Bulls Team Notes

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls release player after discovering an injury: Insider

The Chicago Bulls are back from All-Star weekend tomorrow when they take on the New York Knicks.

The Bulls have had a disastrous season and will try to finish the season strong and hopefully get a decent pick in the draft.

Before tomorrow’s game against the Knicks, the Bulls made a roster move by subtracting one player and adding another to take his place.

The Chicago Bulls release an injured player​

NBA: Preseason Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls Oct 18, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jules Bernard (14) shoots against Bulls center Adama Sanogo (21) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, the Bulls have released Power Forward/Center Adama Sanogo after learning he suffered a knee injury and would be out for four weeks.

“Chicago Bulls are waiving Adama Sanogo who is on a two-way contract after discovering he’ll be sidelined for approximately four weeks with a knee injury, league sources inform me.”

Chicago Bulls are waiving Adama Sanogo who is on a two-way contract after discovering he’ll be sidelined for approximately four weeks with a knee injury, league sources inform me. pic.twitter.com/aHPasJRVuS

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 19, 2025

Sanogo, a 6-9 big from the University of Connecticut, has been in the Bulls system for two seasons and has signed a two-way contract for each season. Sanogo has played 13 games in his career and has appeared in four games for the Bulls this season.

For his career, the native of Mali has averaged 6.7 minutes, scored 3.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and shot 52.9% from the field. Down in the G League this season Sanogo has been a solid player, averaging 29.0 minutes a game, 17.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.

According to Bulls Insider K.C. Johnson, the Bulls will replace Sanogo with Jahmir Young who once played for the University of Maryland.

“Bulls are expected to fill this slot with former Maryland guard Jahmir Young”

Bulls are expected to fill this slot with former Maryland guard Jahmir Young https://t.co/dtoZh5q074

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 19, 2025

Johnson also states that Young has averaged 22.4 pts and 7.3 assists for Grand Rapids Gold in the G League this season.

“Young has averaged 22.4 pts and 7.3 assists for Grand Rapids Gold in G League this season”

Young has averaged 22.4 pts and 7.3 assists for Grand Rapids Gold in G League this season https://t.co/xGMnIQmHdb

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 19, 2025

A tough road ahead for the Bulls​

NBA: Denver Nuggets Media Day Sep 26, 2024; Denver, Co, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Gabe McGlothan (30) and forward Jaylin Williams (10) and guard Jahmir Young (11) during Denver Nuggets Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Bulls will have a tough road ahead to finish up this season.

The Bulls are now down one less big man to help get them across the finish line and further add to their ever-growing roster of guards.

These final games will be critical for the Bulls to figure out players that should stick around for the rebuild and be given long-term deals.

NBA: Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls Nov 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls center Adama Sanogo (21) enters the building before the game against the Utah Jazz at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...ign=chicago-bulls-release-player-after-injury

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls impressive young star finally receives recognition for his play

The Chicago Bulls are currently going through a rebuild and will look to their young players to step up and prove they are worth building around.

One of those players the Bulls will look to build around is the star rookie, Matas Buzelis, who had a breakout game last night against the Miami Heat.

After an impressive 24 points in 31 minutes played, Buzelis will look to build on that strong performance tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Chicago Bulls rookie to make first career NBA start​

NBA: Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls Feb 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) defends against Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The 20-year-old Buzelis has gone from barely playing, to to being named the Bulls’ sixth man, to now getting a chance to start in the NBA, talk about a rollercoaster ride.

“Matas Buzelis joins the starting lineup for the first time in his NBA career tonight vs. Minnesota.“

Matas Buzelis joins the starting lineup for the first time in his NBA career tonight vs. Minnesota.

STREAM https://t.co/dLgvAjeEdl@FirstAlert | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/vdHG69Tvqx

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 6, 2025

Buzelis deserves the start with how good he has been for the Bulls as of late. This will be the young rookies first ever career start in the NBA. In Buzelis’s previous three games before his breakout performance against the Heat, had over 10+ points and a handful of rebounds in 20 minutes played.

