Chicago Bulls named most shocking start to the 2025 NBA season

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Eric Root | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 6:18 PM ET

To the surprise of pretty much everyone, the Chicago Bulls are the hottest team in the NBA right now. They have won five straight to open up the season and have played some very impressive basketball. While it is very early in the season, the Bulls are off to their best start since the 1996-97 season.

More news: Chicago Bears elevate running back from practice squad ahead of Bengals game

Even without an injured Coby White, the Bulls are firing on all cylinders. Josh Giddey has been a force since signing his extension. During Friday night’s win over the Knicks, Giddey scored 32 points along with 10 rebounds. He was just one assist shy of a triple double.

During the five game stretch, Nikola Vucevic has been playing good consistent basketball, and Matas Buzelis is proving he can be a star in the NBA.

It seems the Bulls are putting everyone on notice now. Sports Illustrated’s Justin Grasso has listed the Bulls as the most shocking start to the 2025-25 NBA season.

The Chicago Bulls are shocking the entire NBA world

Oct 31, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3), forward Matas Buzelis (14) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) celebrate during the second half of an NBA game against the New York Knicks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

More news: Chicago Bears star sends provocative message ahead of Bengals game

Grasso listed the Bulls first among three teams as most surprising start to the season. Grasso mentions that winning five straight isn’t foreign and is common, but it’s shocking simply because it’s the Bulls.

He’s right though. It clearly seemed it was gonna be another season where the Bulls can’t contend for a playoff run, but have enough talent where they can’t start a rebuild. It’s also more surprising due to the Bulls trading their top players from the “win-now mode”

“ Just last year, Chicago cut ties with some of its biggest veterans like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. Lonzo Ball was another trade candidate over the summer. The veterans from Chicago’s latest “win-now” window are gone.”

The Bulls aren’t exactly a playoff contender, but they aren’t looking to rebuild no doubt. Grasso stated that there “isn’t any tanking effort” going on, and it looks like the team is looking to win.

Billy Donovan and the Bulls will look to continue their winning streak Sunday night with a rematch against the Knicks.

Oct 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: