Jerry Reinsdorf’s Return to Bulls Ownership
Following his ascent to majority ownership of the Chicago Bulls in 1985, Jerry Reinsdorf is poised to regain control of the franchise that rose to fame alongside six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. Early in Reinsdorf’s leadership, the Bulls capitalized on Jordan’s extraordinary talent, quickly positioning him as an MVP contender during his sophomore year.
Bulls’ Prospective Future Stars
Currently, the Bulls lack a player of Jordan’s caliber on their roster. However, they are anticipated to be a lottery team in 2026, a year featuring several sought-after prospects. Among the top contenders are BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’s Darryn Peterson, and Duke’s Cameron Boozer, each with the potential to become MVPs.
Outstanding Prospects
The strengths of Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer lie in their alignment with the archetypes of past MVPs. At 6-foot-9, Dybantsa is a gifted scorer with versatile skills comparable to three-time NBA MVP Larry Bird. Peterson, a 6-foot-5 guard, showcases his offensive instincts and defensive prowess, reminiscent of Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Boozer, a 6-foot-9 power forward, is a versatile scorer akin to former Utah Jazz icon Karl Malone.
Draft Lottery Concerns
Due to the NBA Draft’s lottery system, the Bulls’ ability to secure one of these elite prospects remains uncertain. However, by losing enough games, they could potentially discover a franchise player reminiscent of Jordan, absent from the team for the past 25 years.
Drafting Challenges
Chicago’s draft choices since hiring Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley in 2020 have raised concerns. Their first season saw them select Florida State forward Patrick Williams fourth overall, but dissatisfaction with his performance has led to trade attempts. Their subsequent second-round selection, Marko Simonovic, has not been part of the NBA since 2022-23.
Inconsistent Progress
While the Bulls landed No. 38 pick Ayo Dosunmu in 2021, their later picks lack impact. Their 2022 choice, Arizona’s Dalen Terry, has struggled to make a significant contribution. They managed to select G League Ignite’s Matas Buzelis in 2024, marking their first consensus top-25 recruit, but concerns regarding his leadership potential remain.
Structural Inefficiencies
Beyond draft selections, Karnisovas and Eversley’s transaction history raises red flags. Their free agency strategies have failed to secure a full-time starter, and their trades haven’t yielded adequate returns, particularly with stars like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. As a result, the Bulls’ performance reflects mediocrity, exemplified by their 164-164 record over the past four seasons.
A Call for Change
To break free from this state of stagnation, the Bulls need fresh leadership in their front office. The organization should consider appointing a new executive vice president and general manager, potentially consolidating these roles into a singular president of basketball operations position. Pursuing former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers might be a strategic move, given his history with a historically successful franchise.