Overall season​

NBA: Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls Feb 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The talented 6-10 forward has all the earmarks of being a star in the NBA. Buzelis was asked to be a part of the NBA Dunk Contest where, if he performs, he can further make himself a future star in the league. For the season, Buzelis is averaging 13.6 minutes, scoring 5.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and averaging 0.8 blocks a game.

Buzelis recently had his minutes increased by head coach Billy Donovan and was named the Bull’s sixth man. Buzelis has excelled in that role, and with further trades possibly happening, Buzelis could see more games of 31 minutes.

A centerpiece to build around​

NBA: Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls Feb 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) and guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

With the ability to score off the dribble, rebound, shoot the three, and more importantly, score in the paint, Buzelis is someone the Bulls can turn to as a scoring option.

Still only 20 years old, Buzelis has a lot to prove once the league adjusts to him. However, with the mindset Buzelis has, he can figure it out.

With more trades still to come, the Bulls rookie has a lot more room to shine and get more time out on the court.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...ampaign=chicago-bulls-rookie-gets-first-start

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls make announcement on Patrick Williams day after waiving Adama Sanogo

On Thursday, the Chicago Bulls (22-33) made an announcement on Patrick Williams hours before the team was set to face the New York Knicks (36-18) at Madison Square Garden. Per ESPN BET, the Bulls enter the contest as a 12.5-point underdog to the Knicks.

The Bulls aren’t expected to win many games against .500 teams for the rest of the season after trading away Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings earlier this month. Chicago will be short on help for the foreseeable future.

Patrick Williams underwent a medical procedure​

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the basket during the second half against Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Per an announcement by the Bulls, Williams received an injection to treat tendinosis in his right knee and will be out for at least two weeks.

Via the Bulls:

Medical Update: Patrick Williams received a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat tendinosis in his right knee. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Medical Update: Patrick Williams received a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat tendinosis in his right knee. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks. pic.twitter.com/QqaD6Ly5RF

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 20, 2025

The announcement came one day after the Bulls waived Adama Sanogo after discovering the center had a knee injury. The Bulls’ big men are hurting after the All-Star break.

Williams has struggled with the Chicago Bulls lately​

Bulls head coach billy Donovan talks with 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

Williams has appeared in 45 games and started 35 this season. The No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft is averaging 9.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2 assists per game on 26.2 minutes.

Williams was cold before the NBA All-Star break, scoring a total of 16 points in his last three outings and recording six rebounds. He hadn’t reached double-digits in scoring since the Bulls beat the Miami Heat 133-124 on Feb. 4 when the former Florida State standout scored 10 points.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/patri...=patrick-williams-prp-injection-chicago-bulls

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls’ Coby White assigns blame after loss to Knicks

The Chicago Bulls overperformed in their first game after the NBA All-Star break. Per ESPN Bet, Chicago entered Thursday night’s contest as a 10.5-point underdog to the New York Knicks.

The Bulls took the Knicks to overtime. However, a crucial mistake in the final 10 seconds led to New York walking away with a 113-111 win in front of 19,812 fans at Madison Square Garden.

Coby White passed up a major opportunity​

Apr 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) gestures after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls point guard Coby hesitated a couple of times to take a shot that would have won or tied the game. Instead, White threw a poor pass to Nikola Vucevic, forcing the center to take a bad two-point attempt he missed as the clock expired.

White appeared to gain slight separation for a three-point attempt before going inside.

pic.twitter.com/NuzLB4aKC2

— Strickland Vids (@StricklandVids) February 21, 2025

Regret for the Chicago Bulls point guard​

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers Jan 19, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (0) walks to the locker room after warming up before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Following the game, White told reporters he regretted not shooting the ball.

“This didn’t go well,” White said via video from Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune. “So you learn from it. Look at the film, you figure out what I could of did. I just feel like, I feel like the end of it, I got to shoot it, though, at the end, of the day, that’s got to be my mentality.”

