Jazz Face 10th Loss as Bulls Highlight Rebuilding Struggles

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz suffered their 10th consecutive loss on Monday night, falling to the Chicago Bulls 111-97 at Delta Center. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 16 points each, though Markkanen did not play in the fourth quarter.

This defeat underscores the challenges the Bulls have faced in their own rebuilding efforts, serving as a cautionary tale for the Jazz about the perils of stagnation in the NBA. Despite this win, the Bulls have had a lackluster track record in recent drafts, with only five picks since 2020 — and only four players from those picks have taken the floor for the team.

“It feels like the Bulls have been rebuilding for eight seasons, and this roster makes no sense,” analyst Ben Anderson tweeted following the game.

The draft is notoriously unpredictable, but teams with more opportunities to select talented young players are often better positioned for success. The Bulls have struggled in this regard due to previous trades aimed at quick fixes, leaving them with limited draft assets and slowing their rebuilding process.

In contrast, the Jazz, who began their rebuild in 2022, have brought in eight rookies, including Ochai Agbaji and Walker Kessler, and they have six first-round picks acquired over the next three years. Although not all draft picks pan out, the Jazz’s strategy likely gives them a better chance of success.

Chicago’s draft history from 2018 to 2020 revealed major pitfalls. The Bulls had three top-seven picks during this stretch, selecting Wendell Carter, Coby White, and Patrick Williams. While White has emerged as a bright spot, Carter was traded to the Orlando Magic without making a significant impact, and Williams, chosen fourth overall in 2020, has yet to justify his selection.

“Connecting on only one top-seven pick in three chances has left the Bulls without a clear identity,” one analyst noted, adding that the franchise is still dealing with the repercussions of past decisions.

It’s not just missed draft picks weighing down the Bulls; poor financial commitments have compounded their struggles. Williams signed a five-year, $90 million extension last summer, despite mediocre career averages of 9.7 points and 4.1 rebounds. “Doubling down on unproductive players is equally harmful,” analysts assert, emphasizing Chicago’s misstep in prioritizing this contract.

Meanwhile, the lone success story of the Bulls’ rebuild, Coby White, who initially struggled in his first four seasons, secured his value with a relatively reasonable three-year, $36 million deal. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 19.2 points per game, alongside rookie Matas Buzelis, becoming a vital asset for the team.

While the Jazz’s young roster has yet to produce a superstar, it’s crucial to understand that developmental timelines differ among players. Being patient may yield long-term success for the Jazz, who seem better situated for recovery than the Bulls, given their current trajectory.

Shifting focus, Alex Jensen was officially introduced as the new head coach of the University of Utah men’s basketball program shortly before the game with the Bulls. Jensen, who previously served on the Jazz’s staff, is expected to bring experience and knowledge to the Utes.

“He’s a heck of a basketball mind and has a great demeanor,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “He understands how to communicate with this generation of player.”

Jordan Clarkson, a veteran on the Jazz, emphasized Jensen’s readiness for the head coach role. “I think it’s big time; I think he’s ready for that position,” Clarkson noted. Jensen will continue with the Mavericks for the remainder of the season before fully transitioning to his new role.

The Jazz will aim to end their losing streak when they host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday at 7 p.m. MST, live on KJZZ and streamed on Jazz+.