News Bulls Team Notes

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls guard receives monumental achievement for his stellar play

The Chicago Bulls are one step closer to obtaining a spot in the playoffs by clinching a play-in spot by beating the Toronto Raptors to achieve that feat.

The Bulls had a great month of March, where they went 9-6 and carried that play over into April.

The Bulls are playing good basketball, and it comes at the right time of the year, as the season winds down.

The Bulls are being led by their backcourt, Coby White and Josh Giddey, who have been playing out of their minds.

White has been playing so well that it helped him achieve a monumental feat for the Bulls, which hasn’t been done since 2022.

Chicago Bulls guard receives tremendous honor for his play ​

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls
Apr 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) defends Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The month of March hasn’t just been good for the Bulls but for White as well, who played so well during March that he was honored with being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month.

“Coby White was ELITE in March:

27.7 points

4.7 rebounds

3.7 assists

50% FG

38% from three

Coby is the first Bull to be @Kia Eastern Conference POTM since DeMar in 2022.”

Coby White was ELITE in March:

27.7 points
4.7 rebounds
3.7 assists
50% FG
38% from three

Coby is the first Bull to be @Kia Eastern Conference POTM since DeMar in 2022. pic.twitter.com/6SmsgCK825

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 1, 2025

White’s hot month of March coincides with how well he’s been since the All-Star break, where he’s averaged 25.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 21 games.

That performance continued against the Raptors, where he scored 28.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in 34.0 minutes.

White winning the Player of the Month comes off him winning back-to-back Player of the Week awards.

The Bulls need White for the postseason​

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Bulls Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

If the Bulls are to be successful during the play-in tournament and make it into the playoffs, they’ll need White to stay hot.

White along with Giddey and Buzelis, who are all playing well, gives the Bulls a chance, which is all they need.

With a handful of games left before the postseason starts, the Bulls are in a good position heading into the tournament.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Bulls Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) and teammates during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...=chicago-bulls-guard-wins-player-of-the-month

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls strong performance gets them one step closer to a playoff spot

The Chicago Bulls have not given a clear picture of whether or not they’re a good team or a bad one.

The Bulls have not been consistent in their play, with February being their worst month when they were one of the worst teams, going 3-8, to March when the Bulls had a 9-6 record and were on fire.

Coming off a hot month, the Bulls were looking to clinch a spot in the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season, and it appears like they’ll be heading back after their latest victory against the Toronto Raptors.

The Chicago Bulls clinch a play-in spot​

NBA: Toronto Raptors at Chicago Bulls Apr 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan gestures to his team against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

For the third consecutive season, the Bulls have captured a spot in the play-in tournament with a commanding victory over the Raptors, winning 137-118.

“See you in the play-in.”

See you in the play-in.@BMO_US | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/tic7PyTsaC

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 2, 2025

The Bulls were propelled to victory again off the backs of strong play from their backcourt, with Coby White continuing his hot streak by scoring 28.0 points and Josh Giddey putting up 17.0 points and adding 12.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds.

Chances to make the playoffs​

Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center.

The Bulls have a decent chance to make the playoffs now that they’re in the play-in tournament.

The Bulls captured the final spot for the play-in tournament, beating out teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Toronto Raptors.

ESPN estimates that the Bulls will have a 32% chance of making it into the playoffs, which is second to the Miami Heat, who have the lowest odds of getting in at 26%.

If the Bulls are to make it into the playoffs, they will need a win against the nine-seed, which appears to be the Miami Heat. The Bulls may have a tough time playing the Heat, as they won the season series against them.

If the Bulls pull off a win, they will have to play the winner of the seventh and eighth seeds to get a chance to play the number one seed, which will likely be the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Work cut out for them​

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

The Bulls will have their work cut out for them once the tournament starts, but thankfully, they’re playing good basketball at the right time.

The Bulls will need Giddey and White to continue their hot streaks if they want to have a chance at making a deep run.

The Bulls have six games left before the tournament starts, so hopefully, they can keep things rolling and maintain this high level of play.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica..._campaign=chicago-bulls-clinch-a-play-in-spot

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan warns team that he’s running out of ideas before postseason

On Tuesday night, the Chicago Bulls clinched a berth in the Play-In Tournament by defeating the Toronto Raptors 137-118 in front of 20,005 fans at the United Center. But the team has serious concerns about being a one-trick pony before the postseason.

The Bulls snapped a two-game losing streak by beating a Raptors team that fell to 28-48. The win didn’t exactly take the bad taste out of Chicago’s mouth after an embarrassing 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.

The Bulls had a strong March, winning nine out of 11 games before they lost to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

But two losses to postseason contenders in the Western Conference paint a more sobering picture about the expectations for the Bulls’ roster, especially considering that the team’s winning streak hurts its odds of claiming a higher draft pick in the lottery.

The Chicago Bulls have to adjust​

On Tuesday, Donovan told reporters after the game that making the postseason was important for the development of his players. However, he also said that teams are starting to figure out how the Bulls strategized during their winning streak, and he’s running out of ideas on how to adjust with the given roster.

‘‘For us, we’ve been so good in transition and playing fast that our guys have to realize that teams are going to adjust or make that an incredibly high level of emphasis,’’ Donovan said via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. ‘‘The next iteration for us is that, yeah, on the (4-2) West Coast (trip), we were going downhill, getting to the rim, getting to the basket.

You saw Coby (White) getting fouled, Josh Giddey getting fouled. Teams are watching that. They’re not going to continue to let those guys do that night after night after night. Now we’ve got to adjust: ‘That’s not there now. Now what’s open, what’s available?’ ’’

The Bulls live and die by transition buckets and attacking the rim. Teams like the Raptors (who are in tank mode) aren’t going to stop Chicago.

Billy Donovan has to find a new strength​

Jan 20, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan during the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Donovan knows he’s running out of time to develop a new plan before his roster has to compete against high-intensity defenses in the postseason.

‘‘Transition has been a huge strength,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘The game against Denver, I think we scored 31 (fast-break) points against them in their place (March 24). Teams are looking at that: ‘Gotta get back, build a wall, show your hands, put your hands up. Coby White’s taken seven free throws, Giddey is getting seven, eight, nine free throws.’

“Now we can’t keep just barreling into people when guys are showing hands and we’re not getting calls. We’ve got to adjust.’’

The Bulls’ next two games are against sub .500 teams, the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. Then, Chicago will have two true tests against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 8 and the Miami Heat on April 9.

The Bulls might want to see how Giddey and White can adapt this month before they decide to give them $70 million per year.

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Golden State Warriors Jan 23, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan on the sideline during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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 [email protected]. 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.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/billy...n=billy-donovan-transition-chicago-bulls-news

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Bulls analyst has bold take on Matas Buzelis and Cooper Flagg

In 2024, the Chicago Bulls selected Matas Buzelis. In 2025, the Chicago Bulls may or may not have a chance to draft Cooper Flagg, the 6’9″ top NBA draft prospect who’s been hailed as a generational prospect. The Bulls are in the play-in game, but if they lose there and do not make the playoffs, they’ll be back in the lottery and have a slim but not totally nonexistent chance of winning it.

That pick, surely regardless of whoever owns it, will be used on Flagg. One Bulls analyst thinks that while Flagg is a better prospect than Buzelis, the Bulls rookie has some things that the Duke forward does not.

Bulls analyst compares Matas Buzelis to Cooper Flagg favorably​

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) gets past Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) and to the basket during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

At 6’9″, 205 pounds, Cooper Flagg is very similar in size to Matas Buzelis (6’10”, 209 pounds). In terms of skill, though, Bulls analyst Stacey King thinks the Bulls rookie has the edge. On Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast, King said, “Flagg has a more physical presence, but as far as the skillset, I would even say Matas has a little bit more skillset.”

The analyst went on to say that he isn’t saying Buzelis is better than Flagg, just that he might be a little more skilled. Buzelis quickly got rid of the one pre-draft downside that he would struggle to handle the ball at the NBA level. “Some of the moves he’s done in-game on legitimate, NBA All-Star caliber players. He’s going up against the Giannises, he’s going up against the LeBrons. He’s not going up against no names,” King said.

The Bulls selected Buzelis with the 11th pick in last year’s draft, and they are trending towards a similar draft standing this year. That will mean they can’t pick Cooper Flagg, as he’s virtually a lock to be the top overall selection should he go pro (which he is almost assuredly going to do). However, with Buzelis on the roster, King believes the team won’t be too disappointed if they don’t land the Duke prospect.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/bulls...aign=bulls-analyst-matas-buzelis-cooper-flagg

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls head coach receives the highest honor basketball can bestow

The Chicago Bulls hired head coach Billy Donovan to usher in a new era of Bulls basketball, helping to lead this team to the Finals and win a championship.

