Kendrick Perkins hits Bulls with sobering Kings comp

Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Kendrick Perkins hits Bulls with sobering Kings comp

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Zachary Draves, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 14, 2026 8:31 PM ET

Everyone knows that the Chicago Bulls are rebuilding. After years of stagnation, Bryson Graham’s new leadership has ushered in an abundance of hope that things could turn around for the better. The selection of Caleb Wilson as the No.4 pick in the NBA Draft screams optimism. Combine that with the addition of Dailyn Swain as the No.15 pick and a young core to strengthen, and the Bulls have a chance to rebuild the right way.

In assessing where Chicago has been and where it will go, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins made an audacious parallel, per NBA on ESPN. He equated Chicago to the Sacramento Kings.

“The Chicago Bulls have been … the Sacramento Kings of the Eastern Conference,” Perkins said.

"The Chicago Bulls have been … the Sacramento Kings of the Eastern Conference."@KendrickPerkins and @JamalCollier discuss the fall off and rebuilding of the Chicago Bulls pic.twitter.com/Ymt8mnsVFK

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 14, 2026

He was joined by colleagues Malik Andrews and Jamal Collier. Collier had written a lengthy story for ESPN outlining Chicago’s recent struggles.

Overall, the Bulls and Kings have each experienced significant roster shifts over the last several years. The Kings got Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan from Chicago in a trade during this period.

Both teams are looking to build their respective young cores, with the Bulls honing in on Wilson, Swain, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey. Meanwhile, the Kings are relying upon Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, and Dylan Cardwell.

Additionally, both teams have been middle-tier franchises that contend for the Play-In game but ultimately fall short. Plus, injuries and inconsistency on the roster have been a real issue.

The Bulls finished 31-51 last year, whereas the Kings finished 22-60. Chicago hasn’t been to the postseason since 2022, while Sacramento has been in the postseason since 2023.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: