For the first time in his NBA career, Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey ended a game with a DNP—coach’s decision—beside his name in the box score. This unexpected absence occurred in Thursday’s 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the United Center, even though Ivey was not listed on the injury report. Acting coach Wes Unseld Jr. explained the decision was strictly basketball-related, though Ivey hinted that ongoing knee soreness played a role in the healthy scratch. Ivey said he continues to participate fully in practices and feels ready to play.
Ivey Reflects on His Current Form and Role
Addressing the situation, Ivey acknowledged changes in his game since joining the Bulls.
“I’m sure people can call it out that I’m not the same player as I used to be,”
Ivey, 24, said.
“That’s why. I’m not the JI I used to be. But the old JI is dead. I’m alive in Christ. … No matter how many DNP’s I don’t get to play or no matter how many points I score, those things are a temporary thing.”
This candid reflection highlights how his mindset is rooted in his faith despite the professional challenges he faces.
Coaching Staff Adjust Minutes Amid Deep Guard Rotation
The Bulls, now housing six guards on their roster, may be shifting toward a status quo of reduced minutes for some players. Before the game, Wes Unseld Jr. spoke with the team during shootaround about the necessity of minute adjustments while the coaching staff searches for effective rotations. This decision was made jointly with head coach Billy Donovan, who was absent due to the recent passing of his father. Ivey revealed he was not told in advance he would be kept out of the game against Toronto.
“Obviously going into it you’ve got to look at who’s on the roster,”
Ivey said.
“This team has a lot of guards, so going into it I’m kind of just thrown in. I do my job to the glory of God so I’m ready for whenever my name is called. Whenever (the) coach needs me, calls my name, I’ll be out there to play. Getting traded, that’s what happens in the NBA. You get traded, the organization figures out what the team needs and they make their adjustments.”
Ivey’s Role and Future on the Bulls Amid Roster Shakeup
Just over two weeks ago, Ivey was averaging 16.8 minutes per game for the best team in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls traded for him intending to invest in his potential as a young playmaker, and he showed promise in his first four matchups, producing 11.5 points and four assists on average. After logging 33 minutes in his debut with the Bulls on February 5 against the Raptors, he averaged 28.8 minutes before the All-Star break.
As a restricted free agent this summer, Ivey’s future with Chicago is uncertain, but the organization has openly stated they plan to evaluate all newly acquired players from the trade deadline as potential candidates for offseason re-signing. Despite this uncertainty, Ivey refrained from speculating how this DNP or any reduced playing time might influence his offseason decisions, instead relying on his faith for guidance.
“I don’t really trust the NBA setting,”
he said.
“I trust the Lord. That’s the main thing. He places me where I need to be. … When moves are made behind the scenes of trades and stuff, I don’t trust that part. You can’t trust it, because it’s not in your hands. It’s not in my hands to make moves or trade myself or put myself in a certain position. I leave that up to the Lord.”
Bulls Extend Losing Streak in Return from All-Star Break
Thursday’s game marked the Bulls’ seventh straight loss, tying their season-long losing streak, and their first game back after the All-Star break ended in defeat. Despite mounting a late charge with a 7-0 run in the closing minutes, Chicago could not withstand Brandon Ingram’s 31-point performance, which was capped by a decisive 3-pointer with 35.5 seconds remaining. The team has now lost 10 of its last 11 games, a downturn linked directly to decisions made at the trade deadline, when several players with expiring contracts were moved.
Looking ahead, the Bulls face an even sterner test with a challenging home back-to-back series against the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks coming this weekend.
A Period of Transition for Bulls’ Coaching and Roster
Wes Unseld Jr. served as acting head coach for this game due to Billy Donovan’s absence as he tended to family matters after the death of his father, Bill Donovan Sr. The elder Donovan passed away at age 85 last Saturday and was honored as a Boston College Hall of Fame member for his collegiate basketball achievements in the early 1960s. Donovan Jr. is expected to return to Chicago by Friday to resume coaching responsibilities ahead of the upcoming schedule.
Meanwhile, the Bulls saw the return of guards Giddey and Jones to the lineup after lengthy injuries. They had missed 19 and 11 games, respectively, before the break, both due to hamstring strains. Additionally, Jalen Smith returned after a shorter absence caused by a calf injury. Smith’s presence is notable since he remains the only center retained from the roster before the trade deadline.
Players’ Performance and Minutes Highlight Ongoing Team Challenges
Unseld was cautious about commenting on the playing-time limits for Giddey, Jones, and Smith, avoiding sharing specific medical details. In their respective stints, Giddey played just over 21 minutes, Jones nearly 22 minutes, and Smith logged about 24 minutes. The guards struggled initially, failing to score in the first half; Jones eventually scored 12 points after warming up in the third quarter. Smith finished with nine points on 2-for-6 shooting while Giddey posted five points with a poor 1-for-7 shooting line, adding five assists but also committing four turnovers.
The Bulls continue to search for cohesive on-court chemistry, a feat made difficult by the fragmented lineup created by numerous deadline trades. Many new acquisitions make it uncertain if the team can develop a solid identity before the regular season concludes.
Turnovers and Inconsistencies Mar Bulls’ Efforts Against Raptors
The game against Toronto reflected the Bulls’ struggles, with sloppy execution evident on both ends of the court. The first quarter alone lasted 35 minutes due to a combined nine fouls and 13 turnovers by both teams. Collin Sexton had a particularly rough start, committing three turnovers, including an eight-second violation for failing to cross half-court in time. Overall, Chicago surrendered 28 points off 20 turnovers.
Rookie Matas Buzelis saw a setback, contributing only four points in a playing time of nearly 31 minutes before being removed for the final lineup. Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons and Isaac Okoro combined for 36 points, accounting for nearly a third of the team’s scoring, though neither appeared fully settled within their rotations.
