Season 6 Preview: Bulls Eye Bounce-Back After Early Exit

Offseason Recap

General Manager KeJuan Thornton wasted no time retooling the Bulls' roster after a first-round playoff exit. The front office focused on a mix of veteran depth and youthful energy, starting with re-signing forward Terrence Gotson, who brings grit and hustle to the roster.

The Bulls also added new pieces in Derrod Williams, Da’Jon Avery, Dontee Wade, and Tomas Mendez. Williams, a capable scorer with solid shooting splits, will play a larger role this season. Avery, the rookie, is a bit of a mystery but has impressed in the "Pre Draft Run".

On the flip side, the Bulls said goodbye to some key contributors: Phil Green, Sed Dewayne, Trent Curry, and Anthony Jones. While their departures create a leadership void, the hope is that the new additions can match—or exceed—that production.

Last Season Recap

The Bulls finished with a 5–5 record, securing the #2 seed, but bowed out in the first round of the playoffs. It was a season that showed flashes of potential but ultimately fell short of expectations. Phil Green injury plagued the team late in the season, and the lack of a go-to scorer became evident in the postseason.

Summer Summary

The summer was all about change. With new faces entering the mix, chemistry has been a major point of emphasis in offseason training. GM KeJuan Thornton will have to implement new offensive sets, designed to spread the floor and create more space for slashing guards and spot-up shooters. Rookie Da’Jon Avery was a standout in the Pre Draft Run—showing flashes of two-way potential that could earn him a big role right away.

Meanwhile, veteran pickup Derrod Williams has already begun to gel with the squad, shooting lights out and offering veteran poise. Tomas Mendez and Dontee Wade may be role players to start, but their rebounding and defensive versatility could prove valuable down the stretch.

Spotlight On: Derrod Williams

Averaging 7.4 PPG on 50% shooting from the field and 35.7% from three, Derrod Williams quietly put together a strong campaign his last season. Now with a bigger opportunity on the Bulls, Williams is poised to be one of the team's top scoring options. His efficiency and ability to stretch the floor will be key, especially with the Bulls seeking more consistent perimeter scoring.

How Far Can the Bulls Go?

This team has a lot of "if" factors. If the new additions mesh quickly, if Avery lives up to the early hype, and if a true leader steps up in the locker room, the Bulls have the tools to make a deeper playoff run.

The talent is there. The question is whether the chemistry, consistency, and clutch factor will follow. If everything clicks, this group could push for a top seed and break through the first-round ceiling.