Coby White felt he put Vooch in a bad spot on that final play. Views tonight as a learning experience as he continues to adjust to being the No. 1 option for this offense.

“At the end of the day, I got to shoot it.” pic.twitter.com/Et6Z6KvMtk

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) February 21, 2025

White finished 5-of-11 shooting for 11 points, six assists, and two rebounds.

The loss dropped the Bulls to 22-34. They have now lost five games in a row. Chicago will next play at home against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.

Related: Bulls make an announcement on Patrick Williams’ health​

Bulls guard Coby White (0) controls the ball while Boston Celtics forward Drew Peterson (13) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/coby-...gn=coby-white-blame-knicks-chicago-bulls-news

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls Coach Calls Out Embarrassing Performance Following Stunning Pistons Loss

Billy Donovan was not happy with the Chicago Bulls before the All-Star break​

The Chicago Bulls are in danger of failing to make it to even the play-in postseason spot; such has been their massive slump in form. This was never more evident than in their recent blowout defeat to the Detroit Pistons. On that occasion, head coach Billy Donovan watched on as his team lost by forty points despite having home-court advantage in the 92-132 mauling.

The Bulls have lost four of their last five games, and Donovan has outlined two reasons for their dropoff and will no doubt be looking to his team to reverse the slide. The United Center side has achieved back-to-back losing seasons, and they currently sit on an unhealthy 22-33 record and have a mountain to climb.

Bulls fans who are still hopeful that Donovan can get the Chicago train back on the track may want to take a look at the low down on the best betting app options out there, as doing so will greatly aid their chances of making the most of their wagers.

Donovan, who has been in charge of the Chicago Bulls since 2020, spoke about the reasoning for the poor recent results, stating.

“It’s kinda what happens at the trade deadline,”

“I feel like we all have to incorporate and maybe learn to play with each other a little bit…the reality is it is only two guys.” before adding.

“I don’t know what we were from three the last two games, but if the ball was going in the basket, we probably wouldn’t look disjointed,”

On the disastrous loss to the Pistons, one that was followed by another a few days later, Donovan noted,

“We didn’t shoot the ball well at all; that happens,”

“Even if had we shot the ball better, I’m not so sure it still would’ve been a game we would’ve had a chance to win,”

“Because I thought they just physically overwhelmed us. It’s embarrassing when you’re sitting there, and that’s happening. No question about it. On the home court, who wants to go through that? The physical part is something we’ve always had a challenge with. We’re going to have to find a way to fight through some of it. We do get overwhelmed physically with size and strength; we just do. In a game like that, what I’d like to see a little more: Is someone going to take charge? These are things we get confronted with we have to respond to.”

Chicago can’t afford to dwell too much on what’s gone before, and with two-thirds of the season already completed, any response from Donovan’s talented roster needs to be immediate; otherwise, this season may well as well be written off.

In his four completed seasons to date, Donovan has taken the Chicago Bulls to the postseason on just one occasion, and even the,n they were halted immediately by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

One gets a sense that Billy Donovan may well be on borrowed time as head coach, and this may well be the last chance saloon for the 59-year-old.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...gn=chicago-bulls-coach-calls-out-team-pistons

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls worried about money in trade talks: Report

With hours to go before the NBA trade deadline on Wednesday, the Chicago Bulls have only traded away one core piece of their team. Zach LaVine was sent to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

The trade marked the beginning of the Bulls coming to grips with the fact that the team must rebuild. However, Chicago has not been able to trade more players to hasten the rebuild.

The Bulls had two deals in place for Nikola Vucevic, but they fell through on Tuesday night.

Chicago Bulls want too much​

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) reacts in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Per K.C. Johnson with CHSN, the Bulls’ asking price is too high for the Golden State Warriors.

