Bulls Playoff Push Is Costing Them More Than Just A Top Draft Pick
Another NBA Play-In Tournament loss, or a chance at a top-five draft pick and the opportunity to draft one of the highest-graded prospects of the decade? Arturas Karnisovas sees more value in the former, whereas the entire fanbase would prefer the latter. With two feet firmly in the playoff picture, the Chicago Bulls are headed for their third consecutive mini-tournament at the regular season’s conclusion. 8-2 over their last ten and riding a three-game winning streak, the young core has ascended to new heights without their former All-Star guard Zach LaVine. Not only will they miss out on a top draft choice, but they are also passing over a chance at history.
Tank For Flagg Movement Has Failed
While no franchise has ever or will ever openly tank for better draft positioning, trading away veteran assets Alex Caruso, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine is about as close to admitting defeat as AK could get. To the surprise of anyone who follows the NBA, the Bulls have somehow turned the tides without the aging trio and are eyeing their best chance at winning the Play-In Tournament since its’ inception. Had they laid down and slid down the ranks instead, they could’ve scored their most prized draft selection since Derrick Rose in 2008.
Current odds to land Cooper Flagg in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery:
Wizards: 14%
Jazz: 14%
Hornets: 14%
Pelicans: 12.5%
Sixers: 9.8%
Nets: 9.7%
Raptors: 7.5%
Heat: 6%
Bulls: 4.5%
Spurs: 3%
Blazers: 2%
Rockets (via Suns): 1.5%
Kings: 0.5% pic.twitter.com/kcTWmJZgRg— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 24, 2025
The only superstars in Chicago Bulls history:
Derrick Rose (1st overall pick)
Michael Jordan (3rd overall pick)The Bulls didn’t tank for either but they’re the only players the franchise has ever had real success with.
— Alejandro D. (@LocalBullsFan) March 26, 2025
Surrendering A Win-Now Pick For Playoff Revenue
During AK’s tenure in Chicago, it became evident that Jerry Reinsdorf’s only priority is making money. All sports owners prioritize revenue, but most are willing to risk spending more to reach new heights. Reinsdorf, as evidenced by the White Sox and the Bulls, is not impacted by his franchises’ image, success, or public perception. Reaching postseason play brings an entirely new level of funds to the organization, and hosting a Play-In Tournament game will surely keep ownership in good spirits. Although they haven’t broken the seal of making the field of eight in the postseason, Karnisovas has kept his job by securing a spot in the mini-tournament.
From the 1998 NBA All-Star game. I've said before and I'll say it again: The Chicago Bulls incompetency starts with Jerry Reinsdorf and things will likely not get better unless they A) Get extremely lucky again with a generational superstar (like D-Rose was) or B) he sells the… pic.twitter.com/w8xbKjqk2g
— The Bulls Charge (@thebullscharge) February 16, 2025
The future will now feature Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Coby White, and a selection likely from 10 to 16 in the upcoming draft. Will the Bulls ever return to title contention under the current owner and front office regime?