Chicago Bulls' 7th straight loss highlights Jaden Ivey's DNP, Wes Unseld Jr. filling in

Ivey's absence and the Bulls' struggles to find a cohesive identity raise questions about the team's future plans.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Chicago Bulls fell to the Toronto Raptors 110-101 for their seventh straight loss and 10th in 11 games. Rookie guard Jaden Ivey was a healthy scratch, marking the first time in his NBA career he finished a game with a 'DNP — coach's decision'. Acting coach Wes Unseld Jr. said Ivey's absence was a basketball decision, but Ivey alluded to lingering knee soreness. The Bulls' roster includes six guards, and Unseld spoke with the team about potential minute reductions as they try to find healthy rotations. Ivey, a restricted free agent this summer, said he trusts God's plan amid the uncertainty. The Bulls also struggled with turnovers and lacked cohesion in their first game back from the All-Star break.

Why it matters

Ivey's surprise DNP raises questions about his future with the Bulls, as the team evaluates its new roster additions ahead of the offseason. The Bulls' continued struggles also highlight the challenges of building a cohesive team identity after a flurry of trade deadline moves.

The details

Jaden Ivey, a 24-year-old guard, did not play in Thursday's loss despite not being listed on the injury report. Acting coach Wes Unseld Jr. said it was a basketball decision, but Ivey alluded to lingering knee soreness. Ivey is a restricted free agent this summer, and his lack of playing time could impact his future with the Bulls. The Bulls' roster includes six guards, and Unseld spoke with the team about potential minute reductions as they try to find healthy rotations. The Bulls also struggled with turnovers and lacked cohesion in their first game back from the All-Star break.

  • Sixteen days ago, Ivey was logging 16.8 minutes per game for the best team in the East.
  • Thursday marked a season-high-tying seventh consecutive loss in their first game back from the All-Star break.

The players

Jaden Ivey

A 24-year-old guard for the Chicago Bulls who was a healthy scratch for Thursday's game, marking the first time in his NBA career he finished a game with a 'DNP — coach's decision'.

Wes Unseld Jr.

The acting coach for the Chicago Bulls, who filled in for head coach Billy Donovan, who was away from the team following the death of his father.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who was away from the team following the death of his father.

Brandon Ingram

A player for the Toronto Raptors who scored 31 points, including a dagger 3-pointer in the final minute, to lead his team to victory over the Chicago Bulls.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure people can call it out that I'm not the same player as I used to be. That's why. I'm not the JI I used to be. But the old JI is dead. I'm alive in Christ. … No matter how many DNP's I don't get to play or no matter how many points I score, those things are a temporary thing.”

— Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls guard (Chicago Tribune)

“Obviously going into it you've got to look at who's on the roster. This team has a lot of guards, so going into it I'm kind of just thrown in. I do my job to the glory of God so I'm ready for whenever my name is called. Whenever (the) coach needs me, calls my name, I'll be out there to play. Getting traded, that's what happens in the NBA. You get traded, the organization figures out what the team needs and they make their adjustments.”

— Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls guard (Chicago Tribune)

“I don't really trust the NBA setting. I trust the Lord. That's the main thing. He places me where I need to be. … When moves are made behind the scenes of trades and stuff, I don't trust that part. You can't trust it, because it's not in your hands. It's not in my hands to make moves or trade myself or put myself in a certain position. I leave that up to the Lord.”

— Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls guard (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.