“Warriors focus has shifted from Kevin Durant to Jimmy Butler, per multiple reports,” Johnson wrote. “If Butler pursuit fails, Nikola Vucevic (and since-traded Zach LaVine) had been on Warriors radar. But as of now, I’m told Warriors aren’t sure they’d pursue Vucevic at Bulls asking price.”

Warriors focus has shifted from Kevin Durant to Jimmy Butler, per multiple reports. If Butler pursuit fails, Nikola Vucevic (and since-traded Zach LaVine) had been on Warriors radar. But as of now, I’m told Warriors aren’t sure they’d pursue Vucevic at Bulls asking price.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 5, 2025

Money is the holdup for Lonzo Ball​

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls Jan 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) gestures after makingg a three point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Johnson wrote the price could come down before Thursday’s deadline. He also suggested that the Bulls are worried about money when it comes to dealing with Lonzo Ball.

“Could that change if Butler pursuit fails and it’s closer to deadline? Sure,” Johnson wrote. “Everything is fluid. As for Lonzo Ball, Bulls have fielded offers involving draft capital but with long-term money attached. Ball makes $21.4M and his deal expires. Stay tuned.”

Could that change if Butler pursuit fails and it’s closer to deadline? Sure. Everything is fluid.

As for Lonzo Ball, Bulls have fielded offers involving draft capital but with long-term money attached. Ball makes $21.4M and his deal expires. Stay tuned.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 5, 2025

The Bulls have bought high and sold low on LaVine, Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso. Chicago’s priorities don’t seem to be in the right place on Wednesday.

Maybe they’ll sober up on Thursday.

Chicago Bulls vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas speaks during Chicago Bulls Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/nikol...=nikola-vucevic-lonzo-ball-chicago-bulls-news

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls: Kevin Durant has strong words for rookie Matas Buzelis after Suns game

Like against the New York Knicks on Thursday, the Chicago Bulls played close against a talented Phoenix Suns, but they could not pull out a win in a 121-117 finish in front of 21,116 fans at the United Center on Saturday.

The Bulls have now lost six games in a row. The Suns snapped a four-game losing streak. Suns power forward Kevin Durant was a major factor in the game. He finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Kevin Durant has praise for Chicago Bulls rookie​

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Bulls guard Coby White (0) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Following the game, Durant gave his analysis on Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis. He thinks Buzelis has the potential to be a star for Chicago.

“I like Matas,” Durant said via K.C. Johnson of CHSN. “I liked him when he was with G League Ignite. He’s long, athletic, can shoot it. He’s definitely going to have some bumps and bruises as he gets through his first few years in the league trying to figure things out.

“But the more experience, the more reps he gets as a starter the better he’ll become. (Bulls head coach) Billy’s (Donovan) giving him more opportunities. Just play. I hear (Donovan) on the sidelines, ‘Attack. Shoot the ball. Be aggressive’ …

“His teammates encourage him. Playing will make you better player…Just like the rest of Chicago, I’m going to sit back and watch and see what happens from here. I got high expectations just like you guys do.”

Kevin Durant on Matas Buzelis: "I like Matas. I liked him when he was with G League Ignite. He's long, athletic, can shoot it. He's definitely going to have some bumps and bruises as he gets through his first few years in the league trying to figure things out. (cont.)

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 23, 2025

Matas Buzelis on playing against Durant​

Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) defends Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Buzelis, the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft, finished with 15 points, three rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal on Saturday. Per Johnson, Buzelis had high praise for Durant, calling the 36-year-old one of the best NBA players of all time.

“Great experience,” Buzelis said. “Great player. It was just really fun taking on the challenge of playing against one of the best players ever. It was fun.”

Matas Buzelis on Kevin Durant: "Great experience. Great player. It was just really fun taking on the challenge of playing against one of the best players ever. It was fun."

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 23, 2025

The Bulls are 22-25 following their loss to the Suns. They will play the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night in a game that has importance for the 10th place in the Eastern Conference, as Chicago holds a one-game lead on Philadelphia.

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/kevin...kevin-durant-matas-buzelis-chicago-bulls-news