So far in his tenure as head coach, Donovan hasn’t proven to have success with the Bulls as he had with the Oklahoma City Thunder and when he coached the Florida Gators, where he had a ton of success.

Even though Donovan hasn’t found much success here in Chicago, he did receive a massive honor for his past achievements at the University of Florida.

Chicago Bulls head coach elected to the Hall of Fame​

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan instructs forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

It was announced through Bulls on CHSN that Donovan would be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025.

“Congratulations to Billy Donovan for being named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame!”

Congratulations to Billy Donovan for being named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/guPwCiGaJL

— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) April 5, 2025

Donovan will be joined in the Hall of Fame by Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Mickey Arison, Sue Bird, Tal Brody, and Sylvia Fowles.

Donovans career​

NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls Mar 13, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with guard Coby White (0) against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Donovan started coaching as the Flordia Gators’ head coach in 1996 and spent 19 seasons with the University of Florida until he departed for the NBA in 2015.

During his tenure as head coach for the Gators, Donovan led them to two national championships, where they won back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007.

He also has four Final Four appearances, six Southeastern Conference championships, and four SEC Tournament Titles. He also has 467 career wins under his belt.

Donovan left the University of Florida in 2015 when he took over head coaching responsibilities for the Oklahoma City Thunder. During his five seasons with the Thunder, Donovan accumulated a record of 243-157.

Donovan left Oklahoma City after the 2019-2020 season to become the Bull’s head coach in September 2020. In his five seasons in Chicago, Donovan hasn’t found the same success that he did with the Thunder, accumulating a record of 191-204.

Congratulations to Coach Donovan for getting one of the highest honors in basketball!!

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Bulls Dec 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls head coach billy Donovan talks with Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) and guard Coby White (0) during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...=chicago-bulls-head-coach-elected-to-the-hall

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan calls out Matas Buzelis for problematic issue

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan wasn’t ready to completely celebrate Matas Buzelis’ career achievement on Friday night. The rookie earned his first double-double in the Bulls’ 118-113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in front of 21,572 fans at the United Center.

Buzelis recorded 10 rebounds and 12 points, including a key three-point shot with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter that put Chicago ahead 111-106. Buzelis also had a nice defensive moment late in the game when he blocked Jabari Walker’s three-point attempt with 26 seconds left.

Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan wants better defense​

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

However, following the game, Donovan called out Buzelis for his defense. Per Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times, Donovan said the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft needed to show progress on positioning, become a strong player, and learn team personnel.

“He’s got to be able to navigate through screens better,” Donovan said. “The one thing about him, when he is on the ball and guys do drive on him, he’s gotten much better at using his length and not fouling — really rim-protecting, blocking shots.”

Donovan is prepping Matas Buzelis for the postseason​

Bulls guard Coby White (0) points with Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Bulls rank 24th in defensive rating in the NBA at 115.4. Buzelis has a season average defensive rating of 112.2.

Donovan is trying to develop Buzelis and prepare him and the Bulls for a postseason run.

Chicago has five more games remaining in the regular season. They will then participate in the Play-In Tournament.

Following their win Friday night, the Bulls are tied with the Miami Heat with a 35-42 record. The Atlanta Hawks have a 1.5 game lead on the Bulls and Heat for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago will next play the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday at noon CST.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

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 [email protected]. 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.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/matas...aign=matas-buzelis-defense-chicago-bulls-news

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls big man collects another double-double to move up in franchise record books

Multiple Chicago Bulls cemented themselves further into franchise history on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets. Coby White broke his own single-season franchise record with 210 three-pointers made in a season as he continues to tear it up for the team down the stretch. The team entered play on Sunday with a 35-42 record and just a game back of the Atlanta Hawks for eighth place in the playoff picture.

Chicago is already locked into the play-in tournament for a third straight season, and they have been playing their best basketball as a group over the past month. Along with White, Josh Giddey has earned himself a huge payday this offseason based on his play, and the front office will need to address both of their contract situations accordingly if they want to keep them around.

One of the few older players remaining on the roster moved himself up into franchise history after posting another double-double in Sunday’s road contest against the Hornets.

Nikola Vucevic is moving further up in Chicago Bulls history​

Mar 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Vucevic’s 201st career double-double on Sunday officially moves him into second all-time in franchise history in double-doubles, passing the great Scottie Pippen. The big man is averaging a double-double this season with 18.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game on 53.2% shooting from the field. Vucevic’s three-point shooting has improved massively over the last year, as his current 40.3% mark from downtown trumps his 29.4% from a season ago.

