Chicago Bulls Struggle with Tanking Strategy in Loss to Kings

The team's reluctance to fully embrace a rebuilding approach leads to confusing decisions and an unexpected victory.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bulls suffered a 126-110 loss to the Sacramento Kings, a game that highlighted the team's confusing approach to tanking. Despite being in rebuilding mode, the Bulls refuse to shut down injured players or give more playing time to younger prospects, instead prioritizing wins over securing a better draft position. This has led to unexpected victories against stronger opponents, undermining the team's stated goal of improving through the draft.

Why it matters

The Bulls' inability to fully commit to a tanking strategy is concerning for their long-term future. By refusing to make difficult decisions and instead focusing on short-term competitiveness, the team risks missing out on the opportunity to significantly improve their roster through the draft. This could prolong the team's struggles and make it harder to build a contender in the coming years.

The details

In the loss to the Kings, the Bulls displayed a lack of effort on defense and the boards, despite strong individual performances from players like Josh Giddey and Collin Sexton. The team's front office and coaching staff have been unwilling to shut down injured players or give more playing time to younger prospects, instead prioritizing wins over securing a better draft position. This has led to unexpected victories against stronger opponents, such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, which have hurt the team's chances of landing a top pick in the 2026 draft.

  • The Bulls are currently 26-38 on the season and ninth in the draft order.
  • The team's 11-game losing streak earlier in the season was the worst in franchise history since 2001.

The players

Josh Giddey

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who tallied his ninth triple-double of the season in the loss to the Kings.

Collin Sexton

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who scored 28 points, including 7 three-pointers, in the loss to the Kings.

Zach LaVine

A Bulls player who is sidelined for the season.

DeMar DeRozan

A Bulls player who missed the game against the Kings due to illness.

Jalen Smith

A Bulls center who returned to the lineup in a restricted capacity after a calf injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.