Chicago Bulls Kick Off 2025–26 Season with Media Day
The Chicago Bulls commenced their 2025–26 season with Media Day on Monday, September 29, at the United Center. This event provided fans with insights into the team’s ambitions and the new direction that both management and players assert will shape the upcoming year. General Manager Artūras Karnišovas and Head Coach Billy Donovan emphasized similar themes throughout the day: toughness, consistency, and a focus on development while striving to compete.
Key Messages from Management and Players
Following his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame this summer, Coach Donovan and GM Karnišovas reflected on the progress the Bulls achieved during last season’s closing games. They pointed out a young core showing promising talent. This vision was mirrored by players such as Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, who stressed the need for a strong defensive identity and a tougher playing style.
Coby White Focused on Winning
Coby White, establishing himself as a leader last season, declared his focus on achieving victory while continuing his growth as a player. As he enters a contract year, he openly expressed his ambition to elevate his game to All-Star levels, building upon the late-season momentum. “Winning is always the priority. For me, it’s about consistent improvement and helping this team compete nightly,” he noted.
Ayo Dosunmu’s Recovery and Team Goals
Ayo Dosunmu, who recently underwent shoulder surgery, reported a smooth recovery and is eager to contribute to the guard-heavy roster. “This team needs to focus on being consistent,” he remarked, highlighting moments from last season where the Bulls excelled defensively but struggled to maintain that level over time.
Veteran Insight from Nikola Vučević
Veteran center Nikola Vučević highlighted the importance of balancing player development with achieving results. “We need to build while also being competitive each game,” Vučević stated, portraying his role as both a stabilizing force and an educator for teammates facing increased responsibilities.
New Talent and International Spotlight
A notable narrative from Media Day involved Yuki Kawamura, the Bulls’ new guard on a two-way contract. With a strong background from the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, Kawamura attracted considerable media attention. His enthusiastic and competitive spirit earned praise from teammates and signifies not only added depth but also a growing international exposure for the Bulls.
Unified Vision for the Season Ahead
The overall tone of the day was a mix of optimism and accountability. Karnišovas noted the franchise’s decade-long struggle to win a playoff series and emphasized the need for measurable progress this year without rushing the process. Donovan mentioned that the coaching staff will focus on crucial details, like creating turnovers and maintaining physical play—essential habits for securing a postseason return. By day’s end, the messages from management and players aligned, with a unified commitment to compete with toughness and pride.
