The Bulls franchise has shifted from trying to convince themselves they’re a playoff-contending team to prioritizing the future. Sending away Zach LaVine was the first significant step in doing so, and starting rookie Matas Buzelis was the next best indicator. They’ve gone 3-9 since that trade, including 1-7 over their last eight. Things to look for in the final stretch include Buzelis’s chase for Rookie of the Year, the performances of the trio of newcomers Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Tre Jones, and the continued development of potential starting point guard of the future, Josh Giddey. This week, a pair of Bulls have dominated the court and had massive numbers to reflect their efforts. With two games left this week, can either capture the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award? They’d be the first to win it on behalf of Chicago since DeMar DeRozan in March of 2024.
Josh Giddey Earning His New Extension
Over the last month, Josh Giddey has proven that he is Chicago’s point guard of the future. Regardless of the shifting supporting cast, he’s been diming, rebounding, scoring, and three-point shooting at nearly career-best rates. The Bulls opted to wait on his contract extension until this summer, a move that is looking regrettable. This week, he’s posted 46 points, 24 rebounds, and 18 assists while shooting 16-for-25 from the field, including a perfect 7-for-7 from deep through two outings.
Josh Giddey since the All-Star break:
25.3 PPG
13.3 RPG
6.7 APG
1.7 SPG
1.7 BPGon 58/71/100% shooting. pic.twitter.com/v0i3qcoyvc
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 26, 2025
These numbers for an entire season would equate to an All-Star selection and All-NBA nod. This will surely entice the Bulls to keep him around through the rebuild, and his facilitating and improved three-point shooting will enhance the surrounding youthful assets.
Zach Collins Is Fighting For The Future Center Spot
Call it a fluke or an anomaly, but Zach Collins is putting on a clinic this week as the starting center. Nikola Vucevic has been sidelined the last two games, a trend that would need to continue through Sunday’s matchup with the Indiana Pacers if Collins hopes to push for the Player of the Week honor, and his replacement has arguably been an improvement. Over the last pair of outings, Collins’s first starting nods with Chicago, he’s posted 40 points, 22 boards, and eight assists with nearly 60% shooting from the field. He sits behind Giddey in the race for this week’s best player in the conference, but a few more performances matching Wednesday night’s would even the odds quickly.
.@zcollins_33 with a big game last night in Chicago 🔴
21 PTS // 8-14 FG // 17 REB // 7 AST pic.twitter.com/Hi9cHmgWii
— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) February 27, 2025
Collins took the opportunity in Chicago behind an aging 35-year-old veteran on an expiring contract with intentions to be next in line. His last two games are precisely the performances he must replicate to accomplish this goal.
Can Giddey or Collins continue their hot streak for the next two outings and take home a silver lining award for Chicago’s trashed season?
