Bulls Can’t Afford to Undervalue Their Bench
The Chicago Bulls’ front office faces a pivotal 2026 offseason with decisions that could define the franchise’s trajectory.
Amid rumors of pursuing high-profile stars and extending lucrative contracts to starters like
Chicago’s reserves have become an under-the-radar powerhouse to begin the season. Through Nov. 19, the Bulls rank first in the NBA in bench scoring
And the real problem hiding in plain sight is the potential oversight of this asset.
A Historic Scoring Machine Off the Bench
The Bulls bench has been coming up HUGE all season long 🙌
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls)
Second in the NBA in bench scoring (48.1 PPG) pic.twitter.com/TIn8bcpBNCNovember 18, 2025
The Bulls’ reserves are dominating. Through the first 14 games of the year the bench has scored 685 points, averaging 48.9 points per contest with a plus/minus of +202. This continued production could place them among the elite in league history. Chicago’s bench is currently averaging the
In recent outings they’ve exploded for 71 and 66 points, outscoring opponents’ benches by large margins. Their 57-point edge in a win against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 17 is just one example of how potent this group is.
This isn’t some fluke, but rather a testament to their depth that has propelled the team to a 8-6 record despite inconsistencies from the starting lineup.
Historically, top bench units have been game-changers for contenders. And by prioritizing this strength, Chicago could build sustainably rather than relying on superstar acquisitions.
Issues Persist with Star-Chasing in Today’s Salary-Cap Era
The rumored interests in marquee starters via trades risks diluting the bench’s effectiveness. The salary cap punishes overcommitment to only a few players. And signing proven All-Stars and reupping with Coby could force cost cutting elsewhere.
Star chasing often leads to roster imbalance. Just look at the cautionary examples of the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers—both teams that mortgaged futures for big names. The results were thinned out benches and injury woes from overtaxing older starters.
Bulls vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas should learn from this. Investing in the bench could yield better results, building chemistry and resilience in a grueling season.
Huerter and Dosunmu are Key Cornerstones
To sustain their bench play, re-signing Kevin Huerter and Ayo Dosunmu must be priorities. Huerter has averaged double figures with efficient outside touch. He hasn’t found his three-point stroke yet, but his playmaking and off-the-dribble shooting have made him indispensable.
And his defense has been equally impressive.
A reasonable four-year deal around $15-18 million annually could lock in his value without breaking the bank.
Similarly, Dosunmu is the heartbeat of the bench, blending energy, hustle, and high-level scoring efficiency.
Dosunmu could receive a similar deal in years, but likely in the neighborhood of $20 million annually. Alongside contributors like Jalen Smith and Patrick Williams, this unit forms a cohesive second wave. Re-signing them preserves the bench’s identity as a scoring juggernaut.
Building Long Term Success
Ultimately, the Bulls’ front office must prioritize its internal strengths. By avoiding overpaying White and resisting star temptations, resources can fortify the bench as a sustainable advantage. This approach models successful teams like the Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics when depth trumped top-heaviness.
In a parity driven NBA, the bench isn’t just support…it’s the difference maker for contending teams.
Chicago’s reserves have proven their worth and now it’s time for the executives to invest fully in this hidden gem.
Failure to do so could turn a potential future contender into another middling team chasing illusions.
Commanders Bring Back Young Wideout in Quiet but Strategic Roster Move Before Bye Week
Washington, D.C. – November 20, 2025
The Washington Commanders continued reshaping the bottom of their roster this week with a move that signaled both patience and long term planning. The team quietly adjusted its practice squad structure, focusing on preserving young talent that had already shown promise inside the building.
Coaches emphasized the importance of keeping developmental players close. They reiterated that certain prospects still fit the system well and had earned the right to stay within the program even after recent roster cuts. That philosophy guided the transaction completed on Thursday.
Jacoby Jones entered the picture in the third paragraph as the Commanders confirmed they were bringing the young receiver back to the practice squad. His return came shortly after being waived, a sequence that demonstrated the staff’s desire to retain him rather than risk losing him to another team. Jones joined Washington as an undrafted signing out of UCF and logged one regular season appearance earlier this year, producing a twenty five yard reception that briefly highlighted his burst and vertical capability.
His coaches praised his understanding of the playbook and consistent effort in meetings and drills. They believed those traits justified giving him additional time to develop. In order to make room on the practice squad, the Commanders released veteran safety Daryl Worley, opting to prioritize youth and future potential at the receiver position.
Players in the offensive room voiced support for keeping Jones in the system. They described him as humble, detail oriented and committed to improving. The team continues searching for added depth and reliability at wideout. Maintaining Jones within the pipeline allows Washington to prepare for unexpected injuries or late season adjustments.
The move did not generate national buzz, but internally it was viewed as a strategic decision. Roster depth often becomes decisive as winter approaches. Teams that protect their young talent position themselves better for the stretch run.
The Commanders now move forward with a clearer development plan. Jones remains part of that vision as Washington continues building a foundation built on patience, competition and long term upside.
