Bulls stumble in a night that underscored a brewing clash between philosophy and practicality in Chicago. In one corner, Arturas Karnisovas (executive vice president) and Marc Eversley (general manager) acknowledged a harsh truth: Portland’s success directly affects the Bulls, since Chicago owns Portland’s lottery-protected first-round pick—flush with playoff eligibility, the Blazers must reach the postseason to keep the pick intact; otherwise, the protection rolls over for another year through 2028. In the other corner stood Billy Donovan, the longtime coach from Rockville Centre, New York, burning late hours in pursuit of a path to victory for a roster that has constantly shifted and juggled around him. The mismatch between front office strategy and on-court reality finally boiled over.
After another game defined by careless ball handling—20 turnovers in this one—the Bulls fell to 24-36 and endured their 11th straight loss in February, a month that already stands as the worst in franchise history at 0-11. They got 20 points from Matas Buzelis, who shot 6-for-16, a performance that didn’t fully alleviate the offensive strain.
From a front-office lens, Portland’s victory is a quiet victory for the plan: the Blazers remain in the No. 9 slot for the play-in, still pursuing the aim of catching the No. 8 seed Warriors. Donovan, meanwhile, wasn’t eager to pretend he’s rooting against Portland’s aspirations, yet he’s also mindful of the broader implications of adding another potential lottery pick in a stacked 2024-25 class.
“I told them at the trade deadline, nothing has changed: get these guys to play to the best of their ability,” Donovan explained. “We know it’ll be tough with seven new players. We’ve talked with ownership, and the message has been clear—go out there and give it your all. There’s been no hint of, ‘If we finish here or there, or don’t worry about playing these guys.’ There’s been no signal of that at all.”
Donovan also acknowledged the wider impact of the June draft date and how it shapes decisions, insisting he isn’t manipulating lineups for the sake of a close game. If he did, he suspects the front office would push back: play the best players available. It’s a noble stance, but in the current climate, the front office’s impatience makes it a less tenable approach. The front office even sealed this reality by moving some of the team’s more valuable assets.
The turning point came late in regulation. With 3:37 remaining, Leonard Miller’s dunk trimmed the deficit to three, and instead of capitalizing on the momentum, Chicago’s defense collapsed, allowing a 13-7 finish to seal the defeat. It marks the Bulls’ third-longest skid in franchise lore.
As forward Isaac Okoro put it: they aren’t looking for excuses; they’re simply trying to reset focus, execute the basics—box out, protect the ball, limit second-chance opportunities—and then win games. The road ahead will test whether the organization can reconcile its long-term, asset-light approach with the immediate need to finish games stronger and regain some confidence.
Would you agree with Donovan’s stance on playing the best available players regardless of the bigger strategic aims, or do you think the front office should push a different, more patient course to preserve long-term gains? Share your take in the comments.
