Keeping up with the Bulls depth chart has felt a bit like trying to solve a puzzle while the pieces are still moving. If you’ve been following the team lately, you know that the front office decided to hit the “reset” button in a big way during the February trade deadline. We said goodbye to some familiar faces like Nikola Vučević and Coby White, and welcomed a wave of young talent like Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons. It is a brand-new era in Chicago, and the rotation looks very different than it did back in October.
Right now, the team is focusing on development and seeing which of these new players fit together for the long term. Head coach Billy Donovan has his work cut out for him, especially with a few key players currently on the mend. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just checking in on your fantasy team, understanding how the minutes are being split is key. Let’s dive into the current lineup and see who is leading the charge at the United Center.
The Current Chicago Bulls Depth Chart
To make things easy, I’ve put together a full breakdown of the roster by position. Keep in mind that with recent injuries to guys like Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith, some of the bench players are stepping into much larger roles than usual.
| Position | Primary Starter | Key Rotation / Bench | Deep Bench / Injury |
| Point Guard | Josh Giddey | Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham | Yuki Kawamura, Mac McClung |
| Shooting Guard | Collin Sexton | Isaac Okoro | Anfernee Simons (Out), Jaden Ivey (Out) |
| Small Forward | Matas Buzelis | Leonard Miller | Noa Essengue (Out/Season) |
| Power Forward | Guerschon Yabusele | Patrick Williams (Out) | Jalen Smith (Out) |
| Center | Nick Richards | Zach Collins (Out/Season) | Lachlan Olbrich |
The Point Guard Battle: Giddey Leads the Way
Since joining the team, Josh Giddey has become the engine of the offense. On the Bulls depth chart, he is the clear-cut starter at point guard. His ability to find open teammates is elite, and he really thrives when he has shooters around him. Behind him, Tre Jones provides a steady veteran hand, while rookie Rob Dillingham is the “spark plug” fans are excited to see more of. Dillingham is still learning the ropes, but his scoring potential is sky-high.
Shooting Guard Shuffles: Injury Luck and New Scoring
This is where things get a bit tricky. On paper, Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey are the future of the backcourt. However, with both currently sidelined due to wrist and knee issues, Collin Sexton has stepped into the starting five. Sexton brings a “bulldog” mentality and high-volume scoring that keeps the Bulls competitive. Isaac Okoro also gets plenty of run here, providing the point-of-attack defense that the team desperately needs.
Matas Buzelis and the Wing Rotation
One of the brightest spots this season has been rookie Matas Buzelis. He has moved up the Bulls depth chart quickly because of his versatility. Standing 6’10”, he can play both forward spots, but the team likes him at small forward where he can use his mobility. Leonard Miller is another young prospect the team is trying to integrate. Miller is raw but has a massive wingspan and great rebounding instincts for a wing.
Power Forward Problems: Frontcourt Depth Tested
The power forward spot is currently a bit of a “next man up” situation. Both Patrick Williams and Jalen Smith are dealing with lower-body strains, which has opened the door for Guerschon Yabusele. Known as “The Dancing Bear” during his earlier stint in the NBA, Yabusele brings strength and veteran toughness. The Bulls need him to hold down the fort until Williams can return to provide his signature perimeter shooting and versatile defense.
Managing the Center Position
With Nikola Vučević gone, the Bulls have shifted toward a more defensive-minded approach at center. Nick Richards has taken over the starting duties, providing much-needed rim protection and lob-finishing. Unfortunately, Zach Collins is out for the season, which leaves the team a bit thin if Richards gets into foul trouble. We might see more small-ball lineups with Yabusele or Smith (when healthy) sliding over to the five spot.
The Impact of Recent Trades
The February deadline was a massive turning point for this franchise. By trading away veteran stars for younger assets and picks, the front office made it clear: they are building for 2027 and beyond. This change has made the Bulls depth chart younger, faster, and much more athletic. While the win-loss record might take a hit in the short term, the “ceiling” for this group feels much higher than the previous veteran-heavy roster.
Rookie Watch: Rob Dillingham and Matas Buzelis
If you are watching the Bulls right now, you are watching the rookies. Buzelis has shown he can be a legitimate two-way threat, often leading the team in blocks while still stretching the floor. Dillingham, on the other hand, is the quintessential “microwave” scorer. When he gets hot, he can change a game in three minutes. Watching these two grow together is the main reason to tune in to Bulls games lately.
Injury Report: Who Is Missing?
Injuries have played a huge role in how the Bulls depth chart looks today. Jaden Ivey is expected back in early March, which will be a huge boost for the offense. Anfernee Simons is also targeting a March return for his wrist. Sadly, Noa Essengue and Zach Collins are done for the year. This lack of health has forced Coach Donovan to use some creative, often undersized lineups to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Defensive Identity and the New Roster
Under the old roster, the Bulls struggled to contain fast-break points. The new look is much better equipped for that. With athletes like Ivey, Buzelis, and Okoro, the team is forcing more turnovers. Even though they are younger, their “defensive motor” seems to be running higher. This shift is a core part of the new identity the team is trying to establish during this rebuilding phase.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Rotation
As we head toward the end of the season, expect the Bulls depth chart to remain fluid. The goal for the remaining games is evaluation. The coaching staff needs to know if Giddey and Ivey can coexist in the long run, and if Matas Buzelis is ready for a 35-minute-per-night workload next season. Every game is essentially a high-stakes audition for these young players.
FAQs About the Bulls Depth Chart
1. Who is the starting point guard for the Bulls? Josh Giddey is currently the primary starting point guard. He handles the bulk of the playmaking duties and is considered a cornerstone of the team’s future.
2. When will Anfernee Simons return to the lineup? Simons is currently recovering from a wrist injury. The team expects him to be back on the court sometime in early March 2026.
3. Is Patrick Williams still a starter? When healthy, Patrick Williams usually starts at power forward. However, he is currently sidelined with a quad strain, and Guerschon Yabusele has been filling his spot.
4. How many rookies are in the Bulls’ rotation? The main rookies seeing significant time are Matas Buzelis and Rob Dillingham. Noa Essengue is also on the roster but is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
5. Who replaced Nikola Vučević at center? Nick Richards has taken over as the primary center. The team also uses Jalen Smith and Guerschon Yabusele in “small-ball” center roles depending on the matchup.
6. Where did Coby White go? Coby White was traded during the February deadline as part of the team’s move to get younger and acquire more draft capital.
Conclusion
The Bulls depth chart is in a state of exciting transformation. While the injuries to stars like Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey are a bummer, they have opened up a window for us to see what the bench can really do. Watching Matas Buzelis and Rob Dillingham develop in real-time gives us a glimpse of a very bright future in Chicago. It’s a “people-first” rebuild that focuses on chemistry and growth rather than just quick fixes.
What do you think of the new-look Bulls? Do you think Giddey and Ivey are the backcourt of the future, or should the Bulls look for more veteran help this summer? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