Vucevic now only trails fellow big man Artis Gilmore for the most double-doubles as a Bull. The current Chicago center has a double-double in every game for the team in April, with his best showing being the 31 points and 12 rebounds he posted against Portland on Friday.

Mar 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) defends Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...=chicago-bulls-vucevic-second-all-time-double

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls guard continues strong scoring barrage to close out regular season

The Chicago Bulls won their third straight game on Sunday against the Charlotte Hornets on the road by a score of 131-117. The victory places the team just half a game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, as their record now stands at 36-42. Chicago started slow this season and looked lottery-bound in what will be an exciting draft class, but things have taken a turn over the past month or so.

The Bulls are locked into the play-in tournament for the third consecutive season, and their backcourt has been a major story down the stretch. Each member should be due for a massive payday this summer, and it will be up to Chicago’s front office to act accordingly.

Josh Giddey has played himself into being a franchise point guard for the Bulls after he was acquired over the summer in exchange for Alex Caruso. The 2021 first-round draft choice is averaging 14.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game on 46.1% shooting from the field in his first season as a Bull. Giddey has been fantastic all season at creating opportunities for himself and those around him.

Coby White continues to score at will, and he has taken massive strides in his game over the past few seasons. He broke his own single-season franchise record for three-pointers made in a year in Sunday’s victory and also added on to some more scoring accolades as the play-in tournament is fast approaching.

Chicago Bulls’ guard Coby White has six 35-point games this season​

Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

White has six 35-point games this season, more than he had combined in his first five NBA seasons (four). The former North Carolina Tar Heel posted 37 points in the win against Charlotte on 12-16 shooting from the field and 6-8 from beyond the arc. White is also taking advantage of the chances he is getting at the free-throw line, as he has missed only one toss in the three games that the Bulls have played in April.

White’s best game of the season came against the Orlando Magic on March 6. The road battle featured the former first-round pick dropping 44 points on 16-28 shooting from the field. White knocked down seven of his 15 three-point attempts in that game and was 5-6 at the free-throw line.

Coby White has nine 30-point games this year for the Chicago Bulls​

Mar 8, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Along with having six 35-point games this year, he has nine games with at least 30 points. Sunday marked the second straight 30-point game he has posted, as he put up 31 points in Friday’s 118-113 win at home against Portland.

The beginning of White’s tenure in Chicago saw him go back and forth between the starting lineup and the bench frequently. Since being given the keys to the offense, his scoring numbers have consistently gone up over the past few seasons. The organization has White on a bargain right now as the three-year extension he inked two summers ago has him being paid $12 million per season.

The Bulls’ front office will need to open up their wallets after White’s play the last two seasons has warranted another extension. If the franchise wants to do this rebuild correctly, it should start with White and Giddey being around for the long haul.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...=chicago-bulls-white-scoring-close-out-season

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls extended a franchise scoring record to 10 games on Sunday

The Chicago Bulls have been scoring on all cylinders and the team is clicking at the right time with the play-in tournament approaching quickly. The team has punched their ticket into the play-in tournament for the third straight season but they have been soaring up the standings over the past two weeks.

Chicago is currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 36-42 record. With four games remaining on the schedule, they are a game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth seed. The Bulls are looking to make it out of the play-in for the first time after being snake-bitten the past two seasons.

A major difference between this year’s squad and the previous two that have appeared in the play-in lies in the scoring department. This season’s team is filling up the bucket at a high rate despite the personnel on the floor looking much different.

For a team that most people labeled as a rebuilding organization earlier on this season, the Bulls have turned it around and extended a franchise scoring record against the Hornets on Sunday.

Coby White and Josh Giddey have led the Chicago Bulls​

Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

The Bulls extended their franchise record of scoring 115 or more points in 10 straight games on Sunday en route to their third consecutive victory. Coby White led the way with 37 points on 12-16 shooting from the field while making six of his eight attempts from beyond the arc. The former first-round draft choice of the franchise had quite the day, with the highlight being him breaking his own franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single-season.

Giddey was two assists shy of another triple-double this season in the 131-117 rout. He put up 23 points, 10 rebounds and two assists while going 7-8 at the free throw line. Giddey has transformed this Chicago offense based on what he has contributed himself and how well he has set up those around him.

Both guards have positioned themselves nicely for big paydays this summer and it should be the top priority for management to take care of their respective deals to keep them paired up for the future. Giddey will be a restricted free agent this summer and White has one season left on a three-year extension that he signed two summers ago.

