Petrovic of the New Jersey Nets, Toni Kukoc of the Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics big men Dino Radja and Stojko Vrankovic.

The entire world knew the Dream Team was destined for gold in 1992, so the real race was to see who would face them in the final. Croatia, Russia, Lithuania, Brazil, and Australia all vied for that spot—with Croatia ultimately earning the right to meet the Americans in the championship game.

“More Than a Dream is more than a sports story,” Baric said. “It’s about a nation fighting to define itself under impossible circumstances. And the courage of athletes who carried the hopes of an entire country onto the world stage. Their journey to Barcelona, facing the greatest team ever assembled, is a testament to resilience, love, unity, and the unbreakable human spirit. I can’t wait to bring their story to life on screen.”

“Representing Croatia in 1992 was one of the greatest honors of my life,” Kukoc said. “Our people were going through a very hard time. And the Olympics were much more than a basketball tournament for me and my teammates. We wanted to do something for our people. I’m thankful to Jack for telling the story of what that team meant—not just for basketball, but for Croatia.”

Full production on More than a Dream is slated to begin in May. It will feature interviews with various sports, cultural, and political figures from Croatia and the United States over archival footage of the team, Olympic games, and wartime Croatia.

Baric plans to premiere the film at the LA28 Olympics.

The post Toni Kukoc, Croatian national team to be featured in 1992 Olympic Basketball documentary appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Cubs have gotten off to a slower start than they had hoped, but there have been some impressive showings. One pitcher made his team debut earlier this week and impressed. Let’s take a closer look at who it was and what it means for the Cubs going forward.

Edward Cabrera’s Chicago Cubs debut was impressive

The Cubs had some solid performances, but starter Edward Cabrera was highlighted for his debut. MLB’s Brent Maguire wrote about some of the top pitching performances. He would mention Cabrera’s excellent debut against the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched five shutout innings and allowed one hit, one walk, and five strikeouts. Below is what Maguire wrote about Cabrera’s debut:

“The Cubs sent three prospects, including Owen Caissie, to the Marlins over the offseason to acquire Cabrera, fully believing there was another level for the talented right-hander. So far, that inclination looks wise, after Cabrera one-hit the Angels in six innings in his Cubs debut, striking out five batters and only issuing one walk. Cabrera’s usual electric stuff was on display, leading to 15 whiffs on 40 swings, but just as notable (if not more) was the one walk and 61.3 percent strike rate. After running a career-low 8.3 percent walk rate last season (he had never been below 10 percent in a season), another drop in walks could propel Cabrera to another level.”

Cabrera is expected to slot into the middle of Chicago’s pitching rotation and showcase his talents. He was also labeled as the biggest takeaway from the team in the early stages of the season. His pitches had a tick down from where they averaged last season, but that could simply be going from pitching in Miami to outside in Chicago. Cabrera’s changeup forced hitters to go 0 for 8 with three strikeouts in his Cubs debut. It will be intriguing to see if he can continue pitching well as the season goes along.

The post This Chicago Cubs pitcher impressed with his team debut appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are looking to improve during the offseason, and shaking up the roster may be the way to go. They are going to be in the lottery for the draft, so they can make some improvements there. However, being able to free up some cap space will be critical to making some free agent moves. There is one player who could be moved, so let’s tkae a closer look at who one outlet believes it will be.

Bleacher Report believes the Chicago Bulls will move on from Patrick Williams

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report wrote an article listing one player from each NBA team that will most likely hit the trade block next. For the Bulls, he selected Patrick Williams. Below is what he wrote:

“The Chicago Bulls will almost certainly make Patrick Williams available this offseason.Whether or not another team actually makes an offer for the former No. 4 overall pick is a different story. Still somehow only 24 years old despite playing in his sixth season, Williams has been used almost exclusively as a reserve. His shooting numbers have plummeted (37.4 percent overall from the field) and there’s been no real growth in any are of Williams’ game.

“The three years and $54 million remaining on his contract is going to be tough to get rid of for Chicago, although it’s time both parties go their separate ways.”

Williams has not been living up to the hype throughout his career. He is averaging 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.8 steals across 341 games. However, it appears that a change of scenery would be best for both the Bulls and Williams. With the big contract, Chicago will likely need to take back a big contract or give away a pick in a move. It will be intriguing to see if Williams is moved during the offseason.

The post Bleacher Report predicts this Chicago Bulls player will be traded next appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 2025-26 NBA regular season is wrapping up in a few weeks and as expected, the Oklahoma City Thunder are again the favorites to win it all this year. If they do make a run, it will be on the back of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The star guard is averaging 31.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game this season. He’s the front runner for the MVP award once again this year and has emerged as one of the best players in the league. But one NBA writer is taking it to a high level in terms of praise for the reining MVP and he is comparing him to the all-time GOAT.

Zach Lowe has Michael Jordan comparison for SGA

During a recent segment on “The Zach Lowe Show”, NBA writer Zach Lowe praised SGA and his ability to dominate games. He noted just how consistent he is in terms of the level of efficiency. Lowe made the case as to why SGA is his MVP.

From there, he brought up Jordan.

“I think Shai is the MVP. I don’t even care if the Spurs pass the Thunder,” Lowe said. ” … I think Shai, first of all—again, boring—he’s played 400 more minutes than Wembanyama. That’s a lot of minutes, and he’s doing that without playing fourth quarters in like 20 games because they’re ahead by so many. They both elevate their teams—Wembanyama’s on-off is from neutral to incredible, Shai’s on-off is from pretty good to incredible. The incredible part matters more to me than where the off-court number is. It’s like, are you elevating your team to, ‘Holy sh**, this is a machine’? That’s Shai.

“Clutch numbers are outrageous, and this is Jordan, but in the modern era. That’s how good he is offensively, and I just think you put all that together, he’s the MVP for me.”

There’s no doubt SGA is playing at a high level again this year. He’s aiming to be the first player to win MVP in consecutive seasons since Nikola Jokic in 2021 and 2022.

But Lowe’s words didn’t sit well with everyone.

Lowe is crazy overrated

— Floydian Slip (@OliveOil6000) April 1, 2026

this era is weak compared to 80's and 90's. You can not compare player's. People are dumb

— Nmad (@NolanMader7571) April 1, 2026

It’s tough to compare eras because they are so different. But it’s certainly a big compliment for SGA to be compared to the GOAT.

The post NBA writer compares MVP to Michael Jordan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are in a weird spot as a team, as they are losing a bunch of games and not finding ways to walk off the court victorious. Chicago pulled the plug on the season at the trade deadline and acquired picks/young players to build for the future. One outlet was able to describe the Bulls’ season with a singular word, so let’s take a look at what word was used and why.

Bleacher Report calls the Chicago Bulls ‘tardy’

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote an article where he described each NBA team with one word. For the Bulls, Buckley used the word ‘tardy’, explaining it is due to pivoting to rebuilding towards the middle of the season. Below is what he wrote regarding Chicago:

“After logging an inordinate, unforgivable amount of mileage on the dreaded treadmill of mediocrity, the Bulls finally bolted off of it at the deadline and made “a meaningful shift” toward long-term rebuilding, as executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnišovas told reporters.

“It’s been a tank-tastic journey ever since—5-14 since the All-Star break—but in the eyes of the lottery odds, it could very well be remembered as too little, too late. This unpunctual plug-pulling left Chicago racing toward the bottom after giving all either future-focused franchises a monthslong headstart. This draft class might be rich with star-level prospects, but the Bulls will need an awful lot of lottery luck to be in position to grab a blue-chipper.”

With Chicago getting more ping-pong balls in the lottery, the team is struggling to find wins late in the season. With the team eliminated from postseason contention, it will be intriguing to see which players are able to play to be part of the roster next season.

The post Chicago Bulls described by Bleacher Report with this one word appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It’s been over 20 years since Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball in 1993. But since then, he’s found other ways to stay busy including his successful NASCAR team in 23XI Racing.

He’s also raking in the money still.

Jordan made an estimated $250 million in 2025 just off of the Nike brand alone, which his Jordan Brand is under. That’s merchandise including shoes, clothes and more. With the $250 million, it helped Jordan keep his spot as the highest-paid athlete of all time per Sportico.

Michael Jordan beats out other athletes for highest-paid

When Sportico released its list of the highest-paid athletes of all-time, it wasn’t shocking to see Jordan at the top. But it was a little surprising to see how much he’s actually made. The site estimates that Jordan has made $4.5 billion when adjusted for inflation. Without the adjustment, he’s made $3.28 billion.

He’s atop the list beating out Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Lionel Messi who round out the top five. 

Michael Jordan earned more than any active or retired athlete in 2025, pushing his career-earnings to $4.5 BILLION.

MJ remains the highest-paid athlete of all-time. (via @Sportico) pic.twitter.com/yFTsKtg1ru

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 1, 2026

Jordan has been the leader on this list for quite some time now. But this year, he extended that lead over Woods from $850 million to $1.31 billion over the last year. This also comes as Jordan Brand revenue dropped by 16 percent in fiscal 2025. But even so, the brand generated $7.3 billion over that same time period. 

Jordan has a 3.4 percent cut in that and the brand generated 70 times more sales volume compared to other signature basketball lines.

NBA players dominated the list with a total of 13 athletes in the top 50. The rankings  do account for far more than just salaries as endorsements, media ventures, appearance fees and licensing deals are among the things factored in.

The post Michael Jordan tops list of highest-paid athletes of all-time appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Basketball, one of the most popular sports in the world, also has another trick up its sleeve. It happens to be a sport that translates really well into gaming, meaning fans will be able to enjoy an authentic basketball experience across a range of devices, often taking control of a team or individual player. With so many excellent basketball games out there, we’ve picked out some of the best of them below.

NBA 2K26

The obvious go-to title for any basketball fan right now is NBA 2K26, the latest release in what is a hit series. NBA 2K26, seen as the flagship release by developers 2K, includes hit modes like MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA and Play Now, which are all central to the experience. There’s also ProPLAY-powered gameplay to get stuck into, while the game’s live seasons and patch updates keep everything fresh and up to date.

Basketball Legends

While nothing can compare to the real thing at online casinos than perhaps live casino versions of basketball games, slots have a good go at it, with Basketball Legends one of the standout titles. The game’s authentic court atmosphere and animated presentation create an experience that players naturally buy into. Everything in the game, including the features, revolves around basketball, rather than this being just another generic sports release.

NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition

NBA 2K26, as mentioned above, is the go-to title for basketball fans on the market right now. But what if you love your basketball and want a portable version of the game? Well, this is where NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition comes in. It’s all the essentials of the full game, packaged for mobile play, so players can get stuck into the action whenever and from wherever.

NBA Bounce

NBA Bounce is another newer release into the basketball category, and like NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition, it’s a bit of a lighter game. Launched last September, this family-friendly release features all 30 NBA teams, with co-op play and modes such as Training, Full Season and Party Mode available to enjoy. NBA Bounce is highly accessible as a result, because not every player is looking for a hardcore sim after all. Some will want a pick-up and play title, of which this is one.

Basketball Star

Basketball Star does something that most other basketball-themed slot games don’t, and that’s provide players with 243 ways to win. While the basketball theme is going to be a huge attraction, the 243 ways to win make this slot worth spinning the reels of, regardless of whether you like basketball or not. The game also comes loaded with perks such as Rolling Reels, a multiplier trail, and a free spins feature, so there’s a lot to like.

NBA Infinite

NBA Infinite is another basketball-themed title built for mobile. The game’s focus is on real-time PvP play, which is incredibly popular across gaming right now. NBA Infinite is a free-to-play title where players can build teams, customize line-ups and compete live. With gaming moving in the direction it is, towards quick matches, this is the choice for players who want short sessions with no long-term commitment.

Conclusion

Basketball games in 2026 provide not only great experiences, but variety on tap. There are hardcore sims, mobile-first games and even slots, meaning if you love your basketball, you will get to play it exactly the way you want to, which has to be admired.

The post The Best Basketball Games To Play In 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are going to be one of the teams in the lottery for this year’s draft. With the draft class being loaded towards the top, it is likely they will not receive one of the more talked about prospects. However, there are still some talented players later in the lottery. Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet is predicting Chicago will take when they are on the clock in their latest mock draft.

Bleacher Report mocks Labaron Philon Jr to the Chicago Bulls

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote a mock draft following the Elite Eight. He had the Bulls winding up with the 10th pick and selecting Alabama point guard Labaron Philon Jr. Below is what he wrote regarding the selection:

“Labaron Philon gave Michigan 35 points in his final game, capping off a breakout season fueled by improved shooting and finishing. His identity still revolves around dribble creativity and getting to spots. Philon has dangerous change of speed, deceleration ability and handles, and now he’s more advanced isolation and ball-screen scorer with his pull-up game and craft around the rim.”

Philon is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard and has comparisons to Mike Conley. The sophomore finished 12th in the NCAA in scoring and had an outstanding season. However, his year is finished after the Crimson Tide lost to the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16. Philon finished the season with 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30.9 minutes per game. His shooting stroke was pure as he also recorded a 50.1/39.9/79.8 shooting split in the year.

It is not known at this moment if Philon will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, but it’s difficult to imagine he won’t. The Bulls are need of some size, but with the Jaden Ivey release, they could decide to bolster the backcourt and give Josh Giddey one of his best backcourt mates since being traded to Chicago. It will be intriguing to see if Philon would be a player the front office is interested in drafting.

The post Chicago Bulls select Alabama guard in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls made the decision to release Jaden Ivey on Monday, following social media rants. Over the course of the past few weeks, Ivey has gone on rants which have gained the attention of fans and those around the NBA.

But Monday’s rant where he called the LGBTQ+ community unrighteous was enough to get the attention of Bulls’ brass. They made the decision to release him and move on after they acquired him via a trade at the deadline.

Ivey played just four games with the Bulls before suffering a knee injury that would keep him out the rest of the season. However, there were reportedly signs of things in the locker room that is coming to light. And his behavior drew some concerns from his teammates per a report.

Jaden Ivey’s behavior caught attention of Bulls’ teammates

On Tuesday, Chicago Bulls beat reporter Joe Cowley wrote a piece on Ivey that explained more about the situation. And there was some damning stuff in the article in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Cowley noted that Ivey’s behavior caught the attention of his teammates and that this was an issue dating back to his days with the Detroit Pistons.

Before Ivey even stepped foot on Chicago soil there were rumblings from Detroit that the shooting guard was a “preacher.” They undersold it. His interviews became sermons in which he was asking reporters if they’ve been “saved” and if they “fornicated before marriage.”

My bad, brah, I was just checking in on how your knee felt.

It’s great that he has religion, but the relationship between reporter and player isn’t built like that after just few interactions. While reporters were left feeling like they didn’t need to be preached to from a 20-something kid a few years removed from walking around with a silver spoon in his mouth on the AAU circuit, his Bulls teammates were left shaking their heads at just the latest distraction provided by their front office.

Not one Bulls player was shedding a tear for Ivey’s removal from the roster.

That’s some pretty important details. Now that this is out, it does make more sense as to why the Bulls released him. But it’s also an indictment on the Bulls’ front office on a miss at the trade deadline, again.

The post Jaden Ivey’s behavior had Chicago Bulls teammates ‘shaking their heads’ appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As part of the Chicago Bulls’ trade deadline moves, they were able to acquire guard Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. It was a three-team deal involving the Minnesota Timberwolves as well. Chicago sent Kevin Huerter to Detroit in the deal and the hope was that they could take a chance on a guard like Ivey coming off his rookie contract.

The former Purdue standout only played four games with the Bulls, dealing with knee issues. While a return was expected to be on the table, the Bulls eventually shut Ivey down for the rest of the season. Then on Monday, following a few days of rants on social media about religion, the Bulls decided to release Ivey after he called the LGBTQ+ community unrighteous.

Ivey posted a message saying ‘‘The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month and the NBA does too, they show it to the world. They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.’ ’’

With the Bulls in San Antonio, they made the decision to move on from him releasing a statement as well as having Billy Donovan talk on the matter. The Chicago Sun-Times’ Joe Cowley wrote that it was more than just the recent messages but more so the past month of posts and comments.

