The Chicago Bulls are taking no chances with their shameless late-season tank, ahead of a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
Let’s tally the (kinda?) previously known health issues:
In a depressing shocker, recent reports revealed that both Ivey and Simons, two recent trade additions, arrived in Chicago already pre-hurt.
Now, we can add two forwards to the list.
Per Kevin Lu of Roundtable, head coach Billy Donovan indicated that power forward/center Jalen Smith is “definitely not day-to-day” as he struggles through a right calf strain. There is no timeline on a Smith return.
Forward Patrick Williams, who actually started in Tuesday’s 131-99 blowout loss to Coby White and the Charlotte Hornets, has been experiencing tightness and soreness in his quadriceps and will undergo imaging, according to Donovan. The Bulls’ $90 million man sat out a Wednesday practice.
Without Williams, Collins or Smith, the Bulls may have to lean on the undersized Isaac Okoro to play some occasional power forward minutes. Among available frontcourt players with traditional size, Matas Buzelis, Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards and non-rotation piece Leonard Miller are the only remaining healthy options.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesSmith, Williams Injuries Lead to Uncomfortable Questions for Bulls
So with these latest injuries, one key question needs to be asked: Are the Bulls embracing the tank with shameless injuries? Or is their medical staff just terrible?
The latter scenario may hold some weight, as it was revealed that Charlotte’s medical team discovered White had been playing through a calf injury of his own when he arrived in town, and subsequently docked Chicago one of the Hornets’ outgoing second-round draft picks as penance. Did the Bulls know their former starting shooting guard had been playing hurt?
Now, with the Bulls’ roster already so misaligned — the team has six guards who all probably deserve minutes — Chicago is losing bodies left and right.
Given that the Bulls are a semi-respectable 24-35 on the year and desperate to make up ground in Tankathon’s reverse draft standings, a cynic might say that Chicago is trying to lose and leaning into long recovery times for its ailing core.
As of now, the Bulls are 1.5 games behind the 21-35 Memphis Grizzlies and two games behind the 21-36 Dallas Mavericks in said reverse standings, both of whom are resting key players. If the season ended today, Chicago would have a 20.3 percent chance at moving into the top four of the draft, and a 4.5 percent shot at the No. 1 pick.
Given that all of the top four prospects — BYU wing AJ Dybantsa, Duke power forward Cameron Boozer, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson — are projected to have superstar potential, the Bulls would certainly like to improve their odds at nabbing one.
© Rob Kinnan-Imagn ImagesHence then, the article about bulls injuries continue to pile up tanking in full effect was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Bulls Injuries Continue to Pile Up (Tanking in Full Effect) )
Also on site :
- Letters: Remembering Joseph Carrisales; Cascadia questions; thankful for help
- William Taylor: Rocky Mountain National Park has the science wrong on moose (guest opinion)
- ‘No lines and big, wide-open runs’: This woodsy California ski town is like Mammoth without the crowds