The Chicago Bulls enter the 2026–27 NBA season facing a familiar challenge: finding a path back to meaningful basketball in a city that expects more than just flashes of potential.
Below we see the Bulls win percentages by season going back to the 1995-96 season by head coach. The Billy Donovan era ended with a team that peaked at 56.1% (2021-22) and had a low of 37.8% (last season) and just one postseason appearance (first round loss).
The mediocrity seen in the Chicago Bulls over the last few years definitely goes further than the head coach. The struggles in the draft and free agency point to the front office.. The Arturas Karnisovas era is now over (2021-22 season to 2025-26). Bryson Graham has taken over basketball operations, while Tiago Splitter arrived as the new head coach. The goal this season should be to build something sustainable. Wins matter, but so does finding a core worth building around. If Chicago can make genuine progress in both areas, this season could represent an important turning point.
Bulls 2026-2027 Roster
The Chicago Bulls’ 2026–27 roster is built around a mix of young potential, veteran scoring, and defensive upgrades. Josh Giddey leads the backcourt with his playmaking, while Matas Buzelis and rookie Caleb Wilson headline the team’s young core and offer plenty of upside. Veteran scorer Norman Powell and sharpshooter Buddy Hield provide offensive firepower, while Nic Claxton gives Chicago a much-needed rim protector in the paint. Players like Patrick Williams, Isaac Okoro and Tre Jones add versatility and depth. Overall, the Bulls have an intriguing mix of talent, but their success will depend on how quickly the young players develop, how well the pieces fit together, and whether the defense can become more consistent.
3 Big Questions
As the season approaches, here are three questions will help determine whether the Bulls are headed in the right direction.
- Can Caleb Wilson become a franchise cornerstone? His development is one of the most important long-term storylines.
- Will Matas Buzelis make a significant leap? Chicago needs its young forward to become more consistent and productive.
- Can the defense improve? Nic Claxton’s presence should help, but team-wide effort and execution will determine the results.
Season Projection
Record: 38–44
Expected outlook: Development year with an outside shot at the play-in tournament.
Best-case scenario: Wilson adapts quickly, Buzelis takes a leap, Powell provides efficient scoring, and Claxton helps the defense become respectable.
Biggest risk: The offense struggles in the half court, the defense remains inconsistent, and the young core needs more time to develop.
Final Thoughts
The Chicago Bulls enter 2026–27 with a different kind of opportunity.
They have a new coach, a reshaped roster, an intriguing rookie in Caleb Wilson, and young players in Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey who have important roles to play. Veterans such as Norman Powell and Nic Claxton give the group experience in areas where it needs help.
There are no guarantees that these changes will translate into a winning season. Rebuilding takes patience, and the Eastern Conference won’t make the process easy. But this season doesn’t have to be measured solely by a playoff berth. It can be measured by development, defensive improvement, better decision-making, and evidence that Chicago has finally found a sustainable path forward.