Josh Giddey speaks on former teammate Jaden Ivey

Following Monday’s loss to the Spurs, Josh Giddey was asked about what had happened earlier in the day with Ivey. He kept it professional.

‘‘Obviously, the whole thing is kind of unfortunate in a way,” Giddey said. “I hope he gets the help he needs, whatever he’s going through or not going through. I do really hope he gets help. It’s not going to be with the Bulls anymore, but wherever it is, I hope he gets it.’’

Social media has gone back and forth on the matter with people sharing their opinion. But it’s clear that his teammates and others want him to get the help that he needs.

The post Josh Giddey comments on Jaden Ivey situation with Chicago Bulls appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is at a crossroads in April.

The Bulls are set to miss the playoffs, and their prospects of being competitive anytime soon are slim after trading away Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, and Ayo Dosunmu.

In six seasons in Chicago, Donovan, a Basketball Hall of Fame coach, has made the playoffs just one time before losing in the first round to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Amid the end of the season coming up for the Bulls, Donovan has been mentioned as a plausible candidate for North Carolina, an option that would make sense for a two-time national champion with the Florida Gators.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, it appears Donovan has an ultimatum of sorts for owner Jerry Reinsdorf. He can either fire executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas or Donovan will leave after the season.

Chicago Bulls have a decision to make on Billy Donovan

After the fallout of the Jaden Ivey drama with the Bulls (which Karnisovas was warned about from the Detroit Pistons), Donovan appears to be losing his patience with the front office.

“If Karnisovas stays, there’s a growing chance that Donovan walks at the end of the season,” Cowley wrote. “Then the Reinsdorfs will leave Karnisovas with a coaching search, a lottery draft choice, and free agent decisions with money to spend.

“This front office can’t even get trade dumps at the deadline right, let alone being trusted to map out the immediate future of an organization that has gone from bad to national embarrassment.”

The wise move for the Bulls would be to fire Karnisovas regardless of what Donovan does this offseason. Chicago needs a new leader to rebuild the roster.

Frankly, it would be hard for Donovan and fans to stomach a few more losing seasons together.

The Bulls blew it up with the roster at the trade deadline. This spring, it’s time to clean house with the front office and maybe at the head coach.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls owner appears to receive ultimatum from Billy Donovan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have not been doing too well on the court, but they are in a position where things are not looking too well. On Monday evening, guard Jaden Ivey had a livestream on social media where he had some anti-LGBTQ things to say. Chicago’s front office would have issues with it, and this would result in him being released from his contract soon after.

Ivey has been vocal about his beliefs over the last few months, but this seemingly was going too far. Let’s take a look at what his coach said about the situation.

Billy Donovan addresses the Chicago Bulls’ release of Jaden Ivey

The Bulls are on the road for their Monday game against the San Antonio Spurs, but the team needed to address the Ivey situation. Before the game, Bulls coach Billy Donovan met with the media and discussed the situation.

“I think there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here. I mean, we have people from all different walks of life working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right? So, the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. But one is, we’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”

Ivey has played four games for the Bulls since being traded to the team last month. However, he was shut down earlier this month with a knee injury. In 37 total games between the Detroit Pistons and Bulls, Ivey averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.6 steals in 18.1 minutes per game. Now that he is a free agent, it will be interesting to see how his career plays out. Teams could still be interested in him for next season, but do not be surprised to see some teams afraid of the baggage associated with Ivey.

The post Billy Donovan discusses Chicago bulls decision to release Jaden Ivey appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls may have gotten a bit more than they were expecting with guard Jaden Ivey. While he is a talented player on the court, he has been more vocal about his beliefs on social media. There has been a rift between him and the organization and today seemingly was the last straw. Let’s take a closer look at what happened.

Jaden Ivey is no longer with the Chicago Bulls following his recent comments

ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Bulls are waiving guard Jaden Ivey following his recent anti-LGBTQ comments on social media. The comments in question were while he was live as Ivey called out the NBA for celebrating Pride Month. Below are the comments that got him in some hot water:

“The world proclaims LGBTQ, right? They proclaim Pride Month-and the NBA does too. They show it to the world. They say, ‘Come join us for Pride Month, to celebrate unrighteousness.'”

What sparked Ivey’s comments is not known, but this is not the first rant about religion he has done since being traded from Detroit. He has taken taken to social media over the previous few weeks and preaching his beliefs. However, this may have caused some issues for Chicago’s front office.

Bulls insider Joe Cowley is reportedthat the Bulls are working on an exit strategy and to not be surprised if Ivey is no longer with the team soon. The former fifth pick in the 2022 NBA draft was traded to Chicago as part of the Kevin Heurter deal. He would play four games before being shut down for the year due to knee issues. It will be intriguing to see what this does for Ivey and the Bulls in the future.

Ivey only played in four games with the Bulls as he averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 2.0 steals in 28.8 minutes per game. It will be intriguing to see if he gets another chance after this with another team this offseason.

The post Jaden Ivey released by Chicago Bulls after Pride Month comments appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caitlin Clark has been a household name in the WNBA since she joined the Indiana Fever in 2024. In fact, one could argue that she is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ WNBA counterpart — at least in terms of their widespread fame.

The Indiana Fever star took the league by storm in her rookie season. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals. Clark also shot 34% from the three and 42% from the field.

The former Iowa Hawkeye took home the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. She was also named a WNBA All-Star in her first two seasons in the league. 

WNBA: Caitlin Clark shares moment with LeBron James

Similar to James, Clark was one of the most highly-touted rookies in their respective league. James was the top-ranked high school player in the country. He was the consensus top overall pick in the NBA Draft even before he graduated high school.

As for Clark, she was an absolute must-see player in collegiate basketball during her time in Iowa. Clark averaged 28.4 points, 8.2 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals with the Hawkeyes. She also broke “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s record and became the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer among men’s or women’s players.

Currently, Clark and the Fever are enjoying the WNBA offseason. This is why Clark was in attendance when the Indiana Pacers hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

During the game, the Fever star acted as a courtside photographer, snapping a few shots of the Lakers star. She then shared her experience when Clark joined NBC’s broadcast of the New York Knicks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game on Sunday. 

When asked what name she would give to the photo that she took, Clark simply replied, “The King.” She added, “That’s my GOAT.” 

Clark also talked about a mishap involving James during the game. 

“I swear we made eye contact,” she claimed. “So I set down the camera, and I smiled at him, and he just looked at me with a straight face. I was like, he didn’t even see me.”

Clark seemed a little bit embarrassed by her admission. She thought that James acknowledged her presence, only to be reminded that the Lakers superstar was totally locked in on the game.

The post Caitlin Clark reveals her NBA GOAT appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are officially eliminated from playoff contention this season and with seven games left, the focus shifts to the offseason. Chicago is currently ninth in the NBA draft lottery with a 20.4 percent chance to get into the top four.

With this being considered a loaded draft, it’s a great opportunity for the Bulls to land a potential future star. But the future of head coach Billy Donovan is up in the air as well.

Reports last week surfaced that Donovan could resign at the end of this season. Then days later, Donovan was connected to the open North Carolina job. That momentum continues to pick up as well.

Billy Donovan is the better favorite on prediction markets for UNC job

As North Carolina’s coach search rolls on, we do know that Donovan’s name has been brought up in connection with the job. North Carolina has been pretty quiet but the top two candidates are rumored to be Michigan’s Dusty May and Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd. As both are going to the Final Four, UNC will have to wait a bit.

But for Donovan, they may not have to wait long. Depending on who you ask, there’s belief that Donovan would take the job if offered. Prediction markets are leaning towards Donovan as the favorite.

As of right now, when this is being published, Donovan is at 32 percent chance on Kalshi, “North Carolina Basketball – Next Head Coach” prediction. Oddly enough, Rick Pitino is second at 29 percent along with Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd.

Now, this is just a prediction market and as The Athletic writes, here’s why it’s interesting:

We’re talking about Kalshi because prediction markets are open to more speculative topics than their highly regulated cousins, sportsbooks, which are often precluded, or even reluctant, from offering markets that are so vulnerable to insider information.

Traditional sportsbooks don’t usually offer odds on speculative storylines or on what group chats are discussing, such as who will be a team’s next coach or where a player will be traded, whereas prediction markets tend to target exactly those topics. Whether they are accurate is more of an open question. (And also opens up a philosophical debate of the meaning of “accurate,” i.e., they are “accurate” about what people think is going to happen, but may not be accurate on the final result.)

It doesn’t mean that Donovan will be the head coach. It could change as the money comes in on the site as well. But it is notable that Donovan is leading the way here with this market.

This storyline will be something to watch the rest of the offseason.

The post Prediction markets favoring Billy Donovan for this top college job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following a historic career in the NBA, Michael Jordan has found ways to stay busy off the court. His latest venture has brought him more success as he co-owns 23XI Racing team.

With driver Tyler Reddick winning four races early this NASCAR season, the spotlight is on 23XI Racing as well as Jordan himself. Ahead of Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at the Martinsville Speedway, Jordan sat down with CBS Morning News’ Gayle King to discuss his role with NASCAR.

Among the subjects they talked about was the GOAT conversation. King asked Jordan if he believes there is room for more than one Greatest of All Time in the sport of basketball. His answer was a little surprising.

Michael Jordan addresses the ‘GOAT’ debate in recent interview

As King asked the question, she mentions that Jordan is considered the GOAT in the game of basketball. But would Jordan be open to adding another GOAT in the conversation?

To Jordan, he doesn’t believe in the “GOAT” talk:

“There’s no such thing as the G.O.A.T. Not to me,” Jordan said in the interview. “It’s only because we are transcended from other people, other athletes. We learn from other athletes. We progress the game as we move further. To say that one is better than the other is not really right.”

Michael Jordan says there’s no such thing as THE GOAT during his interview with Gayle King via @CBSMornings pic.twitter.com/QcYkYyzYQz

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) March 29, 2026

Of course, the GOAT talk usually centers around Jordan as well as LeBron James. Neither really talk about it at all and it’s usually just the topic of fans, TV shows, radio shows, etc. However, with how competitive Jordan is not only in basketball and in NASCAR, I imagine he sometimes uses it for motivation still and that burning desire of competition he’s always had.

The post Michael Jordan addresses GOAT debate during interview appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Bulls are focused on the NBA Draft. They have their own first-round pick, which is going to be in the lottery. This draft is going to be deep in the lottery, meaning the Bulls will have a strong selection if things play out as they look. At this point, they are projected to have a top-10 pick with a 20.3% chance to be top-four and a 4.5% chance to win the first pick. Let’s take a look at where one outlet’s mock draft has them picking and who they choose.

The Chicago Bulls select Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance in Bleacher Report’s mock draft

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley created a new mock draft in the midst of the Sweet 16. In this mock draft, Chicago holds the ninth pick and selects Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance. Below is what he wrote regarding the choice:

“While Quaintance’s college career technically spanned two seasons, he’s still sitting on just 28 career appearances. An ACL tear suffered late last season effectively wrecked his availability for this one, and it also denied the hoops world to see what, if any, skill improvements he might have had. That said, his upside remains enticing for a lot of reasons, not the least of which that he’s younger than most freshman (he won’t turn 19 until July). His healthy version looks like a spring-loaded rim-runner with more passing and handling than the archetype normally offers.

“Teams in need of a sure thing might stay away, but the rebuilding Bulls could welcome the chance to take on his development in hopes of filling their 5 spot for the forseeable future.”

Quaintance spent last season with Arizona State before transferring to Duke. In 28 career games (25 starts) and averaged 8.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.0 steals. With Chicago having no big men on the roster signed for next season, this seems like a perfect fit. The Bulls have some needs, but with the guards on the roster, finding the big man will help with the team’s current rebuild.

The post Chicago Bulls select Kentucky big man in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

If you didn’t notice by now, it’s clear that Michael Jordan is competitive. He’s competitive with a lot of things too. Now, that’s spilling over into his love for racing as he co-owns 23XI Racing and is making waves on the NASCAR scene.

For Jordan, he took a lot of things personal during his playing career in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls. And you could see that when “The Last Dance” documentary aired back in 2020. It got to the point where he would even make up scenarios to motivate himself and take it out on opponents.

The latest example, however, involves his race team and the NASCAR lawsuit from a few months back.

Michael Jordan says NASCAR lawsuit was ‘personal’ to him

It’s rare to see Jordan do many interviews these days. He did appear on the NBA on NBC for a few segments but that was one interview broken down into multiple airings. But the latest comes on Friday when he sat down with Gayle King on CBS Morning News. Jordan spoke on his NASCAR experience, including the lawsuit.

To no one’s surprise, he admitted that he took that lawsuit personal.

“Yes, 100 percent,” Jordan said when asked if his intention was to change NASCAR. “When I got into the sport, obviously, as I learned there was a lot of things I wasn’t really happy about. The sport was not setup long term for the individuals involved with the sport. Now, up top? Yep. They were making a good living. The people that were putting on the show were not getting the type of recognition or compensated fairly.”

Jordan also said that even if they didn’t win the lawsuit, his goal was to wake up some people. That he did.  Jordan did admit he was nervous when he had to take the stand but knew they had a good case.

And that’s when he went all in.

“I was all in,” Jordan said. “I was aggressively gonna win, you know. I became a competitor all over again.”

Jordan’s killer mentality never left, it just changed sports. What he’s doing for NASCAR is awesome and settling with NASCAR to provide changes was huge for the sport.

The post Michael Jordan admits NASCAR lawsuit was ‘personal’ for him appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are heading towards another season of failing to actually make the playoffs. It’s another offseason of a rebuild  but they aren’t bad enough to realistically get in the top four or five in the draft.

Instead, the Bulls sit at 9th in the lottery and won’t catch the Memphis Grizzlies for 8th. They are destined to be 9th or 10th when the lottery selection happens, putting a damper on their chances to land a star in this draft. With Chicago making some moves at the deadline, it signaled the rebuild.

However, there’s news regarding one of those trades and it’s not good news.

Chicago Bulls rule out Jaden Ivey and Jalen Smith

Following a loss in which the Bulls were on the wrong side of history, they have some more bad news. The team announced on Thursday that Jalen Smith and Jaden Ivey are both out for the rest of the season.

Ivey suffered an injury a few weeks back and was expected to return on the upcoming road trip. However, he suffered a setback and the knee is bothering him even more now. That’s disappointing news as Ivey was a piece in a trade for the Bulls as they sent Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota in a three-team deal.

He played in just four games for the Bulls this season.

For Smith, he aggravated his right calf in the loss to the 76ers. The 26-year-old averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in 53 games (21 starts) this season.

The post Chicago Bulls rule out two players for rest of the season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The past 36 hours or so have been interesting for the Chicago Bulls and head coach Billy Donovan. After a report from the Chicago Sun-Times hinted that Donovan could resign from the franchise, the head coach was then connected to the open North Carolina job.

Donovan continues to be a hot name in North Carolina’s new coaching search. Whether he’s seriously interested or is a legit candidate is still to be determined. But even with this news, players hear it. On Wednesday, the Bulls responded with a historically bad quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers.

And it wasn’t pretty.

Chicago Bulls, Billy Donovan make history in a bad way

We know the Bulls are in a rebuild. They did it too late, which means probably another few more years of struggling. Will Donovan want to be a part of that? The team certainly looked disinterested in Wednesday’s loss to the 76ers.

In that loss, the Bulls gave up a franchise record 51 points in the third quarter. They eventually lost the game 157-137, giving up the most points they have all season.

76ers 157, Bulls 137

Bulls never led, allowed a franchise-record 51 points in the 3rd and allowed their most points in a game this season

Giddey 1 rebound shy of triple double
Bulls scored franchise-record 52 in 4th

Embiid 35 pts
George 28 pts

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 26, 2026

Yikes.

Wednesday’s game may not have fully been a response to the Donovan rumors but this team flat out looked bad. Piling up the loses is usually a good thing for a team trying to get into the lottery. The only problem? The Bulls are going to be sitting 9th or 10th due to them winning early games this season.

It’s unlikely the Bulls can get to the 8th spot in the lottery and it looks like they will need a miracle to move up. Add in a potential looming decision from Donovan and it’s shaping up to be another interesting offseason.

The post Chicago Bulls respond to Billy Donovan rumors with historically bad third quarter in loss appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have made a significant change by firing Hubert Davis on Tuesday. One of the potential candidates whose name is floating around is Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan. After a successful college basketball coaching career, Donovan has made his name as an NBA coach. Let’s take a closer look as one outlet dissected the pros and cons of him leaving Chicago for North Carolina.

CBS Sports discusses pros & cons of UNC hiring Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan

Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports wrote an article discussing the pros and cons of some of the more notable Tar Heels coach candidates. He named a few coaches, including Nate Oats, Dusty May, and Tommy Lloyd, but he also included Donovan. Below is what he wrote about why the pairing would make sense.

“There are only four coaches who have won back-to-back National Championships: John Wooden, Mike Kryzewski, Dan Hurley and Billy Donovan. If North Carolina is series about making the ultimate splash hire, Donovan fits the bill. Donovan’s future with the Chicago Bulls is also cloudy. While he did quietly sign an extension last July, the Bulls are mired in mediocrity and facing a long rebuild. North Carolina could serve as a new challenge and a breath of fresh air after years of being destined for the play-in.”

However, there are some cons for Donovan to leave to go back to college basketball. The collegiate world has no breaks with recruiting, and NIL is now a major factor. Trotter also mentions some of this in the cons section.

“Donovan, simply, could be done with the college game altogether, especially one that includes a 12-month grinding schedule with little downtime. He’s been in the NBA for 11 years, and he’s still chasing that elusive title.”

Donovan is a three-time SEC Coach of the Year winner and won the 2005-06 and 2006-07 National Championships with the Florida Gators. However, he left following the 2014-15 season with a career 502-206 (.709) record. It is difficult to imagine him heading back into the college basketball game, but it will be intriguing to see if he shows any interest or puts the rumors straight to bed.

The post CBS Sports discusses pros & cons for Billy Donovan leaving for UNC coaching job appeared first on ChiCitySports.

This offseason is going to be interesting for the Chicago Bulls as they are looking to improve the roster. They have a lot of young guards, but need to find talent in the frontcourt. There are a lot of interesting options that the team can go, but what is the best-case scenario? Let’s take a deeper dive into who it is and why it is a dream for them.

Jalen Duren is the dream free agent signing for the Chicago Bulls this offseason

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote an article describing the realistic, optimistic, and dream free-agent targets for all 30 teams. The dream free agent he labels for the Bulls is center Jalen Duren. Below is what he wrote about the potential of a pairing:

“Prying Duren away from the Detroit Pistons is probably impossible. But what would the Bulls miss out on by making sure that it’s actually impossible? They need a franchise center, and the 22-year-old first-time All-Star is exactly that type of talent. Plus, Bulls executive vice president of operations Arturas Karnisovas swears he understands that ‘this process takes time,’ so this club presumably wouldn’t panic if an offer sheet never amounted to an actual addition.”

Duren is currently slated to be a restricted free agent this offseason. As a result, the Pistons can match any offer made on Duren. He is still only 22-years-old and can be a massive star as he continues his ascent to his prime. Duren is one of the top rebounders who plays under the rim. He is averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.9 steals in 27.6 minutes per game. Most big men struggle at the free-throw line, but he is shooting 73.0% from the charity stripe this year.

It is difficult to imagine Duren’s stock going down as he will get more shine to end the regular season following Cade Cunningham’s status. It will be intriguing to see if the Bulls are going to make an offer for Duren this offseason.

The post This is the dream free agent target for the Chicago Bulls this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are heading for another offseason with a pick outside of the top four in the NBA Draft and another year of a rebuild. Even with Chicago trading off key pieces at the deadline, it was a little too late.

As the season winds down, a report from Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times stated that there’s growing belief that Billy Donovan could resign this year. Donovan has been with the team since the 2020 season and has been here for this version of the rebuild.

With the North Carolina job open, Donovan is already being connected to that job. And the latest report suggests that he is being advised to get out of Chicago.

Billy Donovan is being advised to get out of Chicago Bulls situation

After the Tar Heels decided to move on from Hubert Davis, Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68 offered his take on candidates. He mentioned Donovan as someone who UNC could look at. But he took it a step further.

Goodman stated that there are people around Donovan advising him to get out of the Bulls’ situation.

“I was texting with Billy Donovan earlier… He’s got a lucrative contract with the Bulls right now. But there are a ton of people in his circle that have told him to get out of there”

"I was texting with Billy Donovan earlier… He's got a lucrative contract with the Bulls right now, but there are a ton of people in his circle that have told him to get out of there"@GoodmanHoops on the North Carolina search

: https://t.co/Cm0rEC8no0 pic.twitter.com/G7JZNbvdWC

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 25, 2026

Donovan found success at the college level, winning back-to-back national championships with Florida. But he hasn’t coached in the college game since the 2014-15 season. Goodman also stated that Donovan is a loyal guy and is in the middle of his contract with the Bulls. It feels like it would have to be a mutual agreement between himself and Jerry Reinsdorf.

The head coach is already being connected to that UNC job with an ESPN report suggesting the Tar Heels are going to “aggressively pursue him” in the coaching search.

The post Billy Donovan being advised to get out of Chicago per report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are going to have a good amount of cap space heading into the offseason. As a result, they are able to be active in free agency to improve the roster. While not every free agent is going to be interested, there are some who they can attract. Let’s take a deeper dive into one player who Chicago could land this offseason if things go their way.

The Chicago Bulls could wind up signing Tari Eason as a free agent this offseason

The Bulls are in a position where they can use a versatile defender on the wing to help the team. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley wrote an article highlighting realistic, optimistic, and dream free agent targets for each team. Chicago has an intriguing option at the ‘optimistic’ target in Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason. Below is what Buckley wrote about this:

“Since the unrestricted market can’t really give the Bulls what they want (or need), an aggressive approach to restricted free agency feels like the right mindset. Eason’s disruptive defense and versatility both feel like like possible culture-creators, and maybe the 24-year-old even has more offense than he’s been able to show in Houston.”

Eason is a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Rockets can match any offer the Bulls make for him. Eason has been able to hold his own this season as a 3-&-D player. In 48 games (32 starts), he is averaging 10.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Eason’s shooting stroke has also been doing well, despite recent struggles. He is posting a 41.5/37.1/73.5 shooting split this season heading into Monday’s game.

There are also likely to be other suitors for Eason, making this a bit more difficult for the Bulls. Eason has shown the ability to be a strong core player in Houston, so Chicago needs to prove that they are the best fit for him if they want to wind up signing him.

The post NBA Free Agency: This is the optimistic free agent target for the Chicago Bulls this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On Tuesday, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan could be headed for the exit door soon.

Momentum is building for Donovan to resign his post amid another failed season in Chicago.

The Bulls committed to tanking at the trade deadline, and the rebuild will not be as swift as a Hall of Fame coach might tolerate.

On Tuesday evening, a job that might pique the interest of Donovan opened up.

Per Pete Nakos of On3, North Carolina decided to part ways with Hubert Davis after No. 6 seed UNC blew a lead to No. 11 seed VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Per Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, Donovan is expected to listen to an offer from UNC.

“One source told CBS Sports that Donovan would, at the very least, listen and be intrigued by the potential to coach at North Carolina,” Norlander wrote. “Donovan previously passed on courtships from other big college jobs, but North Carolina is the one school that Donovan has always held in especially high regard.”

Chicago Bulls could lose Billy Donovan to UNC

Donovan deserved to make the Basketball Hall of Fame, but it wasn’t for his effort in the NBA.

Donovan went 35-20 in two seasons at Marshall before taking over at Florida in 1996. He won two national titles with the Gators and went 467-186 at UF. He made the Final Four three times before jumping to the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Bulls have made the playoffs just one time since he joined in 2020. Chicago lost in the first round of the 2022 playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks.

It would make sense for Donovan to leave Chicago this offseason. He’d likely have more success with UNC than he would with another open NBA job during this hiring cycle.

And North Carolina could pay some big bucks.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan has ears for open UNC job: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are in a position where they are going to be looking towards the NBA Draft. With the team’s chances to make the play-in looking slim, the draft is something that seems to be the focus. Chicago holds three picks in this year’s draft, but who could be available? Let’s take a closer look at who they take in one outlet’s latest mock draft.

The Chicago Bulls land three key players in Bleacher Report’s mock draft

The Bulls are slated to have three picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. They hold their own first-round pick while also having the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets second-round selections. After selecting AJ Dybantsa with the first pick in the previous mock draft, the ping-pong balls did not fall in their favor. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote a mock draft following the first weekend of March Madness. Instead, they hold the ninth pick. Chicago selects a familiar face in mock drafts as they take Arizona guard Brayden Burries. Below is what he said about this pick:

“Brayden Burries first two NCAA tournament performances felt on brand. He efficiently combined for 34 points on just 17 shots, scoring opportunistically within Arizona’s offense, aside from a deep, iso three-pointer that sunk Utah State late in Sunday’s game.

“He’s the type of guard who doesn’t need flashy self-creation off the dribble to get to the rim or hit jumpers. He has been super efficient in ball-screen situations getting downhill and pulling up in the mid-range. He’s had lots of success attacking closeouts and space in transition, using his frame well to shield defenders and create easy finishing angles.”

Chicago has a massive question mark regarding their backcourt, so this would be a great fit. Burries has been a tick off shooting 50% from the floor and 40% from three as a freshman, so he can be an elite scorer.

Chicago’s second-round picks land them centers

The two second-round picks can provide strong additions for the team. They have the 38th pick and take St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor. He has incredible energy and defensive activity while doing some of the things that don’t show on the box score. Chicago also lands the 53rd pick and go international with this selection. They draft Momo Faye, who is playing professionally in France. He is more of a traditional center, but can be a good two-way player or rotational center.

It will be intriguing to see how the front office wants to attack this draft. It’s difficult to expect anything but excitement for Chicago if this is how the draft plays out.

The post Chicago Bulls land 3 key players in Bleacher Report’s 2026 NBA Mock Draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls took a step backward in their tank mission on Monday when they beat the Houston Rockets 132-124 in front of 21,395 fans at the United Center.

The win improved the Bulls’ record to 29-42, a rather useless win for  a team now tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for No. 11 in the Eastern Conference.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is doing his best to win with the patchwork roster he was given after the trade deadline when Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu were traded away.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times suggested Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas might soon field the blame, allowing Donovan to keep players like Colin Sexton on the court too long to aid in needless wins.

Billy Donovan could leave the Chicago Bulls soon

Cowley also dropped a nugget that there is “momentum” building that Donovan might soon resign from his position.

“Coach Billy Donovan might not be an option,” Cowley wrote, of where Karnisovas could point the finger. “There’s been growing momentum around the building that Donovan could step away from the mess and take a season to re-evaluate what he wants from the profession.

“It would make sense considering how emotional the year has been for the Hall of Famer, losing both his father and mother-in-law within weeks of each other. Plus, while Donovan is the ultimate optimist and isn’t close to being done coaching, it is now six seasons without a proven elite talent.”

Donovan has been with the Bulls since 2020, reaching the playoffs just one time in 2022, the only season Chicago has had a winning record under the Hall of Fame basketball coach.

It would be interesting to see if Donovan would have any interest in going back to the college ranks. It’s possible that North Carolina and Kansas will have openings this spring.

Maybe the coach could cut bait and take a major college job within weeks.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls: Momentum growing for Billy Donovan to resign appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are a young team that has some intriguing decisions to make about its roster this offseason. The front office has some young players, but there are potential free agents who can complement the roster well. One outlet discussed possible additions, so let’s see who the franchise can go after.

The Chicago Bulls can go after Mitchell Robinson this offseason

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote an article discussing free agent targets for each team. He highlighted realistic, optimistic, and dream free agents for all 30 teams. For the Bulls, Buckley listed New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson as a realistic option for them. Below is what he wrote about this connection:

“The Knicks might appreciate the heck out of Robinson’s bounce and presence on the glass, but they surely have a walk-away price point given his lengthy injury history. And Chicago can surely afford to offer whatever that number is. When he’s upright, he’s as active as anyone on the interior and above the rim.”

Robinson is a big man of an older era, not having much range and grabbing rebounds down low. He is having a bit of a down season statistically so far, limited to just 19.5 minutes per game. Robinson is averaging 5.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game coming off the bench.

Chicago will certainly need to figure out what they are doing at the center position this offseason. Zach Collins and Nick Richards are unrestricted free agents, while Lachlan Olbrich is a restricted free agent this offseason. The Bulls’ front office is going to need to get help with the frontcourt, but there are risks to signing Robinson. It will be intriguing to see how they decide to attack free agency this offseason with a young core.

The post This is the realistic free agent target for the Chicago Bulls this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant achieved another milestone this past week as he climbed up the NBA’s scoring list. Durant passed Michael Jordan for fifth all-time on the NBA scoring list with 32,294 points to Jordan’s 32,292.

The 37-year-old Durant has been efficient throughout his long NBA career which spans across 18 years. He’s been one of the best pure scorers in the league ever since he entered out of Texas. As Durant splashed a three-pointer from the corner to pass Jordan, it showcased his skill set once again. And now, he’s praising Jordan for being an inspiration to his career.

Kevin Durant praises Michael Jordan

While Durant grew up in the DC area and was a lifelong Bullets/Wizards fan, he appreciated the 90’s era of basketball. He went back to a playoff series in the first round of the 1997 Eastern Conference Playoffs where he saw Jordan live for the first time:

“I want to say late ’90s, but I can remember watching a playoff game versus the Bullets, so it had to be like ’96-’97, cause we were still the Bullets. That was like my first live game watching MJ. Of course, I’ve seen highlights on TV and stuff, but just sitting there watching him play. I mean, that’s all you watched. It was like a solo cam was on him. His presence is, and then the stories around him, from everybody else, the basketball world in general just made everything he did bigger than life,” Durant reflected in an exclusive interview with the Boardroom.

Durant has previously praised Jordan before, telling The Athletic that MJ has always been his inspiration. So to pass one of his idols on the scoring list, it had to be a special moment for him.

Since Durant went No. 2 overall to the Seattle Supersonics in the 2007 NBA Draft, he’s averaged least 25 points per game in 17 of his 18 NBA seasons. His longevity is impressive as is but at in the scoring and he’s en-route to a no-doubt Hall of Fame selection one day.

The post Kevin Durant praises Michael Jordan after passing him on NBA scoring list appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were a dynamic duo on the basketball court, helping deliver six NBA titles for the Chicago Bulls in the 90’s. But since then, the relationship between the two has certainly strained.

While neither have fully come out and said it, there’s certainly a feud between the two sides. That was ignited when Jordan’s son dated Pippen’s ex-wife Larsa recently before breaking up. The two haven’t been together in a long time with Pippen skipping out on the NBA’s 75th anniversary event just a few years ago. The release of “The Last Dance” also fueled this feud some more but things have been quiet in terms of the feud.

That is until now.

Scottie Pippen appears to take dig at Michael Jordan

Pippen appears in a new commercial for Mr. Pibb, promoting the soda with a unique angle of being “second best”. Pibb is referring to being similar to Dr. Pepper but never getting the shine. And you can see where this is going……

“When something has been considered second-best for so long, we just blindly accept it as gospel,” Pippen says in the commercial. “A decade-long plot built on marketing, social media and multi-part documentaries.”

Scottie Pippen disses Michael Jordan in a new soda commercial:

“When something has been considered second-best for so long, we just blindly accept it as gospel.”

“A decade-long plot built on marketing, social media and multi-part documentaries.”

pic.twitter.com/GVMn62Uc5h

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) March 23, 2026

There’s no direct reference to Jordan but it’s clear who Pippen is talking about and what the commercial is aiming for. He ends it by saying “Pipp is the GOAT” while doing a documentary-like sit down for the commercial.

It’s pretty creative and the brand certainly knew what they were doing. Will Jordan respond? Don’t bet on it, his focus right now is on winning NASCAR races.

The post Scottie Pippen appears to take a shot at Michael Jordan in new commercial appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls pulled the switch at the NBA Trade Deadline this year and sold off players. However, this created a question regarding the team’s future in a different way. They now have to decide which players they want to keep and which to let leave the organization. There are some pressing questions the front office has to find answers for, but what is the biggest question right now?

The Chicago Bulls need to figure out which guards they are going to keep

The post This is the Chicago Bulls biggest question they need to answer appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The biggest story of the NASCAR season so far has been 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick. After winning the first three races of the year including his first Daytona 500, Reddick hit a bit of a ‘slump’ recently. But on Sunday, he found himself in the winner’s circle again.

Reddick took the checkered flag at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, winning his fourth race of the season. He did so while needing a new battery and also not having his cool suit work all day. So you could say that Reddick had to overcome some important factors.

But even so, it’s another win for 23XI Racing and team owner Michael Jordan as was excited once again following the win.

Michael Jordan fired up after Tyler Reddick’s win

In all four wins for Reddick this season, there’s been a common theme: Michael Jordan has been in attendance. The co-owner of 23XI Racing has been a success story in NASCAR this season, earning a win in this lawsuit and then four checkered flags.

Following this win, Jordan was once again fired up for Reddick.

“I’m pretty sure it was frustrating for him because he had an unbelievable car. And, you know, you never know what’s gonna happen, especially at Darlington,” Jordan said in a post-race interview. “And I think that, you know, the key to him winning was, you know, just keeping his head. You know, I think Billy did a good job of trying to keep him calm. . . So we just had to get the car right. And, you know, he kept his composure, and I think he did an unbelievable job.”

Jordan showed his emotion after the race, running down to celebrate once again with Reddick and the team.

Michael Jordan outta nowhere to celebrate! pic.twitter.com/PsLQATpGce

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) March 22, 2026

Reddick sits atop the Cup Series standings comfortably with his fourth win of the year. He’s 61 points ahead of his teammate and second-placed Bubba Wallace.

The post Michael Jordan on Tyler Reddick’s fourth win this season: “Unbelievable” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have a lot of hope heading into the end of the 2025-26 NBA season. Despite not having the success the team was hoping for, they will have a high pick in the draft. As the season winds down, the draft order can become clearer, and where this pick can fall for Chicago narrows down. Let’s take a closer look at one outlet’s mock draft and why Bulls fans would be excited for things to end up this way.

The Chicago Bulls land the top pick in Bleacher Report’s 2026 NBA mock draft

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote a 2026 NBA mock draft. Chicago had the ping-pong balls fall in their favor here as they landed the top pick, selecting BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Below is a snippet of what he wrote about the Bulls and Dybantsa:

“If the Bulls strike lottery gold, fols might be parading through the Windy City streets as soon as the big win is announced. Chicago needs high-end talent in the worst kind of way, and its delayed acceptance of the inevitability of its rebuilding project would deny access to that type of prospect without divine intervention from the basketball gods.

“Here, though, the hoop gods’ generosity grants Chicago a mega-prospect with, as sacrilegious as this may sound, McGrady-ian potential. Dybantsa is anathletic 6’9″ advantage-creator who can get wherever he wants and comfortably shoot over just about anyone… He could level up his defense and overall consistency, but that could be copied and pasted into the breakdown of any NBA-bound teenager.”

Dybantsa made it known that he will make a decision on his future in the next few weeks. His freshman season ended in disappointment after being one-and-done in the NCAA Tournament after the 11th-seed Texas upset the six-seed BYU 79-71. Dybantsa had an outstanding season, leading the NCAA with 25.5 points per game. He also recorded 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game on 51.0/33.1/77.4 shooting.

This would be an outstanding fit for Chicago as they have a lot of young guards to help take pressure off him offensively. The Bulls would be thrilled if this happened and could lead to a new era of Chicago basketball.

The post Chicago Bulls land top pick in this 2026 NBA mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Billy Donovan is set to wrap up his sixth season as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls and it’s been another year of the rebuild. The Bulls are set to be in the lottery again and another year of disappointment.

Chicago is committed to Donovan despite a tear down after the trades they made. The two sides agreed to a contract extension this past July to keep Donovan here longer but there could be an opportunity for him in the college game. And it’s with one of the most prestigious programs in the game.

With North Carolina expected to move on from Hubert Davis, Donovan’s name will likely come up as a candidate. Some are already connecting him to the job.

Will UNC pursue Billy Donovan?

The Tar Heels blowing a 19-point lead to VCU in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday may have been it for Davis. Per multiple reports, the program is leaning towards moving on from the head coach after five seasons. No official lists of replacements are out there yet but one writer believes Donovan should be a candidate.

Bill Bender of The Sporting News listed Donovan among his candidates:

Donovan, 60, is the oldest candidate on this list. He’s also the only one with two national championships. He won two national championships at Florida. He has been a NBA coach with Oklahoma City and Chicago – but the Bulls are close to missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Donovan could return to the college game – and maybe he should – and UNC would be a good landing spot.

He makes a good point. Donovan does have college experience, and a lot of it. He led Florida to back-to-back national championships and proved to be a really good coach at the college level.

Donovan made the jump to the NBA level in 2015 where he took the Oklahoma City Thunder job until 2020. In his college career, Donovan went 502-206 over 21 seasons.

It’s very early and there are no indications that Donovan is even interested in the North Carolina job. However, don’t be surprised if his name does pop up at some point if the job is open.

The post Blue Blood college basketball program urged to pursue Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Dennis Rodman spent 14 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. Over that time, he won five NBA titles, was a two-time all-star and won the NBA’s rebounding crown seven times.

That career led him to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame where he was inducted in 2011. He was also named to a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, being honored as one of the best players of all time. Now, Rodman is heading to another Hall of Fame here in 2026.

Dennis Rodman to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame per report

On Friday morning, ESPN reported that Rodman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month. He will be a part of the 2026 class as a celebrity inductee. Rodman had a brief wrestling stint in the 90’s notably joining the NWO and partnering up with the late Hulk Hogan.

Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday. Rodman, a five-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, has a four-match pro wrestling career, with three of those coming in WCW.

He made his WCW debut in 1997 and famously skipped a practice during the 1998 NBA Finals to appear on “WCW Monday Nitro,” where he set up a tag team match in which he partnered with Hulk Hogan to face Diamond Dallas Page and Karl Malone.

The WWE Hall of Fame has a celebrity wing that Rodman will join. The wing includes William Perry, Mike Tyson, Pete Rose, Muhammad Ali, and Bob Uecker.

Rodman will be inducted on April 17 in Las Vegas as part of WrestleMania weekend.

The post Dennis Rodman to be inducted into Hall of Fame appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With just one month left to go in the NBA regular season, the future of the Chicago Bulls could be in how they finish here in 2026. The Bulls made the decision to trade some key pieces of the roster, moving towards a rebuild without exactly admitting it.

The problem for the Bulls is that they waited to long to do this and in terms of trade packages, they didn’t really receive any valuable assets. One player the Bulls got back in a trade was guard Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. The former lottery pick struggled at times with the Pistons as he was bothered with injuries throughout his career. But being traded, he got a new shot with the Bulls.

However, the injury bug is back.

Ivey hasn’t played lately as he’s dealing with left soreness and has appeared in just four games with the Bulls. But there is a positive update on his status.

Jaden Ivey likely to return soon for Chicago Bulls

With just the month left, the Bulls are hoping to get a good look at Ivey in terms of his future. He’s a restricted free agent and there’s signs that point to the Bulls taking a chance on him and retaining him.

On Wednesday, Billy Donovan put out an update on Ivey saying that the soreness in is knee is gone.

Billy says the plan is to have Jaden Ivey with the team on their upcoming road trip and the hope is that he can play at some point

He says the pain in his knee is gone

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) March 18, 2026

The Bulls begin their road trip on Wednesday, March 25 as they will be on the road for four games. Getting Ivey back will help the Bulls in terms of that evaluation. As Joe Cowley reports, all signs point to the Bulls trying to retain him.

“The unfortunate part was that when he got here, you’re dealing with him coming into a completely new situation after the trade deadline and then trying to get acclimated,” Donovan said. “I mean, the intention when [made the trade] is this could be somebody that would be here for a while. How all this plays out with the contract in July and the free agency part of it, understanding he’s restricted, I don’t know. But our intention organizationally was, this is a guy we feel could be a very, very good player, and this guy’s got a pretty long runway of being somewhat youthful and young.”

Maybe Ivey can be a diamond in the rough for the Bulls. But at this point, it might be hard to count on that moving forward.

The post Billy Donovan provides key update on injured Chicago Bulls guard appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are looking towards the future this offseason. They hit the reset button at this year’s trade deadline and acquired picks to bolster the team’s future. However, they are not going to be able to use all of their draft capital over the next handful of years. One outlet proposed an intriguing trade for the Bulls that will give them a former top pick. Let’s take a closer look at the trade proposal and what it would mean for Chicago.

The Chicago Bulls trade for Zaccharie Rishacher in Bleacher Report’s mock trade

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote an article discussing what each team’s perfect trade in the offseason would be. In the hypothetical trade between the Bulls trade away guard Tre Jones, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick. They receive former first-overall pick Zaccharie Rishacher in return from the Hawks.

Rishacher has struggled to find his footing in the NBA after being the first pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has played in 129 games (118 starts) for the Hawks and is averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He is shooting 45.2% from the floor, 35.6% from beyond the arc, and 67.6% from the charity stripe as well. However, he has failed to live up to the pre-draft hype thus far.

This would be an intriguing frontcourt option for Chicago to consider. The team has seven second-round picks over the next six drafts, so trading a couple away wouldn’t be too devastating. If the Bulls believe in his upside and potential, this could be a chance to get an outstanding talent to bolster the roster for the next few years.

The Bulls are going to need to make some tough decisions on how they can improve the roster going forward. It will be intriguing to see how Arturas Karnisovas and the rest of the front office looks at doing so in the offseason.

The post Bleacher Report suggests Chicago Bulls trade for former top pick in offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have been looking to figure out what they have on their roster for the future. With the team seemingly out of postseason contention, figuring out what they have and getting more ping-pong balls for the NBA Draft is the objective. However, they do still have some talent on their roster. Let’s take a closer look at who the team’s biggest X-factor is for the remaining three weeks of the season.

Bleacher Report considers Matas Buzelis as the Chicago Bulls X-factor

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey wrote an article where he discussed every team’s X-factor for the remaining few weeks of the regular season. For the Bulls, Bailey selected forward Matas Buzelis as that player for them. Below is what he wrote about Buzelis and the team.

The post This is the Chicago Bulls’ X-factor for the remainder of the season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls continue to hang around the top 10 of the NBA lottery for the upcoming draft after reshaping the roster at the trade deadline. But it’s clear the team is going to build around Matas Buzelis, a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

While the Bulls appear years away from completing their rebuild, Buzelis continues to show flashes of his potential. His second season in the league is a good step forward in terms of his development and what it means moving forward. And on Monday night, Buzelis joined some really rare and elite company this season by hitting a few milestones.

Matas Buzelis is in elite company this season

The Bulls were able to take care of business against the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center. It hurt their NBA lottery position as they will likely not be able to catch the Grizzlies for the 8th spot in the lottery. They are also just a half game ahead of the Bucks who are 10th.

But it was Buzelis performance that really stood out. He finished the game with 29 points and 7 rebounds as the team was +27 with him on the floor last night. He also drained five three-pointers and had three blocks in the game. With that, he reached 100 blocks and 100 made three-pointers on the year, joining only Victor Wembanyama as the only two players in the NBA to do that this season.

NBA players with 100 blocks and 100 threes this season:

Matas Buzelis
Victor Wembanyama

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) March 17, 2026

That’s a pretty impressive feat for Buzelis in his second season.

Now, ideally you want the Bulls to lose and tank to get a higher draft pick. But in reality, they waited too long to do that and are probably going to miss out on a top player in a loaded draft.

The bright spot right now is Buzelis, who continues to have a big second season in the league. Building around him is what the Bulls want to do and if he gets better and better, it’s great for the Bulls.

The post Matas Buzelis in elite company with this stat appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are getting prepared for the future as the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down. They are projected to have a top-10 pick in this year’s draft and can land a strong player. There are a lot of intriguing players who are expected to be in the NBA Draft, and we have a chance to get a good look at them during March Madness. One outlet released its recent mock draft ahead of the NCAA Tournament, so let’s take a look at who Chicago would wind up taking.

The Chicago Bulls select Arizona guard Brayden Burries in Bleacher Report’s NBA mock draft

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote a full NBA mock draft ahead of the NCAA Tournament. For the Bulls, he gave them the ninth pick and selected Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries. Below is the breakdown he provided on Burries:

“After a slow start for Brayden Burries, belief and interest around his potential has gradually snowballed with the consistent scoring outputs. He’s the type of guard who doesn’t need flashy self-creation off the dribble to get to the rim or hit jumpers. He has been super efficient in ball-screen situations getting downhill and pulling up in the mid-range.

“He’s had lots of success attacking closeouts and space in transition, using his frame well to shield defenders and create easy finishing angles. Certain evaluators just may have a difficult time picturing upside in a 6’4″, limited playmaker.”

The 20-year-old freshman has been one of the top shooters in the nation, posting a 49.2/36.7/80.4 shooting split in 34 games. He’s also averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals in 29.5 minutes per game. Burries would be an excellent pick for the Bulls, pairing with Josh Giddey in the backcourt.

It will be interesting to see how players perform in the NCAA Tournament, as some other flaws will pop up for players. Chicago will have scouts at games to figure out who they should be locking in on when they are officially on the clock.

The post Chicago Bulls take this Arizona guard in latest Bleacher Report NBA mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are using the last quarter of the season to evaluate players whom they can decide to keep or move on from. They have a good amount of draft capital after trading away players at this season’s trade deadline. There is one player whom they can target in the offseason for a trade that fits the team perfectly. Let’s take a closer look at who it is and what the deal would look like.

The Chicago Bulls could trade for Yves Missi

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote an article where he made perfect trades for each team this offseason. In this hypothetical trade, the Bulls are acquiring center Yves Missi. In exchange, they are sending the Pelicans two second-round picks in this year’s draft and another from the 2028 NBA Draft. Below is the reasoning he gave for Chicago making this deal:

“The Bulls are looking for a new franchise center, preferably someone who is young enough to grow with this core and become a future defensive anchor. Missi, 21, is 6’11” with a 7’2″ wingspan who is blocking 1.4 shots in just 18.8 minutes of play this season. He’s seen a reduced role with the Pelicans due to the Derik Queen pick and DeAndre Jordan signing, signaling that the second-year center may be available. New Orleans doesn’t own its first-round pick this year, so the Bulls could send a pair of seconds in 2026 and another future selection to help the Pelicans decide to part with the former first-round pick.”

The Bulls currently do not have a center on the payroll for next season, as both Nic Richards and Zach Collins are on expiring deals. However, they have Lachan Olbrich as a two-way player, and he is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Missi has played in 55 games this season for the Pelicans and has some room for improvement in his sophomore NBA season. So far, he is averaging 5.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.3 steals in 18.8 minutes per game. This certainly feels like a trade Chicago would accept in a heartbeat. It will be intriguing to see if a trade like this is on the table in the offseason.

The post This is the perfect Chicago Bulls trade this offseason, per Bleacher Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have been struggling this season and are living towards the bottom of the NBA power rankings. They have a very little chance of making the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament still, but are looking respectable. Chicago is looking towards the future, but where do they rank in the entire NBA? Let’s take a closer look at one outlet’s power rankings and where the Bulls are standing.

The Chicago Bulls hold firm at 21 in The Athletic’s power rankings

The Athletic’s Law Murray wrote the power rankings for the NBA heading into the new week of action. He placed Chicago as the 21st-ranked team in the league after a 1-2 week. Below is what he wrote about the Bulls:

“The Bulls aren’t good, but they’re fast. And teams have to play well to beat them. But because they are not good, those performances from opponents can be loud (see: Luka Dončić treating Matas Buzelis like a piñata). It’s a shame that Essengue’s season ended three months ago due to shoulder surgery, because he would be getting necessary playing time right now. Olbrich has played 24 games while on a two-way contract.”

The Bulls would play all three games last week on the road. They would win against the Golden State Warriors, but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. This team is young and playing with an incredible pace. However, they are still 25th with a 112.3 offensive rate, meaning they are scoring at a lower rate than expected. The Bulls need to figure that portion out when playing at a quicker pace as they could be getting out on the fast break.

With the front office figuring out what they will do with some of the young talent on this roster in the offseason, it will be intriguing to see how the team plays out the remainder of the season. For the upcoming week, Chicago plays three games all at the United Center. They host the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers, so they can improve their rankings for next week.

The post Chicago Bulls stay put in The Athletic’s latest power rankings appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Goldin, an internationally renowned auction house known for rare and record-breaking collectible sales, today opened its 2026 Photography Auction, running March 13 through April 4. The auction presents 100 valuable photographs spanning sports, culture, and historical events. In addition, it offers collectors museum-quality imagery tied to some of the most recognizable figures and moments of the past century.

The auction is led by a remarkable 1984 Michael Jordan PSA Type I Original Photo. It was taken by Nike photographer Chuck Kuhn, captured immediately after the now-iconic “Skyline” image used for the world-famous Jumpman logo. The photo features the same outfit, same sweatband, same basket, and same ball. Meanwhile, the never-before-seen Type I provides a rare glimpse into the early visual creation of one of the most recognizable athletic brands in history.

The iconic Michael Jordan Nike photo

Back in 1984, Jordan shot a promotional photo with Nike for the release of the Air Jordan 1. The ‘skyline’ image shows Jordan soaring through the air with the Jumpman logo. The photo shows Jordan posing on the basketball court holding the ball. The Air Jordan 1 is draped over his shoulder.

Here’s the story behind it from Goldin:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Goldin (@goldinco)

More info from Goldin

The 2026 Photography Auction will close on April 4, with extended bidding beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Looking towards the summer, the company’s USA 250 Auction, celebrating the semiquincentennial of the United States and headlined by an original Declaration of Independence Broadside, is scheduled to open on May 8. Consignments for the USA 250 as well as the World Cup Auction are currently also being accepted. Interested parties should reach out to sell@goldin.com.

The post Original Michael Jordan Nike photo headlines Goldin’s 2026 Photography Auction appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls have seemingly pulled the plug on trying to make the postseason this year. They have some exciting young talent that the team needs to evaluate in order to see who they have for the future. However, there are still 15 games remaining this season. One outlet wrote about what the franchise should be looking for to end the season, so let’s take a deeper dive into that.

The Chicago Bulls need to prioritize evaluating young talent heading into next season

The Athletic published an article discussing what each NBA team should be prioritizing for the end of the season. For Chicago, they said the team should prioritize evaluating remaining young talent. Below is what Joel Lorenzi wrote about the Bulls:

“These Bulls found fewer things to look forward to when they purged the roster at the trade deadline. Their focus shifts to June’s NBA Draft, regarded as loaded and franchise-altering if you’re well-positioned and perhaps making lemonade out of refurbished lottery picks. If they’re going to see who’s worth keeping during this next iteration, young guys like Leonard Miller and Jaden Ivey will need to play. Not only will the Bulls get decent data on which positive assets they might’ve accrued, but with the lack of cohesion and glaring talent, it should set them up to lose valiantly, which should be the priority for the team with the ninth-worst record in the league, joining the rebuilding party late. But the same reason these guys won’t play endless minutes is the same reason Chicago likely won’t bottom out: Head coach Billy Donovan is wired to chase wins.”

Chicago has a handful of players who are on expiring contracts this offseason, so figuring out who they want to keep is critical. With pending cap space and draft capital, it will be intriguing to see what the front office has in mind for the final 15 games of the season.

The post The Athletic considers this the Chicago Bulls top priority for remainder of season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are looking to take a massive step forward in the offseason, currently slated to have a top 10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While there are a myriad of different ways the team can be looking at the players in this class, there are some intriguing options. Let’s take a look at one mock draft ahead of March Madness and who they have the Bulls selecting.

The Chicago Bulls select Tennessee forward Nate Ament in ESPN’s mock draft

The Bulls are slated to currently land the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. A lot of mock drafts have differing opinions on which player Chicago could be targeting at that spot. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote a one-round mock draft and had the team drafting Tennessee Volunteers freshman forward Nate Ament. Below is what Woo wrote about this pick:

“Ament injured his right leg against Alabama on Feb. 28 and hasn’t played since, but he returned to basketball activities this week… He turned his season around in conference play after a slow start, averaging 19 points in 16 league games and reminding teams why he was so highly rated coming into the season. He has at times left evaluators wanting more, but checks valuable size and skill boxes that should make him a long-term NBA fixture. Whether Ament can take a star leap hinges on the evolution of his shot-creation skills.”

Ament returned for the SEC Tournament and looked sharp in his first game back by stuffing the stat sheet. He played in 29 games so far this season and is averaging 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 30.1 minutes per game. This would be an intriguing fit with the guard-heavy roster that the Bulls currently have under contract.

The post Chicago Bulls take SEC forward in ESPN mock draft ahead of March Madness appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Michael Jordan found a lot of success on the basketball court, being considered the greatest to ever play the game. But in life after basketball, Jordan is now finding success in another sport.

Jordan is a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team along with Denny Hamlin and to start the 2026 NASCAR season, one of his drivers, Tyler Reddick won three-of-four races. Reddick won the first three races of the season before finishing eighth in Phoenix on Sunday. Overall, it was a good day for 23XI who also had Bubba Wallace placing sixth.

But before the race began, one driver made sure to note how much Jordan is impacting NASCAR.

Brad Keselowski approves of Michael Jordan in NASCAR

Ahead of the season, Jordan and 23XI settled on an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in December 2025. That was a win for 23XI Racing as Jordan was a prominent figure in the hearings.

Now, drivers are starting to notice the impact Jordan is having on the sport. Here is what Brad Keselowski had to say when asked about that ahead of the race in Phoenix.

“Yeah, I mean it’s hard to argue against Michael having a positive influence on the sport,” Keselowski said. “I love the fact that he’s so engaged and at the races. I just can’t emphasize enough how important that is, not just Michael, but for any of the key stakeholders to just have physical presence at the racetrack. That’s for all levels.

“So for him to have physical presence, a testament for his fortitude for being a part of the sport. Because, lets face it, although he’s won the first three races, he’s lost a lot more. As every car owner will, it’s not a dig on him. If I’m a guy like him, personally, and I say ‘Where do I want to be today?’ And I know that I have less than a 10 percent chance of winning, flying my butt all across the country when I have all the things that Michael has, it probably something that takes me a minute to emotionally justify. But he does. I’ll give him a lot of respect and credit for that.”

Jordan has been to all four races this season and with the success that his team is having, we can expect more races for Jordan to attend this season.

It’s also awesome to see drivers notice that and respect that with Jordan.

The post NASCAR drivers are noticing Michael Jordan’s impact in sport appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago feels like it hit the big red reset button, then kept pressing it just to be sure. The Bulls didn’t just “tweak” around the edges at the deadline. They ended up with a roster that looks younger and faster.

Chicago is sitting at 25-37, which puts them deep in the East pack. That record also matches what you’ll see across the major stat trackers, which is basically another way of saying the season hasn’t been kind, even before the roster got flipped.

But the more interesting story isn’t the record. It’s the direction. The Bulls’ deadline week was turbulent with big names out, new guards in, draft picks and seconds piling up. Ok, so who is playing where?

The Trade Deadline Week

The NBA trade deadline for the 2025/26 season landed on Feb. 5th and by the time the dust settled, the Bulls had moved multiple rotation guys and pulled in a collection of guards, young prospects, and new picks. One move set the tone: Nikola Vučević out. That’s not a small thing. He had been the most stable player who is big for Chicago for years, and Boston came calling.

Vučević to Boston and the Simons Swing

Boston acquired Nikola Vučević from the Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons, with second round pick pieces attached on both sides. The NBA is reporting on the deal, saying that Boston added more frontline options, while noting both players were headed toward free agency in the summer.

Chicago traded their veteran center because they’re shifting toward a newer, younger direction. They brought in Simons because he can score a lot and explode for big nights. But the obvious risk is that giving up a true center can leave you exposed near the basket, rebounding, rim defense, and defending bigger teams, until you find another reliable big man.

In the Stake NBA promotions, Chicago sits in the pure longshot section, the part of the board that’s basically reserved for teams that would need a perfect storm just to sniff a deep run. For the NBA 2025/26 Outright Winner, Stake has the Chicago Bulls at 5,001.00.

That number is massive for a reason: it’s the market telling you the Bulls are not priced like a contender, they’re priced like a team where anything can happen, but they’re probably not the winning team. In the Eastern Conference Winner outright market on Stake, Chicago is listed at 2,001.00, which still puts them way out in the distance compared to the true East favorites.

So the realistic prediction isn’t a title chase, but the evaluation season. Chicago’s best case path is a late surge that makes games annoying for better teams, plus enough progress from the new group to go into summer with a clear core. The odds don’t expect a miracle run; they expect a team still building its next version.

The Three Team Shuffle That Landed Ivey and Conley

The Bulls acquired Jaden Ivey from Detroit and Mike Conley Jr. from Minnesota in a three team deal, while sending Kevin Huerter and Dario Šarić to the Pistons. Detroit received Huerter and Šarić, Chicago received Conley and Ivey, and Minnesota’s role was tied to the broader cap. Media reports emphasized that Chicago was the landing spot for Ivey and Conley, with Detroit taking back the wing shooting.

Ivey is the kind of buy low swing rebuilding teams love. If it clicks, you’ve got a young guard with juice. If it doesn’t, you haven’t chained yourself to a long term contract that ruins your summer. Conley, meanwhile, looked more like a “routing” piece than a long term fit, and the obvious Chicago’s financial motivations after getting him.

Coby White Out, Sexton In and More Seconds Added

The Bulls didn’t stop there. Chicago also sent Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. to Charlotte in exchange for Collin Sexton and three future second round picks. This wasn’t just player for player exchange; it’s clear that Chicago is stacking second rounders like they’re planning to use them as trade grease later.

Ousmane Dieng was acquired by Charlotte from Oklahoma City as part of the mechanics, then rerouted amid the chain of transactions. This is where deadline week gets messy: one deal bleeds into another, and suddenly a player is technically on three teams in a day.

Sexton is a different flavor than White, but he’s still in that “guard who can score” zone. That zone is extremely full in Chicago right now.

Ayo Dosunmu Heads to Minnesota, Dillingham Comes Back

The most emotional move for a lot of Bulls fans was Ayo Dosunmu getting moved. Minnesota acquired Dosunmu and Julian Phillips, while Chicago received Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four future second round picks.

So, what is the plan behind this move? First, the Bulls are willing to cash in a homegrown guy if the return includes a young guard prospect they like. Second, the Bulls are hoarding second round picks like they’re planning a busy draft weekend for the next three years.

Also, yes: more guards.

The Nick Richards Deal

After you trade a real center (Vučević), you don’t want to leave the season with undersized lineups. Chicago addressed that by acquiring center Nick Richards as part of a three team structure involving Milwaukee and Phoenix. In the final version, Phoenix received Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, Milwaukee received Nigel Hayes-Davis and Ousmane Dieng, and Chicago received Nick Richards.

Richards isn’t a “save the franchise” type of center, but he’s a real big body, and right now Chicago needs functional size more than it needs another 6’3” scorer. Even if he’s just a stopgap, he at least makes the roster look like an NBA roster again.

One More Move That Signals the Theme

Chicago also picked up Guerschon Yabusele from the Knicks in exchange for Dalen Terry. It’s not the headline grabber compared to the other deals, but it fits the pattern of trying different frontcourt pieces, staying flexible, and just keeps cycling until something sticks.

What Are the Bulls Now?

This is the tricky part. Chicago looks like a team that’s rebuilding but rebuilding with a tempo. They didn’t just sell off veterans for one potential future star pick and call it a day. They grabbed multiple young ish players who can handle, shoot, and attack, then flooded the roster with options.

The result is a team that can look like a mishmash of everything in the short term. In one game you’ll see a guard get hot and make everything look easy. The next game you’ll see the same team struggle to rebound, struggle to defend bigger lineups, and give up second chance points. That’s basically the trade off: fun offense pops up, but the structure gets shaky.

Local fans and online communities, as well as media reports around the league have been blunt about it too, describing Chicago as a rebuilding team with a roster skewed toward guards after a flurry of deadline acquisitions by specifically naming additions like Rob Dillingham, Jaden Ivey, Collin Sexton, and Anfernee Simons.

The Injury Situation Is Not Helping

As if the roster wasn’t already shaky enough, the Bulls have been carrying a real injury list. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are listed as questionable with ankle sprains, while Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons are out, along with Zach Collins and Noa Essengue, and both Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith are suffering leg injuries. That’s a long list and a brutal combo for a team trying to build chemistry.

A new roster needs reps. Injuries steal reps, and then the identity crisis begins to set in. Josh Giddey And Matas Buzelis Are in the Thick of It

When a team shifts direction midseason, the clearest sign is who gets the ball, who gets the minutes, and who gets treated like the long term plan.

Giddey has been the connector type for a while: big guard, playmaking instincts, can run an offense in a way that makes everyone else’s life easier. When he’s out or limited, Chicago’s new choice of guards becomes less organized and more like a bunch of guys taking turns.

Buzelis is the other big piece, and he’s the kind of forward who makes the rebuild make sense because he’s not just a project. He can produce, and he’s big enough to matter on a roster that’s suddenly not exactly loaded with wings.

This is why injuries of crucial players feel extra annoying. If you want the Bulls to have a clear identity by April, you need the guys you’re building around on the floor.

What the Deadline Tells Us About the Front Office Plan

The Bulls’ deadline pattern is pretty clear when you zoom out. They prioritized flexibility. Multiple deals brought in future second round picks, and even the player additions tend to be the kind of contracts you can move again. They look like they’re just trying a bunch of different things in a very short span, which can look messy now, but can pay off if one or two guys pop and become a real long term part of the team.

It looks like Chicago is situating itself financially while adding draft capital, with the flurry of moves. Are they scrambling, or is this a planned change? Even if you disagree with every individual trade grade, that general theme of the team trying out a completely different roster is hard to argue.

The Free Agency Signals Are Already Starting

Even though free agency isn’t here yet, rumors and early reporting have started painting a picture of what Chicago might look for next. One report described early signals that Chicago could be looking at wings, including restricted free agents, which fits perfectly with the most obvious need on the current roster of more size and more two way wing play.

Right now the Bulls are investing a lot in guards. However, if they are looking for any meaningful results, they’re going to need extra bodies at the 2 and 3 to survive the modern NBA. This is especially important in the East where they’ll be constantly dealing with long defenders and big forwards.

Chicago’s Place in the NBA Week

The league’s deadline recap was loaded with major moves across contenders and rebuilders, and it’s part of why Chicago’s approach stands out: they weren’t chasing one final piece. They were reloading the whole team.

That also means the Bulls are going to be judged differently. Nobody is expecting them to become top four seeds overnight. What people will watch is whether the young players start to fit, and whether the roster starts to make sense by the end of the season.

The Rest of the Season Is About Experiments, Not Miracles

With a 25-37 record, the Bulls aren’t in a place where one hot week changes the whole narrative. But the stretch run can still make a difference. It’s a time when Chicago would find out which combinations work, which players are keepers, and which guys look like they belong in the next version of the team.

The frustrating part is that injuries can make the team look very different to fans. When Simons is out, when Ivey is out, when Giddey is questionable, you’re not really seeing the intended version of the roster. But you can still learn things, especially about the young guys and the frontcourt rotation.

The Bulls Are Building a New Identity

Chicago’s season right now is a weird mix of fresh start energy and midseason mayhem. They moved a major veteran center to Boston, brought in Anfernee Simons, swung for Jaden Ivey in a three team shuffle, flipped Coby White, moved Ayo Dosunmu, and stacked a pile of second round picks while trying to patch the frontcourt with Nick Richards and Yabusele.

That’s a definition of the team trying to find the next version of itself, fast. To watch the Bulls this season, fans shouldn’t obsess over single game results. Watch the minutes. Watch who closes. Watch which pairings keep showing up. And watch whether the injury list finally chills out long enough for the new pieces to play real basketball together.

Because the Bulls have made their choice: the old era is gone. Now it’s about what grows in its place.

The post Chicago Bulls New Direction for 2026 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NBA GOAT debate continues to provide arguments for years. With Michael Jordan and LeBron James being at the center of it, the debates will continue to get stronger and stronger.

The latest?

“Game Over” podcast hosts Max Kellerman and Rich Paul had a spirited debate over Michael Jordan and how he would fare in today’s NBA. The podcast is hosted by “The Ringer” and this became a hot topic on a recent episode. It was sparked by Kellerman saying he believes Jordan would average 40 points and a triple double in today’s game.

However, Paul who is the CEO of Klutch Sports and a close friend of LeBron James. That’s where it gets interesting.

Rich Paul fires back about Michael Jordan claim

During the episode, Paul appeared to have James’ back and the rest of the NBA’s back in the debate. He disagreed with Kellerman’s take, arguing this younger generation wouldn’t back down.

“You’re out of your mind. I do believe that sometimes people say things that (Jordan) wouldn’t even believe. You’re missing a major point. You’re basing on this as if people still consider the pecking order.

These kids today they not bowing down to nobody. They not just gonna sit around and let you shoot every shot. In today’s NBA, guys are coming in and they’re not caring as much as you think about who you are and what you did. Because in their mind, ‘I’m the guy’ too.”

He believes the confidence of the younger generation would be an issue for Jordan. Kellerman grew up in the Jordan-era and will defend that era like he did on the podcast. However, with Paul being a close friend of James, it’s interesting ti see his answer and how it defends this generation that James has been a part of as well.

The debates will continue on.

The post LeBron James’ agent shoots down Michael Jordan take appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As the Chicago Bulls usher in their rebuild for the 2026 offseason, the franchise is finally heading into a direction they needed to years ago. It’s clear that there is need to go into this direction. But even so, there was a time where this franchise had a window to potentially win a title.

That was over 10 years ago.

The times have changed but the stories that come out from that era of Bulls’ basketball are still pretty good. The latest is from Taj Gbson, and his early time with the Bulls under Tom Thibodeau.

Taj Gibson calls practices under Thibs’ “hell”

Former Bulls draft pick Taj Gibson is still going strong, signing a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies recently. While his career is coming to an end soon, Gibson has had some time reminisce about his early days for the Bulls. Gibson was the No. 26 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft for the Bulls and had a lengthy career in Chicago.

He appeared on the “All The Smoke” podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson where he talked about the Thibodeau era and practices via Bleacher Nation:

“It was hell. Because you think about, we got a young Thibs. Imagine Thibs back then. You think he was tough now, imagine him back then. We didn’t have no regulations, we didn’t have no strict timing. No large training staffs. So then, you’re dealing with the Thibs factor. And Thibs is that guy. He’s gassing the situation up every day, ‘Oh you’re gonna let the first team destroy you guys again? You guys [are] getting thrown around like rag dolls!’

“And then you’ve got Carlos, in the back of his mind, he’s hearing the chatter. Joakim is the biggest s— talker in the whole NBA. Every day he’s clapping, ‘Yeah, T.G., you all not doing nothing today.’ And a couple times, I tried to fight him. I was like, ‘Yo.’ And that’s how it had to be. Every time in practice, we went at it. We tried to fight, we tried to scrap because we had to go against guys like y’all, the Clippers, we had to go against the top of the top every day. It was no holds barred.”

That’s awesome to hear.

We know how intense Thibs was in his time with the Bulls but hearing these stories are still pretty awesome.

The post Taj Gibson on Chicago Bulls practices under former coach: “It was hell” appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are in a position where they have essentially thrown in the towel on this season. They have lost 12 of their previous 13 games and find themselves 12th in the Eastern Conference. While it is difficult for them to get some of the top odds for the 2026 NBA Draft, they are essentially looking to build up through the draft this offseason and see where things go from there. Let’s take a look at how one writer believes the season is going.

The Chicago Bulls received a ‘C’ grade for the third quarter of the NBA season

The Bulls have posted a 25-37 record so far, and have a clear vision for the future. Zach Harper of The Athletic seemingly agrees, as he posted his report card for the third quarter of the NBA season. Chicago was one of two Eastern Conference teams to receive a ‘C’ grade for their performance. However, he also mentioned the team is getting worse, but explained why in this snippet from the article below:

“Chicago. It’s by design, but the Bulls have really sunk into this tanking thing. They lost 11 straight games almost immediately, as they punted on the Play-In Tournament. They’re seeing which guards are worth keeping and praying they can get some real lottery luck to get a future star on the roster.”

He would also go on and mention how Chicago is the team in the Eastern Conference that needs the lottery luck the most. The Bulls need to figure things out this offseason, but can use the remainder of the season to see which players are going to be part of the rebuilding process. They have their own first-round pick and the Portland Trail Blazers’ first-round pick (top-14 protected), so they are in a position to get some talent and use their treasure trove of picks over the next few years to get this team back on track.

In terms of this season, Chicago needs to figure out their guard situation and which players they are going to choose to keep around to build for the future with.

The post Chicago Bulls receive a passing grade for third quarter of the NBA season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing are riding high after winning the first three races of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Reddick became the first driver in NASCAR’s history to win the first three races of a season, including the Daytona 500 — 23XI Racing became the first team to win the first three races since Petty Enterprises in 1963.

More News: NASCAR: Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing make history in Austin

Winning the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix didn’t come easy, as the No. 97 car of Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen gave Reddick a run for his money, Reddick, used the pressure from Gisbergen to his advantage to help him win the race.

“I think for me in the heat of the battle, it’s like, ‘alright, I’ve got to find a way to hold off Shane,’ ” Reddick said to Cameron Richardson of NASCAR.com. “As I started to pull away, certainly, it’s like, ‘alright, there’s a lot on the line here.’ Hit your marks. Don’t be a hero. You don’t have to win by eight seconds. So important to just not make mistakes. Shane could have been playing games, right? Like back off a bit, see if I burn my stuff up, and I back up to him at the end of the race. I just didn’t let myself think it was over until it was truly over. So certainly used the pressure of what’s on the line to motivate myself to hit my marks and close it out.”

Reddick has a commanding lead in the standings, totaling 186 points, and has led 112 laps. Reddick’s teammate, Bubba Wallace (23 car), sits in a distant second with 116 points and led 86 laps with two top 10 finishes.

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin thinks Tyler Reddick is “complete” but has some work to do

Reddick’s boss and competitor on the track for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 11 car, Denny Hamlin, has been impressed with Reddick’s talents, calling him “complete.” However, Hamlin says that he and Reddick are still working with him on short tracks.

“He’s complete,” Hamlin said to Richardson. “I mean, the one area that we continue to work on with him is the short tracks. I think that’s where he can still improve a little bit, but we’re working pretty hard on improving him at those types of tracks. But he’s complete and certainly more complete than I am at this stage. He’s got really good things going on. I think we’re steadily seeing him continue to get better. What I love to see is that the work he puts in and things that we provide him for information, he’s soaking it all in and he’s using it and executing it. What I’ve seen out of him over the last few years, where he had some weaknesses, our team has helped him shore those up, and it’s amazing to see how well he’s doing.”

On short tracks (under a mile) like Martinsville Speedway, Reddick finished in 15th place last season and finished in 18th place at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing seem to be legit competitors to win it all

After winning their lawsuit against NASCAR in the offseason, 23XI Racing is a viable competitor to teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Team Penske. No. 9 Chase Elliott (Hendrick, 114 points) and No. 12 Ryan Blaney (Penske, 100 points) are the only drivers over 100 points from the major teams, but have a ton of ground to make up to catch Reddick.

Reddick will try to replicate his victory in Austin and try to win four in a row in Phoenix for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on March 8 at Phoenix Raceway.

The post NASCAR: Tyler Reddick uses pressure to his advantage to win at COTA appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is enjoying the offseason with plenty to be proud of. 

The two-time WNBA All-Star put together a dominant sophomore campaign, averaging 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. 

She led the league in rebounds per game for the second straight year. The former seventh overall pick also became just the third player in WNBA history to average a double-double in her first two seasons. 

Away from the WNBA, Reese is currently competing in Unrivaled for Rose BC. 

While keeping busy on the court, she made sure to support her younger brother Julian Reese, who is carving out his own professional basketball career.

WNBA: Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese shows support for brother Julian’s first career start

Angel is not the only professional baller in the Reese household. Her brother Julian also suits up for the Washington Wizards in the NBA.

The Chicago Sky star had a proud sister moment Monday after her 22-year-old sibling earned his first career start. The Wizards posted a graphic on X announcing the starting lineup against the Houston Rockets, with Julian’s name front and center.

“First NBA start for Juju,” the Wizards wrote on X.

Angel shared the post, along with an emotional reaction. Reese had no words, opting for a holding-back-tears emoji.  

https://t.co/yt73Y5b2Cr

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 2, 2026

Julian logged 28 minutes in the start, posting two points, four rebounds and three steals. Unfortunately, the Wizards fell 123-118 to the visiting Rockets at Capital One Arena.

The moment caps a remarkable rise for the former Maryland standout. After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, Julian signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Toronto Raptors. He then earned a two-way deal with Washington and its G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go.

Angel could not hide her pride. With one sibling dominating the WNBA and the other breaking into the NBA, the Reese family is living out a dream that started in their Baltimore driveway.

The post WNBA: Chicago Sky star Angel Reese had no words after big personal news appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls may have been able to snap their 11-game losing streak on Sunday, but they still are looking towards the offseason to get a potentially significant player for their franchise. With the Bulls having their own first-round pick, they will be in a good spot where they can select a great player for their future. Let’s take a closer look at who they are mocked to draft and what it would mean for the team going forward.

The Chicago Bulls select Brayden Burries in Bleacher Report’s mock draft

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman curated a 2026 NBA mock draft as he gave the Bulls the ninth pick. In the mock draft, the team selected shooting guard Brayden Burries from the Arizona Wildcats. Below is what he wrote regarding the 20-year-old prospect:

“After a slow start for Brayden Burries, belief and interest around his potential has gradually snowballed with the consistent scoring outputs. He’s the type of guard who doesn’t need flashy self-creation off the dribble to get to the rim or hit jumpers. He has been super efficient in ball-screen situations getting downhill and pulling up in the mid-range. He’s had lots of success attacking closeouts and space in transition, using his frame well to shield defenders and create easy finishing angles. Certain evaluators just may have a difficult time picturing upside in a 6’4″, limited playmaker.”

His NBA comparison in the draft is Quentin Grimes. Burries has been playing well for the Wildcats as the freshman guard is averaging 15.7 pounts, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals in 29.6 minutes per game. His shooting stroke has been clicking as well as he is shooting 49.5% from the floor, 37.6% from beyond the arc, and 77.3% from the free-throw line throughout his 29 games played as of this writing.

Burries would have a chance to play alongside players like Josh Giddey and Isaac Okoro in the backcourt if he were to be drafted to the Bulls. With the young roster that Chicago currently has, and have signed through next season, it would be a soft landing spot where the upcoming rookie could join as a building block for the rebuilding of the franchise.

It will be intriguing to see if this is the direction that the Bulls would go if they land the ninth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The post The Chicago Bulls select this guard in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 23XI Racing team made history on Sunday. For the first time in NASCAR history, a racer won the first three races of a season as Tyler Reddick took the checkered flag on Sunday at the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix near Austin.

It was the third-straight win for Reddick, opening up the season on a hot note. Reddick is one a handful of 23XI Racing drivers competing this year as the team is owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. As the race ended and they headed to the winner’s circle, Jordan was interviewed and offered his thoughts on the start to the race season for his team.

And he’s proud of what they have accomplished.

Michael Jordan is proud of 23XI Racing after another win

Jordan was interviewed after the race by FOX reporter Kaitlyn Vincie, who asked the GOAT about winning three-straight races.

“I’m proud of the team that we put together. Denny [Hamlin] I’m pretty sure is the same way, he feels the same way as I do,” Jordan said. “I think a lot of credit goes to him because he’s the mastermind behind finding Tyler [Reddick]. . . Look, I just put up the money. I’m just a competitor. I think Denny has done an unbelievable job in helping me build this team. I think the team has done a good job in just taking our leadership and going out and winning. That’s what it’s about. Winning.”

23XI has done a lot of winning over these past three weeks which has brought a smile to Jordan’s face. It’s cool to see Jordan be so open and excited about this sport, something he has a passion for. That’s not only good for the sport but for the fans of it as well.

His team is now delivering in a big way too.

The post Michael Jordan says he’s proud of his 23XI Racing team after another victory appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls still can’t get over their slump. They now have an 11-game losing streak, the longest in the NBA. Head coach Billy Donovan and his men had the worst month in franchise history as they went 0-11 in February.

Chicago’s 11th straight defeat came at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers as they lost 121-112. Seven out of the nine players who played against the Blazers scored double digits, but it wasn’t enough to get the win. However, the Bulls also committed 20 turnovers compared to Portland’s 12. 

Matas Buzelis was also expected to perform after coming off a career night. This time around, he scored 20 points but shot only 37.5% from the field and had four turnovers. He was still the Bulls’ leading scorer in this game, but Portland still won. 

Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan keeps it real after their 11th straight loss

Donovan says he is still trying to figure out how to push his team to come together and get the win. He still wants to focus on developing the young guys and their teamwork, not instilling a tanking mindset. Despite everything, he said that he’s not unaware of the situation of a future draft pick at stake.

“The discussions I had with [the front office] when the trade deadline was finalized was, ‘Nothing has changed, try and get these guys to play to the best of their ability; we know it’s going to be somewhat challenging with seven new players,’ ’ Donovan said. “Even talking to ownership, it’s been, ‘Hey, go out there and do your very best.’ There has been no indication from ownership or the front office of, ‘Hey, listen, if we finish here, here or here’ or ‘Listen, don’t worry about playing these guys; just play these guys.’ There’s been none of that at all.”

Donovan’s statement came after the unfortunate news regarding Chicago’s all-time worst month in franchise history. At the same time, however, Donovan understands how this works in their favor, potentially increasing their chances of success in the draft lottery.

“Philosophically, I get the dynamics once June, whatever date that draft date is, I get how that impacts all of that,” he continued. “It’s not like I’m sitting over there saying, ‘Well, it’s a close game right now, let’s sit Josh [Giddey] and Tre [Jones] and Jalen [Smith].’ There has not been that. And I think if I did do that, they would say, ‘Listen, you need to put the best guys out there.’ ’’

Donovan will surely have a rough couple of months ahead. One goal is certain: snap the losing streak so they can get out of the bad side of the Bulls’ record books. As for their future, they certainly have a handful of young players they can build around. 

The post Billy Donovan’s message after unfortunate Chicago Bulls news appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 2025-26 NBA season can’t be over soon enough for the Chicago Bulls. After a 121-112 loss at home to the Portland Trailblazers on Thursday night at the United Center, the Bulls gifted their fans some coal.

The loss dropped Chicago to 0-11 in the month of February with their last win coming at the end of January. The 0-11 mark is the worst month ever by the Bulls in franchise history and the 11-game losing streak is the third-worst in franchise history.

OUCH.

The Bulls just finished the worst month in franchise history and their 11-game losing streak is the third-worst for the organization. Hard to believe they can find new lows after Floyd and Boylen years, but that trade deadline was a doozy.

— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) February 27, 2026

The Bulls have been dreadful in the month of February, with little for the fans to cheer about. Not only did they move players on the roster at the trade deadline but they didn’t receive many valuable assets, if any in the process. Chicago’s “rebuild” is underway but it’s a more painful one than expected.

Chicago Bulls tank is on.. but is it too late?

The Bulls finally picked a direction earlier in February. They decided to move Coby White, Kevin Heurter, Nikola Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu, keeping Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. It’s something that fans wanted the team to do in years past. But now, it might be too late.

The 2025 draft class was a really good one, led by Cooper Flagg. The Bulls essentially lost out on the No. 1 pick due to a coin flip with Dallas. But even getting into the top three would have been huge as a player like Kon Knueppel is looking like a franchise player. Then there’s 2026.

Right now, the Bulls are ninth in the NBA’s tank standings. They are 1.5 up on Memphis and 2 up on Dallas in terms of moving up to get into that lottery for a draft which is considered VERY strong. Realistically, the Bulls are probably going to finish eighth or ninth with the ceiling being sixth. But they have a lot of work to do.

Again, it was too late to start this “tank” and now they could miss out on another really strong draft.

The post Chicago Bulls hit historically ugly mark in loss to Trailblazers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Matas Buzelis has emerged as a bright spot for the struggling Chicago Bulls this season. The second-year forward has played and started in all 59 games this year, and he has been performing well. 

The NBA G League Ignite alum is averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks this season. His scoring has increased significantly compared to his average of 8.6 points last season. Buzelis has also improved his efficiency. From 45.4% shooting as a rookie, he is now up to 47.4% from the field.

Unfortunately for the Bulls, they are struggling to stay afloat this season. They have lost their 10th straight game after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Prior to the game, head coach Billy Donovan had a chat with Buzelis, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The young forward went to the Bulls’ practice facility to get some work in, and Donovan pulled him in to have “the talk.” They basically talked about Buzelis’ shot selection and how he has to stay aggressive.

This heart-to-heart played a pivotal role in Buzelis’ career night.

Matas Buzelis continues to soar for the Chicago Bulls

The Bulls stay firm at the 12th spot of the Eastern Conference standings. After their 10th straight loss, they are now four games behind the last play-in spot. Despite the loss, Buzelis came in and scored his career high of 32 points. He was also efficient, shooting 13-of-19 from the field and 6-of-11 from three. Buzelis topped it off with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.

After the game, Donovan says he approves of Buzelis’ shot selection against the Hornets.

‘‘He got into the paint area and made some shots, got to the basket and made some drives,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘That’s what he’s got to do: play more off the dribble to score. I thought he was very efficient and decisive.

‘‘If you look at the really good offensive players and scorers in this league, they are hard to guard because you really are not sure what they are going to do — go by you, step back, shoot a three, shot-fake. It’s hard to handle those high-level offensive players. I’ve talked to Matas. He has to be shiftier and craftier with the basketball.’’

Buzelis acknowledged his talk with Donovan but said he didn’t want to get into details of what they talked about.

‘‘I’m going to be what the team needs me to be,’’ he said. ‘‘If that’s scoring, that’s what it’s going to be. I try to figure out during the game what the team needs, and [Tuesday] it was scoring.

The 21-year-old is still a bright spot for the Bulls. He can continue to focus on improving, albeit in a losing situation. 

The post Chicago Bulls: The truth behind Matas Buzelis’ career night appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan did not mince words after Tuesday’s defeat. The Bulls dropped their 10th consecutive game, falling 131-99 to the visiting Charlotte Hornets. They slipped to 24-35 and 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Matas Buzelis provided the lone highlight, erupting for a career-high 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting. But even that breakout performance did little to hide the deeper issues that have plagued Chicago all season.

After another disappointing outcome at home, Donovan stepped to the podium and addressed the elephant in the room. He called for full accountability from everyone in the building, coaches and players alike.

Chicago Bulls: Billy Donovan calls out turnover woes as skid continues

Donovan singled out the team’s sloppy ball-handling after the game. The Bulls coughed up the ball 19 times against the Hornets. Josh Giddey and Patrick Williams were the main culprits with five and four, respectively.

It has been an ongoing problem all season. Chicago ranks among the league’s worst in turnovers, surrendering the ball an alarming 14.8 times per game.

“The turnovers are a problem — they are a major problem, and we have to continue to get that resolved,” Donovan said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “When there are mistakes that are made and they are constantly compounded, I think it takes away the fuel and the gas from our team, and we’ve got to be tougher than that.”

The Hornets made Chicago pay for those costly errors. Brandon Miller poured in 23 points while Kon Knueppel added 21. Former Bull Coby White also chipped in 10 points off the bench in his Hornets debut. He was making his first appearance after recovering from a calf strain following a mid-season trade.

Meanwhile, Donovan made clear that the solution requires a collective effort.

“We’ve also got to be more responsible than that. All of us, coaches and players, have to do a much better job in terms of trying to help one another. I sensed the frustration [in the third quarter] and being deflated,” he said.

If the Bulls have any hope of reaching the play-in, solving the turnover problem has to start now.

The post Billy Donovan gets brutally honest on Chicago Bulls’ ‘major problem’ appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Former Chicago Bulls guard Coby White made his Charlotte Hornets debut on Tuesday, and it came fittingly against his former team. 

The 26-year-old returned to the United Center for the first time as a visitor, facing the organization that drafted him seventh overall in 2019.

White spent six and a half seasons in Chicago before the Bulls traded him to Charlotte on Feb. 4. In 451 games as a Bull, he averaged 15.4 points, 3.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. He leaves as one of the most productive guards in franchise history.

For White, the memories he built in Chicago run deeper than the box scores.

Coby White cherishes time with Chicago Bulls, comments on former team’s struggles

Walking into the United Center as a visitor carried a different weight for White. The veteran guard admitted feeling emotional entering the away locker room for the first time in a building he once called home.

But once the ball tipped, business took over. White came off the bench and helped the Hornets dismantle his former team 131-99. The6-foot-4 combo guard played 16 minutes, scoring 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting in his Charlotte debut.

After the game, White held no ill will toward the Bulls for moving him mid-season.

“The way the season was going, we really weren’t stacking enough wins consistently, so like I always said from the jump, I support whatever they think is best for the team,” White said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “This organization believed in me. They gave me a chance and an opportunity to live out my dreams. So I just want to see the organization succeed.”

White understands the business side of basketball. But his appreciation for what he built in Chicago goes far beyond wins and losses.

“The basketball was always basketball,” White added. “That’s what I did, but I think the people here that I met [and] built relationships with was the thing that was the hardest for me [to leave]. You get used to seeing these people every day, but now you don’t.”

The Bulls absorbed their 10th consecutive defeat, falling to 24-35 and 12th in the Eastern Conference. The skid is a far cry from a promising 5-0 start to the season. Meanwhile, White’s new team sits at 28-31 and 10th in the East, firmly in play-in contention.

The post Coby White sends message after Chicago Bulls’ 10th straight loss appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is making the most of his time in the Windy City. 

The 21-year-old quickly became a fan favorite after a stellar rookie campaign that cemented him as a key piece of Ben Johnson’s offense. The former Michigan Wolverines standout emerged as the Bears’ top pass-catcher, hauling in 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns. He played a key role in the Bears’ 11-6 record and NFC North title. 

The Idaho native is now soaking in everything Chicago has to offer during the offseason. He’s clearly enjoying himself as he prepares for year two with one of the NFL’s most exciting young rosters.

Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland receives massive cheers at Chicago Bulls game

Loveland stepped out of his helmet and into the role of spectator on Tuesday. The tight end watched courtside in street clothes as the Chicago Bulls hosted the Charlotte Hornets at the United Center.

The home team fell short, dropping a 131-99 decision to the visiting Hornets. Matas Buzelis led the way for Chicago with a game-high 32 points, seven rebounds and two assists, but it was not enough to avoid the lopsided defeat.

Despite the result, the night had a bright spot. The Bulls acknowledged Loveland’s presence, and the arena responded with a warm reception.

The team also captured the moment on social media, and the comment section quickly filled with admiration for the 21-year-old after his latest offseason move.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)

“Aww…that’s so cool the people love you kiddo,” one user wrote.

“Colston Loveland throwing trick play coming next season,” another chimed in.

“Colston!!! I’m a non-creep mom of two young kids who just admires your talent, and I’m so proud of all you accomplished this season!! 2026-2027 ain’t ready!,” a fan passionately wrote.

“I love this man,” commented another.

“That’s our guy!” a user said.

“Such a cutie,” a fan declared.

The Bears had high hopes for Loveland when they selected him 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Idaho native shattered those expectations in year one and became a beloved figure in Chicago in a remarkably short amount of time.

With the full backing of a city that has embraced him, the sky’s the limit for Loveland heading into his sophomore season.

The post Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland draws attention with offseason move appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are struggling as of late, as they have not won a game since Jan. 31. Newcomer Rob Dillingham can’t seem to be a consistent piece off the bench for head coach Billy Donovan. 

During their loss against the New York Knicks, the Bulls’ ninth straight defeat, Dillingham only scored eight points. He also got four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 24 minutes of game time. He had a few good moments during the game but ultimately failed to help the Bulls snap their losing streak.

Despite that, he might have more playing time in the next few games. Guards Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are still on minutes restrictions as they just came back from injuries.

Chicago Bulls coach keeps it real with Rob Dillingham

The Bulls welcomed a total of seven players during a busy NBA trade deadline. As for Dillingham, the move to Chicago serves as a breath of fresh air. The former eighth overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft played sparingly for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 35 games for the Wolves this year, he has averaged only 3.5 points in just 9.3 minutes per game.

After his move to Chicago, Dillingham already played an average of 19.3 minutes per game. He also already improved his scoring to 7.8 points per game while shooting 43% from the field. Despite that, Donovan has still called out the second-year point guard.

“He’s going to have to learn that what gets you here doesn’t keep you here, and what gets you here doesn’t necessarily take you to a next step,” Donovan said after Sunday’s the loss to the Knicks. “As the talent gap shrinks, you have to make adjustments and changes.

“He’s so explosive and so fast with the ball [that] probably for most of his career, no one could keep him in front. He probably got to the rim whenever he wanted to, and he could use his athleticism to go finish. Now, all of a sudden, he can’t do that all the time.”

Donovan still believes Dillingham can improve into a great player, considering his athletic prowess.

“There’s balance where you don’t want to take away a guy’s aggressiveness by yanking him,” Donovan continued. “He’s really gifted and talented and has great speed. This is going to be the evolution for him as a player, because with his size [he’s listed at 6-2], there are certain things he can’t do at the basket.

“What he can do is make everyone else around him better, and that’s what we have to work with him on without taking away the aggressiveness.”

Dillingham still has plenty of time to prove he is worthy of being in the NBA.

The post Chicago Bulls coach sends blunt message to Rob Dillingham appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are now on a nine-game slump after losing to the New York Knicks. Despite their struggles, Matas Buzelis continues to be a bright spot for the Bulls. The second-year forward has played and started in all 58 games for the Bulls this season. He is averaging 15.0 points per game on 46.8% shooting. Buzelis also averages 5.4 rebounds a game and he leads the Bulls in blocks with 1.5.

The Bulls were among the busiest teams at the NBA trade deadline. Which means players have been in and out of the lineup with no real consistency. Additionally, injuries are also a problem for the struggling Bulls. Fortunately for head coach Billy Donovan, Buzelis has been the consistent piece in his puzzle this year.

Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan pushes Matas Buzelis

In their loss against the Knicks, Buzelis led the Bulls with 15 points. Unfortunately, he had an off night from the field, shooting only 33.3%. Despite that, Donovan still believes that he is helping their guys develop — especially Buzelis.

‘‘It’s been a lot harder on Matas, but I think in a good way,’’ Donovan said, via the Chicago Sun Times. ‘‘When Coby [White] was here and Ayo [Dosunmu] was here and ‘Vooch’ [Nikola Vucevic] was here, even though [Buzelis] got into the starting lineup, he’s now starting to see the best defenders in the league night in and night out. I think that’s a great opportunity for him to make a jump because he’s starting to learn a lot.”

‘‘The consistency of being able to perform at a really high level against really good defenders and good players is something he’s kind of gotten thrust into, and I do think that because of his makeup and competitiveness, how much he leans into that, that could really help him.’’

Buzelis is already blossoming as one of the Bulls’ core young players. The Chicago native is on an upward trend, having already nearly doubled his point production from last year. Donovan is clearly optimistic about Buzelis’ improvement, especially with the looks that the 6-foot-8 forward has been getting lately.

As for the Bulls, what better way to get another Chicago native to build for the future? The 21-year-old said that he found motivation through Bulls legend Derrick Rose. This is great for the organization, as he understands what it means to win with the Bulls.

The post Chicago Bulls coach reveals hard truth for Matas Buzelis appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls still can’t get over their slump. They have lost their ninth straight game, and they are severely undermanned. After their loss against the New York Knicks, the Bulls now have five injured players. Two of those players, Zach Collins and Noa Essengue, are out for the season.

While there are still two dozen games left in the season, the Bulls need to get over their slump quickly. The Bulls sit at the 12th seed and are 3.5 games away from the last play-in spot. Chicago will soon go against the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers – all play-in dwelling teams. So, they have a good chance of snapping their losing streak in the next three games.

Josh Giddey urges the Chicago Bulls to get out of their slump

Currently, Giddey leads the Bulls in points, rebounds and assists. He has garnered 18.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 37 games played. The Australian point guard is the Bulls’ main facilitator. Unfortunately, he was struggling in their last game against the Knicks.

Giddey only made two field goals out of ten attempts, scoring only six points. He also grabbed two rebounds, six assists, and two steals, but was a minus-14 on the court.

Despite his subpar performance, Giddey was still the most vocal on the team. He was pushing the starters to set the tone for the rest of the team.

‘‘We’ve got to find ways to be way more competitive,’’ Giddey said after the game. ‘‘It starts with that first unit. We’ve got to set the tone. But we’ve got to find ways, one through 15, to get this thing on the right track.’’

It is known that the Bulls were among the busiest teams at the NBA trade deadline. At that time, they were on a five-game losing streak. They have not been able to overcome their struggles, as they have now lost nine straight.

It is clear that head coach Billy Donovan still wants the Bulls to be competitive despite their struggles. Giddey and the team can still turn things around by taking it one step at a time. The first step is to snap their losing streak, and they can go from there.

The post Josh Giddey sends urgent message after Chicago Bulls’ 9th straight loss appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls roster looks a little wonky after the trade deadline.

More News: Bulls HC Billy Donovan pessimistic on team outlook

The Bulls are guard-heavy.

Chicago traded away Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic to rebuild a new core that will revolve around Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.

The Bulls have eight guards on their roster, and size is a significant issue for a team coming out of the All-Star break with a 24-31 record, one spot out of the Play-In Tournament as the No. 11 team in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago head coach Billy Donovan knows he has a guard problem.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Donovan said he’s going to have a hard time figuring out a way to give players minutes because of all the guards he has on the roster.

“I think guys are going to have to earn minutes,” Donovan said.

“Because of all the guards we have we’re not going to be able to play all of them because we’ll have size issues too, so you may get playing Jalen (Smith) and Nick Richards together, and if you have Matas (Buzelis) out there or Patrick (Williams) out there, there’s only two guard spots, so you’re going to have four guards sitting on the bench. That could happen.”

The Chicago Bulls are in full tank mode

More News: Bulls Executive VP appears to take shot at Coby White after Hornets trade

Yikes.

The Bulls didn’t exactly light it up after the trade deadline. Chicago is on a six-game losing streak. All of those losses came by double digits.

Chicago will next host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

The Bulls are set to tank for the rest of the season, which should help the team’s chances of earning a lottery pick.

But the rest of the season could be unwatchable for fans.

It’s unplayable for Donovan.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan complains about roster construction appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls finally made the decision to sell at the NBA Trade Deadline, hoping to reset this offseason. While Chicago moved on from a handful of key players, the return was a bit lackluster.

In reality, the Bulls waited too long to make these moves. It’s nice to stack second-round picks but the Bulls really should have tried to get into that top 3 last year as well as this year in the draft. Instead, they are 10th in the draft order right now ahead of the lottery in May. There’s a long way to go to get into that top 3 and potentially land a franchise-changing player.

As the NBA returns from break this week, the Bulls are being slammed once again. Specifically the front office.

CBS Sports slams Chicago Bulls front office

In Sam Quinn’s latest for CBS Sports, he ranked every front office in the NBA. It’s the perfect time to get a gauge on these front offices coming off of the all-star break and trade deadline.

To no one’s surprise in Chicago, the Bulls front office was ranked poorly. Quinn had the Bulls ranked 28th:

The Bulls have now technically moved up in back-to-back rankings. They should not take that as a compliment. The last two teams have just distinguished themselves too much over the last year for Chicago to do any worse than 28th.

I’ll give the Bulls this… they finally seem to have gotten the rebuilding memo. They gave away many of their desirable veterans at this year’s deadline. Of course, they didn’t manage to get a single first-round pick back for Nikola Vučević, Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu when any of them probably could have had they acted faster. They didn’t get first-rounders back for DeMar DeRozan (the Spurs got a valuable Kings swap out of that one, though!) or Lonzo Ball either. They got a first-round pick back for Zach LaVine… except it was their own protected pick. They could have just tanked to keep it. But they were too slow, and that’s true in more ways than one. The 2025 and 2026 draft classes were great. It’s a shame they missed the tanking boat on both, because 2027 and 2028 are not expected to be as promising.

You can read the rest in Quinn’s piece on CBS Sports.

The only good news is that the Bulls moved up one spot from No. 29 to No. 28 since July’s rankings. But that’s not really anything to celebrate at the moment.

There’s a long way to go for the Bulls in this rebuild and the goal right now should be to get into that lottery for a top pick.

The post Chicago Bulls front office named among worst in NBA appeared first on ChiCitySports.

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony addressed a viral on-air incident involving fellow Hall of Famer Reggie Miller and WNBA star Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. It happened during Clark’s guest broadcasting debut on NBC’s NBA pregame show on Feb. 1.

The 24-year-old Fever guard appeared alongside Miller, Anthony and NBC host Maria Taylor. The segment aired before the New York Knicks faced the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden.

During the broadcast, Miller praised Clark as one of Indiana’s top shooters while jokingly ranking himself below her. The 60-year-old former Indiana Pacers standout listed the ranking as Clark, Tyrese Haliburton and then himself.

Miller’s praise drew extra attention when he compared Clark to Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard. He made the comparison after being asked which NBA player Clark most reminded him of. 

Miller explained that Pritchard handles the ball well and makes big shots late in games. He said Clark shares those traits. He noted the WNBA star isn’t afraid of big moments and has the qualities of a future champion.

Many fans and analysts felt the comparison was surprising given Clark’s on‑court role and impact. They found Miller’s pick head-scratching for a star of her stature. 

Following Miller’s comment, cameras captured Clark’s smile shift to a surprised, almost skeptical look. Her reaction quickly went viral online. 

Caitlin Clark, WNBA phenom

Clark was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024. She has quickly become a transformative player, helping the team rise in the WNBA standings.

The Fever star also made an immediate impact in the league, earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. She set rookie single-season records with 769 points and 337 assists during her debut season. Clark also broke the WNBA single-game assist record with 19. 

Her outstanding play earned her a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008. Clark was also named a WNBA All-Star in both of her first two seasons. She also became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double, achieving two in a single season.

Carmelo Anthony believes Caitlin Clark deserves a better comparison 

Speaking on the latest episode of the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Anthony said he was surprised by Miller’s comparison. He believes Clark deserves a comparison to bigger NBA stars than Pritchard.

“I was hearing it loud as [expletive] in my ear, and when he said Payton Pritchard, it just caught me off guard… He wasn’t completely trippin’, but he was trippin’,” the 41-year-old legendary forward said.

Anthony thinks Clark’s skills go beyond simple comparisons to any single NBA player. 

“She got a lil’ Steph [Curry], [Tyrese] Haliburton.” Anthony continued, “She plays a little like Luka [Doncic]. She knows angles. She manipulates your offense.”

Melo & Boogie had their own Caitlin Clark player comparison after her reaction to Reggie Miller

Melo: “She got a lil’ Steph, Haliburton.”

Boogie: “Payton Pritchard not even passing … that man is strictly a bucket.” pic.twitter.com/HDEUoBtEer

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) February 16, 2026

Anthony’s comments reflect what a lot of fans and analysts also believe. They believe Clark’s scoring, playmaking, and leadership skills justify comparing her to a more prominent NBA player than Pritchard. 

The post WNBA: NBA legend Carmelo Anthony addresses Caitlin Clark incident appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Michael Jordan is used to winning. He won a national championship while at North Carolina, won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and even has won Olympic gold medals. But Sunday was a first for the legendary basketball star.

With Tyler Reddick crossing the finish line, he delivered himself, Jordan and 23XI Racing a Daytona 500 win. The first for all of 23XI Racing.

Reddick’s win was the first major race win for Jordan as the two and the team celebrated after the race. Jordan’s celebration not only caught the fans’ attention but NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell as well.

Steve O’Donnell says Michael Jordan winning was a ‘cool’ moment

Jordan was sitting in the 23XI box in pit lane, watching the final laps. While Bubba Wallace led for most of the third stage, it was Reddick that emerged victorious thanks to some crashes on the final lap. But as Jordan celebrated, O’Donnell noticed it.

O’Donnell told The Athletic he spotted Jordan, with both his hands in the air, shouting, “Yes! Yes! Yes! This is the greatest. The greatest.” Jordan then offered only warmth, no jabs.

“I’ve never seen a guy that enthusiastic — I mean, other than winning an NBA championship,” O’Donnell said. “He gave us both hugs. It was a really cool moment. It’s pretty awesome.”

It was another iconic moment for Jordan and it came months after his team and NASCAR settled in court. Jordan continues to stack up the wins now in Motorsports and Sunday’s was the biggest he’s had so far, months after his previous biggest win.

The post NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell shares cool moment with Michael Jordan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are a storied NBA franchise, especially in the 1990s. They dominated the 90s, winning two separate three-peat championships — the first one from 1991-1993 and the second from 1996-1998. 

NBA legends Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan led the Bulls to six championships. They became global icons and basically helped the NBA reach its worldwide status and become what it is today. 

Of course, Barack Obama — who’s a Chicago native — is part of their massive fanbase. The former United States President certainly enjoyed the glory days of the Bulls during the 90s. He has been vocal about being a die-hard Bulls fan. He still regularly attends games when he has the chance.

Barack Obama delivers a blunt message to Chicago Bulls rival Reggie Miller

During the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Reggie Miller interviewed Obama during a segment of their broadcast. The Indiana Pacers icon caught up with the former President.

Miller asked Obama to recall his time in Chicago in the 90s, during Jordan and the Bulls’ dominance.

 “Do you have a favorite moment during that time in Chicago during the ’90s?” Miller asked. “I always enjoyed watching us beat Indiana,” Obama jokingly answered. 

 Obama then praised Miller, acknowledging that he had given Jordan and the Bulls a lot of trouble at the time.

“I will say that nobody terrified me more than Reggie Miller with a possible three-point shot at the end of the game,” Obama said.

Reggie Miller: “Do you have a favorite moment during that time in Chicago during the ’90s?”

Barack Obama: “I always enjoyed watching us beat Indiana.” #NBA #NBC pic.twitter.com/rCzmUBNU90

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 15, 2026

The two continued to joke around, with Obama saying that Miller pushed off Jordan on one of his shots. Miller responded by asking if Jordan pushed off in the infamous Utah Jazz NBA Finals series in 1998. He was referencing Jordan’s game-winning shot, where he seemingly pushed off Bryon Russell to get open.

The respect between the Bulls and the Pacers remains high despite their intense Eastern Conference rivalry in the 90s.

The post Barack Obama does not hold back on Reggie Miller with blunt Chicago Bulls message appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NASCAR season is back with the Daytona 500 to kick off the season, bringing with it a ton of excitement.

More News: Tyler Reddick delivers Michael Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory

The Daytona 500 was chaotic to say the least, with multiple wrecks, including one that ended up deciding the race and brought Michael Jordan and his driver, Tyler Reddick (45 car), of the 23XI Team the victory. Jordan, who sued and won against NASCAR in the offseason, had four drivers competing in Sunday’s race: Bubba Wallace (23 car, finished 10th), Reddick, Riley Herbst (35 car, finished eighth), and Corey Heim, who serves as the team’s development driver (67 car, finished 28th).

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, won his first Daytona 500 as an owner of a team, saying, “It felt like he won a championship.”

“I can’t even believe it was so gratifying. I mean, we had four guys that were really fighting, that was helping each other out. I mean, you never know how these races gonna end, right?” Jordan said to FOX Sports after the race. “It’s like you just try to survive. And I thought Riley did an unbelievable job by pushing at the end. That shows you what teamwork can really, really do. I mean, he doesn’t get enough credit, he won’t get enough credit, but we feel the love. We understand exactly what he did. And I mean, we just hung in there all day. I mean, we great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. And look, I’m ecstatic. I mean, I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know.”

NASCAR could be in for Michael Jordan and 23XI making noise this season

With three proven race winners on his team, Jordan and the 23XI Team seem like they could be making noise this season. 23XI will compete in NASCAR’s next race, the Autotrader 400 on Feb. 22.

With his win, Reddick takes a commanding lead in the standings, collecting 58 Cup Series points, while Joey Logano (22 car) sits in second place with 46 points. Wallace and Herbst are also helping keep the 23XI Team at the top of the field, with Wallace in eighth (37 points) and Herbst (35 points) just behind Lagono’s teammate Ryan Blaney (12 car, 36 points).

The post Michael Jordan was in disbelief after 23XI won at Daytona appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Before the trade deadline, the Chicago Bulls got rid of Ayo Dosunmu, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic.

More News: Bulls HC Billy Donovan pessimistic on team outlook

The Bulls hope to help build around a young core of Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.

Chicago invested in Giddey during the offseason, signing him to a four-year contract extension worth $100 million in September.

Giddey, a 2021 first-round pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, is averaging a team-high 18.6 points per game to go along with 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists. His 46.2 percent on field goals ranks No. 90 in the association.

Before Sunday’s 2026 NBA All-Star Game, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was asked about Giddey’s development.

James gave an honest answer on Giddey, saying the guard struggled as a shooter in Oklahoma City. James changed his mind on the six-foot-seven, 216-pound athlete after seeing him become a much better scoring threat with the Bulls.

“His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball,” James said. “Now he’s shooting the ball. You can’t just sag off of him, you can’t just lay off of him and dare him to shoot.

“He’s actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Chicago has a really good player in him.”

Lebron on Josh Giddey:

"His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball. Now he's shooting the ball. You can't just sag off of him, you can't just lay off of him and dare him to shoot. He's actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Chicago has a really good… pic.twitter.com/dvyHbpyIlS

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 15, 2026

Chicago Bulls’ Josh Giddey made LeBron James pay

More News: Bulls Executive VP appears to take shot at Coby White after Hornets trade

Last March, James had to watch as Giddey knocked in a half-court shot over him to give the Bulls a comeback win over the Lakers.

For the 2023-24 season, the final campaign for Giddey with the Thunder, he averaged scoring 12.3 points per game on 25.2 minutes. His field goal percentage was higher in Oklahoma City, shooting 48.2 percent from the field in 2022-23 and 47.5 percent in 2023-2024.

Still, Giddey is at least attempting more shots with the Bulls.

After losing three key players for the offense via the trade deadline, Chicago will need Giddey to be even more of a focus as a scorer going forward.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

The post Chicago Bulls: LeBron James changed his mind on Josh Giddey appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Before Sunday’s Daytona 500 race, Michael Jordan talked about how important the race is to him. He mentioned watching it with his family growing up and how special that occasion was.

Hours later, Jordan was on victory lane and it’s an early birthday present for the GOAT who turns 63 on Tuesday.

In a crash filled final lap, 23XI’s Tyler Reddick emerged from the pack and took home the checkered flag for his first Daytona 500 win. Reddick didn’t lead a single lap in the race until the final one, which is all that matters.

TYLER REDDICK WINS THE DAYTONA 500! pic.twitter.com/nOAjUM4Buu

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2026

Tyler Reddick’s crazy final lap

Reddick got some help from 23XI teammate Riley Herbst who was driving really well on that final lap. Then, there were a few wrecks leading to Reddick crossing the finish line with crashes behind him.

Herbst finished eighth in the race while 23XI’s Bubba Wallace ended 10th after winning stage two and leading for most of the final stage until he had to pit.

The Daytona 500 win is the first for Reddick, Jordan and 23XI Racing as they are off to a good start for new season.

The post Tyler Reddick delivers Michael Jordan his first Daytona 500 victory appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Super Bowl of racing is taking place on Sunday as the Daytona 500 is underway in Florida. For Michael Jordan, his 23XI Racing team has four drivers in the field for the race as he’s seeking his first ever win at Daytona.

But before the race started, Jordan caught up with FOX Sports reporter Jamie Little and he had some interesting things to say.

Jordan did talk about how important the Daytona 500 race is to him. He mentioned watching it with his family as a kid, sitting around the TV each year for the race. However, it was what he said about the lawsuit he was apart of with 23XI and NASCAR.

Michael Jordan breaks silence on NASCAR lawsuit

After 15 long months, 23XI Racing settled a major lawsuit against NASCAR ahead of this new season. It was a lengthy process but in the end, Jordan and his team essentially got what they had hoped for.

Now, he’s talking about the result for the first time.

“Communication — the thing is, both sides have been somewhat at a stalemate and we both needed to have conversations about change, how we can grow this sport,” Jordan said. “Unfortunately, we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that, you have a much better appreciation for each other and I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continue to grow the game.

“Don’t forget about the fans. The fans make this game so much enjoyable to watch. As much as we can listen, change, please the fans, please the teams and continue to grow the sport, I think everybody’s going to be OK.”

Michael Jordan checks in with Jamie Little before the Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/0DSJ5QQF4i

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 15, 2026

The settlement between the two side awarded 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports charters after both relinquished their charters when they didn’t sign the 2025-31 agreement to pursue the lawsuit. It also included an amendment with an agreement for all teams to have a form of “evergreen charters.”

It will now allow teams to receive revenue from the NASCAR international media rights deal.

The post Michael Jordan breaks silence on NASCAR lawsuit at Daytona 500 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bulls are ushering in a rebuild through the moves they made at the NBA Trade Deadline. With Chicago going in that direction, they still have two pieces to build around in Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.

Both are young enough to be key pieces in a rebuild and while it’s hard to potentially find motivation in a season like this, that’s not the case for this duo.

Specifically for Buzelis, he was named to the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge and helped lead Team Vince to a win in that challenge. But he’s pointing to another Chicago legend and the moment he had as motivation.

How Matas Buzelis is using Derrick Rose for motivation

This season, the Bulls honored former MVP Derrick Rose by retiring his number 1. The banner will now hang in the rafters of the United Center forever and for Buzelis, it was a special night in more than one way.

Buzelis grew up a Bulls fan and now playing for his hometown team, he got to enjoy that special moment. It also provided him motivation.

“Honestly, I’m big into visualization,” Buzelis said. “That’s something that I see and I want to achieve that. Especially in Chicago, being hung next to Michael Jordan, it’s an honor to do that. That’s something that I see and it put more motivation into my mind.”

The forward had a good start to his second season and still has a lot to prove. He’s flashed his potential and the thing to remember is that he’s just 21-years-old, so there’s a lot of room to grow. It’s also cool to see that he understands how important that night was for the organization.

The post Matas Buzelis found motivation through Derrick Rose appeared first on ChiCitySports.