Blazers' struggles give Bulls extra push to secure first-round pick

Chicago Bulls v Portland Trail Blazers | Alika Jenner/GettyImagesIt’s rebuild time in Chicago. If that wasn’t obvious last season, it should be now. And it would be damning if a strong final stretch once again convinces the Bulls to delay the inevitable, just like it did a year ago.

The Bulls are 9–14 to start the 2025–26 season, sitting outside the playoff picture in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. But neither the record nor the standings is the most alarming part. Chicago has dropped seven straight games—some of them to bottom-tier teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and New Orleans Pelicans.

Injuries aside, this roster is clearly not built to contend. There are simply too…