The Chicago Bulls have also relied plenty on Nikola Vucevic​

Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) and Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) fight for a rebound during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

Vucevic has been playing some of his best basketball in a Bulls uniform this season. The big man was an obvious trade candidate for Chicago at the deadline, but the front office could not find a trade partner for his services. Luckily for the Bulls, they have kept Vucevic around and he has continued to help the team in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

Vucevic passed Scottie Pippen for second on the all-time double-double list in a Bulls uniform on Sunday. The veteran has 201 in his career with the franchise and trails Artis Gilmore for the most all-time with the Bulls. The former USC Trojan had 16 points and 11 rebounds on Sunday and has a double-double in all three games this month.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...paign=chicago-bulls-extended-franchise-record

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Coby White showers Billy Donovan in praise after HoF induction

Coby White was proud of his coach after Billy Donovan was named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The longtime coach got the honor before the Chicago Bulls took on and defeated the Charlotte Hornets with relative ease. Donovan was doused with water on the sidelines after the win, and then he was doused with praise.

Coby White praises Billy Donovan after win​

NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls
Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs the team against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bulls stunned Billy Donovan, not by beating the lowly Charlotte Hornets but by dumping water on him like he was a college football coach who’d just won a huge bowl game. He said he thought someone might’ve congratulated him but not that they’d dump water on him.

Coby White believes that Donovan’s recent honor, making it into the Hall of Fame, was befitting of more. He said via the Chicago Sun-Times, “First off, there’s only a select few people in this world involved with this sport that get inducted into the Hall of Fame, so that’s a huge accomplishment, a huge blessing. I’ve been following Coach since I was a young Bull, watching him in Florida.”

As for the moment, White said, “That’s a big-time moment for a special person, special coach who has impacted every guy in this locker room, our lives off the court, so we wanted to celebrate him. He’s a hell of a coach and an even better person.”

The win was not only a fitting celebration of a coach’s legendary accomplishment. It was also a win that propelled them even closer to the eighth seed in the East. They’ve locked up a play-in tournament appearance, but getting the eighth seed vs. the ninth or 10th is a significant upgrade.

Chicago is one game up on the Miami Heat for the ninth seed, and they have one head-to-head game remaining. The Bulls are one game back of the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth seed, and they’re two back of the Orlando Magic for the most covetous of the play-in spots.

The Bulls have the Cleveland Cavaliers, Heat, and then Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers on the schedule to close out the season.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/coby-...paign=coby-white-showers-billy-donovan-praise

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls waive the white flag before Cavs game

On March 31, the red-hot Chicago Bulls had an opportunity to see how they stacked up against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road. The Bulls 145-117 to the team with the association’s best record.

Chicago has since pulled off three straight wins against the NBA’s basement dwellers, the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Charlotte Hornets.

On Tuesday night, the Bulls are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, at Rocket Arena. The Bulls will do so shorthanded.

The Chicago Bulls are resting against the Cavs​

With the front office weighing $70 million in potential extensions of Coby White and Josh Giddey, their performance against the Thunder should have been taken as a sobering warning that more information was needed. Information that could have been gathered against Cleveland.

Instead White will miss the contest for a “rest day.”

Per K.C. Johnson, head coach Billy Donovan announced Nikola Vucevic and Giddey would not play the Cavs.

Nikola Vucevic and Josh Giddey are out vs. Cavaliers, per Donovan

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 8, 2025

The Bulls can use the excuse that Vucevic is battling a calf injury and Giddey has an arm injury, but the fact remains that the team’s best three starters are sitting out conveniently before a game that had the potential to bring shame to the organization if things went as they did in Oklahoma City.

The Bulls have an important matchup on Wednesday night​

NBA: Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls
Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs the team against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

One would expect Vucevic, White, and Giddey to return to action on Wednesday night when they host the Miami Heat. Chicago is waiving the white flag against the Cavs, a team they don’t match up well against, to save energy in the hopes of winning an important matchup against the Heat.

With four contests remaining in the regular season, the Bulls have a .5-game lead on Miami. They’re also one game back from the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 8 seed. Losing Tuesday night won’t help their chances of moving up, but saving their energy for Wednesday night could help Chicago host a home game in the Play-In Tournament.

The very fact the Bulls have to consider employing this strategy of resting against Cleveland is another reason the team should blow it up and rebuild.

Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) celebrates his three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers with guard Josh Giddey (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

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 [email protected]. 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.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/gidde...n=giddey-vucevic-white-out-chicago-bulls-news