Chicago Bulls 2025-26 Media Day: There’s Enough in the Room

Uncover the key moments from the 2025-26 Chicago Bulls media day. See how Arturas Karnisovas navigated tough questions.

Typically, Bulls media consists of the most lackluster press conferences in recent years. The front office would become defensive about the moves they haven’t made, while the players are put in uncomfortable positions to answer questions they don’t have the answers to. However, this year was different. The change centered on what everyone—except Arturas Karnisovas—said. Head coach and players expressed a desire to build upon last season’s offensive identity and implement new defensive habits. It’s refreshing to have a team that appears fully bought in for the upcoming season. With outside expectations remaining low, the Bulls may be setting the stage for a potential underdog story.

Arturas Karnisovas

Arturas Karnisovas has a remarkable ability to respond to every question with a noncommittal answer, no matter how unique the inquiry. From Will Gottlieb of CHGO asking what he has learned from his first roster iteration to Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune inquiring if the playoffs are still the team’s goal, Karnisovas always responds that they’re in an evaluation process and that he likes his group of guys. He consistently reinforces his decisions but never fully commits to a definitive plan.

However, there was one question that did momentarily stump Karnisovas—Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times repeatedly asked about the absence of a star on the Chicago Bulls roster. Instead of the answer he rehearses in the mirror before press conferences, Karnisovas stated that the All-Star will come through team wins. What makes this answer notable is that he truly believes in his core future. Whether for better or worse, he is confident in his team.

Billy Donovan

Regarding head coach Billy Donovan, he offered considerable insight into the on-court goals for the players. The newly minted Hall of Famer acknowledged the lack of physicality that hampered the Bulls against the Miami Heat in the play-in. Donovan detailed how the team can improve defensively by focusing on deflections and playing passing lanes. He also mentioned that taking charge and rebounding are strengths they can develop further. Additionally, Donovan is clearly pleased with the addition of Isaac Okoro, calling him a team-first player. Nonetheless, the goal this year is to establish a defensive identity. While this might be Donovan’s first year with the Bulls without needing to overhaul the offense, the focus has shifted.

When asked about rookie Noa Essengue, both Karnisovas and Donovan praised his off-ball play. Donovan then elaborated on the rookie’s projected development, emphasizing that player growth involves more than just on-court skills. Using Matas Buzelis as an example, he explained that rest, film study, eating habits, and other factors all contribute to a rookie’s readiness to earn playing time.

Giddey faced many questions about his prolonged contract negotiations this summer. He said he let his agent and management handle the details while he enjoyed his summer in Australia. There was no doubt that Chicago was the place to be, despite the drawn-out negotiations. With both parties committed for the next four years, Giddey feels a weight lifted and is excited to play his brand of basketball.

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