Bulls Avoid Losing Streak but Challenges Remain

Coach Billy Donovan faces tough roster decisions as team continues to struggle

Mar. 6, 2026 at 5:18am

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The Chicago Bulls managed to snap their 11-game losing streak with a narrow 105-103 win over the Phoenix Suns, but the team's struggles have taken a toll on veteran coach Billy Donovan. Despite the victory, Donovan acknowledged the difficulty of navigating a roster in flux, with several players on expiring contracts and the future of young talents like Rob Dillingham uncertain.

Why it matters

The Bulls' recent losing skid has highlighted the challenges Donovan faces in keeping the team competitive and developing young players amid an unsettled roster situation. As the franchise looks to the future, Donovan's ability to guide the team through this transitional period will be crucial.

The details

The Bulls' win over the Suns provided a brief respite from their recent woes, with Collin Sexton scoring 30 points and Guerschon Yabusele hitting a clutch three-pointer late in the game. However, Donovan acknowledged the difficulty of managing a roster in flux, with several players on expiring contracts and the future of young talents like Rob Dillingham uncertain. The coach emphasized his focus on helping players like Dillingham, Lenny Miller, Matas Buzelis, and others grow, even as the team continues to struggle.

  • The Bulls went 0-11 in the month of February.
  • The team has lost 15 of their last 18 games.

The players

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who is navigating a difficult period of losing and roster uncertainty.

Collin Sexton

A player acquired by the Bulls at the trade deadline, who scored 30 points in the win over the Suns.

Guerschon Yabusele

A player acquired by the Bulls at the trade deadline, who hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game against the Suns.

Rob Dillingham

A young guard drafted by the Bulls in the 2024 draft, who is looking to prove his potential.

Isaac Okoro

A veteran Bulls player who has maintained a consistent role and mindset despite the team's struggles.

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What they’re saying

“Hopefully, I can help a guy like a Rob Dillingham, who hasn't had a much of an opportunity. Same with Lenny (Miller) and some of these other guys. Can I help Matas (Buzelis) grow? Not only am I going through it personally, but the team is different for Josh (Giddey), Matas, Patrick (Williams) and Jalen (Smith), and those guys too. We've got to lean into whatever the situation is.”

— Billy Donovan, Head Coach

“I've always been an advocate of if you're trying to do too much, doing what you're not used to doing or doing stuff out of the ordinary, it doesn't look good. People can tell by watching you play. Like if I was coming out here and going between the legs, step-back threes, it would just look out of the ordinary. I've been able to be in the league six years now because of the role and the player I am of trying to take the toughest assignment every single night, being hard-nosed player of the team, put my body on the line. I've always kept that mindset whether we have a full roster or half a roster.”

— Isaac Okoro, Player

What’s next

The Bulls will need to make decisions on the futures of several players, including restricted free agent Jaden Ivey and second-year guard Rob Dillingham, as they look to build a competitive roster for the future.

The takeaway

Despite the win over the Suns, the Bulls' recent struggles have taken a toll on veteran coach Billy Donovan, who is tasked with navigating a roster in flux and developing young talent amid the team's challenges. Donovan's ability to guide the team through this transitional period will be crucial as the franchise looks to the future.