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Bulls Looming Decisions
After an up and
down rookie campaign as GM of the Chicago Bulls, Jonathan, entered the 2024–25
season with something to prove—not just to the NSL community, but to
himself. We sat down with the Bulls’ general manager to reflect on the
season, discuss the challenges ahead, and get a glimpse into Chicago’s strategy
moving forward.
Q: When you look back at the 2024–25 season, what stands out the most?
Jonathan:
I think the progress. We took a real step forward this
year. In my first season as GM; coming off the Anthony Davis trade, the team
struggled, and honestly, a lot of that was due to injuries. So coming into
2024-25, there were questions. Some people didn’t see us as a playoff team. But
internally, we believed in the roster. We knew if we could stay relatively
healthy and build on the continuity we’d started, we had the talent to compete.
I’m proud of how the group responded and how far we came despite more adversity.
Q: Injuries struck again
last season, especially down the stretch. How much did that impact things?
Jonathan:
It was huge. We knew LaMelo might miss some time, and we
tried to prepare for that. But losing both LaMelo and Jalen Suggs for most of
the season, there’s just no blueprint for that. It completely disrupted our
identity on both ends of the floor. You try to build depth, but losing two high
level guards like that? It changes everything.
Q: So how do you prepare
for something like that in the future?
Jonathan:
Honestly? You don’t. Not really. You prepare what you can.
you trust your medical staff, invest in player development, emphasize recovery.
And then you trust the odds. Like that line from The Crow—“It can’t rain all the time.” Eventually, things even out.
Q: Financially, you’re in
a tight spot. The second apron is looming, and this roster is only getting more
expensive. How do you plan to navigate that this offseason?
Jonathan:
It’s definitely something we’re aware of. I wouldn’t say
we have to make changes, but we are doing our due diligence.
The current financial structure isn’t sustainable long term, so at some point
we may have to make tough calls. What we won’t do is make panic moves just to
save money. Every decision we make comes down to two things: building a winning
team, and keeping the flexibility to keep improving.
Q: You don’t currently
have a pick in this year’s draft. Are you looking to change that?
Jonathan:
It’s on the table, but it’s not a top priority. That said,
we do view this as an “incoming rookie” class of sorts. We expect James Nnaji
to join us this year. He’s someone we drafted in 2023, and we’ve been tracking
his development closely overseas. He’s got rare tools: size, strength,
athleticism, motor. Those guys don’t come around often. We also drafted Nikola
Djurisic last year, and we’re in talks to bring him over, whether that’s on a
full deal or a two-way, we’re still sorting out. But we believe in both of
them.
Q: Last question - Ty
Jerome is hitting free agency after a breakout year. With the financial
constraints, how do you handle that situation?
Jonathan:
We’d love to bring Ty
back. He’s been a great story and a great fit. But we know it’ll take some
creative cap management to make that happen. If it doesn’t work out, we won’t
be caught flat footed. We believe in our depth. Josh Green, Jordan Goodwin, Tyler
Kolek, Justin Edwards. Those are guys we’re excited about. And of course, we’re
always evaluating the trade market. If something opens up, we’ll be ready to
pivot.
The
Bulls enter the offseason with key decisions looming: financial constraints, a
deep roster, and the potential loss of breakout guard Ty Jerome. But if the
last two years have shown anything, it’s that this front office isn’t afraid of
the long road. As the NSL landscape shifts once again, all eyes will be on
Chicago to see whether they can build on their momentum or if tough choices
will reshape their path forward.
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| Comments (1) | |||
| jmac 07/07 08:04 pm | Go Bulls! | ||