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Chicago Bulls Player Grades: Album Edition

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Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and guard Dalen Terry (25) dance during Chicago Bulls Media Day.

Music is my drug. It is everything to me. I cannot properly convey in words what it means to my life and well-being, but let’s just say I love it. I can’t walk a block without earbuds in. When I wake up, I’m immediately singing a song.

There aren’t many things I love like music, and without a doubt, the Chicago Bulls are one of them. I’ve been a fan since I was a child, and that is never going to change. So when I came up with the idea to combine the two, I couldn’t wait to dive right in.

Here’s how it works: I took into account each player’s season with the Bulls, what happened on and off the floor and how it relates to an actual album. Didn’t matter the genre or era; all music styles were considered.

The Honorable Mentions are albums that also relate to the season of said player, but unfortunately, there can only be one (Peace to Highlander). Regardless, they deserve recognition as they also fit the season of the player in a wonderful way.

So, without further ado, here are the grades for the Chicago Bulls 2025 season: Album Edition.

Check out the YouTube short I did on this topichere.

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Peace to my man Ivan Mitchell, who helped me immensely with this. Thanks for everything, bro. I hate your guts.

Coby White

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Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers

An incredible Grammy Award-winning album that deals with growth, faith and becoming the person that you always were and doing it unapologetically.

With career highs in PPG, FG%, FT%, 3PA & SPG; all while winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week AND Month, it is safe to say that Mr. White absolutely found himself in his game.

Honorable Mention:

Run The Jewels – RTJ 2

Josh Giddey

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Chappel Roan – The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess

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After a modest start to her career, she released an album that brought Chappel platinum success, Grammy nominations and a new legion of fans who all believe she is the next big thing. The only question is, can she do it again on her next album?

Josh Giddey got off to a slow start in the 1st half of the season but finished tremendously strong, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists while shooting 50% from the field and a wild 46% from 3.

He helped lead the Bulls to a 17-10 record post-All-Star break. He also hit one of the greatest shots in Chicago Bulls history with his half-court heave to defeat the Lakers at the buzzer in the UC. With all his great success in the 2nd half of the season, the question now is, can he maintain that success for an entire season?

Honorable Mention:

Xzibit – 40 Days and 40 Nights

Matas Buzelis

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Jay Wood – Nowhere, Fast

As soon as you hear his voice and his production, you can tell that Jay Wood has something special. Flawless delivery, dope beats and a passion to be great that is evident with every line he spits. His growth will be one to watch.

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As soon as you saw Matas, you knew he was a player. You knew he needed to see the floor soon and often. Although he came off the bench early in the season, he ended up leading the team in dunks and blocks. Bulls fans (present company included) have high hopes for the future of the 20-year-old.

Honorable Mention:

Beatles – Please, Please Me

Ken Carson – X

Ludacris – Back for The First Time (I prefer the original title )

Nikola Vucevic

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Jay-Z – 4:44

Who would have thought that on his 13th studio album, Jay would put out one of the best albums of his career? (me, but I digress) The album displays his growth as a man, husband and father while simultaneously showing that he will forever be a force to be reckoned with on the mic.

Vuc had his best season since his All-Star year in Orlando in 2021. Led the team in rebounds, was second in scoring and third in 3PT% shooting 40.2%. He also led the team in double-doubles (45). Vuc was consistently outstanding and let the Bulls and the league know he still had a lot left in the tank. (Peace to Mark Henry)

Honorable Mention:

Rush – Clockwork Angels

Nas – Life Is Good

Marvin Gaye – Midnight Love

Patrick Williams

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Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy

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Although the album was solid, it did not live up to the cost. Dealing with label and legal issues, creative differences and Axl Rose in general, the album became a huge undertaking. It was in development for 8 years and cost $13 million to create, making it the most expensive rock album ever produced.

After receiving his contract, P-Will has regressed into a player that Bulls fans do not recognize. Despite playing over 60 games and averaging 25.0 MPG, he scored 20 points one time the entire season, and that happened in game 79. Bulls fans are hoping for a much-improved season for the six-year veteran.

Honorable Mention:

Snoop Doggy Dogg – The Doggfather

Canibus – C True Hollywood Story

Ayo Dosunmu

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The Strokes – Room on Fire

Thought The Strokes would change it up and try some different styles after the success of “Is This It”? No sir. Not even a little bit. “Room On Fire” kept the same formula that showcased why they were so successful with the previous album, while also continuing to be consistently dope.

Ayo Dosumnu has been the same since Day 1. He’s added some different things to his game that made him even more formidable, but his consistency on the floor is something you can always hang your hat on.

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Honorable Mention:

Maze featuring Frankie Beverley – Silky Soul

The Isley Brothers – Go All the Way

Common – Finding Forever

Kevin Huerter

Aerosmith – Done With Mirrors

With the exit of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford — along with the drug habit of Steven Tyler — Aerosmith wasn’t the same. Still dope, but something was missing. That changed when Perry and Whitford returned to the band on “Done With Mirrors”. Though the album wasn’t a huge commercial success, it got them back on track. Critics lauded the album, and it set up their next album, “Permanent Vacation,” which was a smash.

Red Velvet was on fire in Atlanta and cooled off when he got to Sacramento. He was able to get back into an offense that better suited his skills and had a true need for him. He responded with his best scoring numbers and 3PT percentage since 2022.

Honorable Mention:

Jim Jones – Capo

Jasmine Sullivan – Reality Show

Snoop Dogg – Top Dogg

Zach Collins

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Red Hot Chili Peppers – One Hot Minute

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When John Frusciante left the group, the band brought in Dave Navarro from Jane’s Addiction. He brought a more rock sound than the usual funk the band was known for, but it didn’t deter them from making some good music as they always have.

When Vuc was injured, Zach Collins filled in admirably. His style isn’t as smooth as Nikola’s, but he brought a different type of toughness, aggression and physicality to the position that was missing from the roster.

Honorable Mention:

Audioslave – Self Titled

Tre Jones

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Beatles – Revolver

George Harrison was always a great songwriter, and his work on this Beatles classic put everyone on notice. On past albums, he was the clear 6th man of the team. He would get to write only one song per side of each record. On Revolver, that all changed. He finally got his opportunity to shine a little brighter.

His game could no longer be ignored with songs like “Taxman and “I Want to Tell You”. That album let people know that the Beatles had another great writer in the band who deserved and earned more playing time.

Tre Jones needed a fresh start. He was always a solid PG, but he was not getting a large opportunity to showcase his talents. That all changed when he was sent to Chicago in a 3-team trade. On an already point guard-heavy team, Tre Jones just needed an opportunity to show what he could do. When he finally got it, he was able to shine.

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Although a season-ending injury shortened his time, Jones had his best season statistically since 2022, and the Bulls rewarded him with a new 3-year deal in the offseason.

Honorable Mention:

A Tribe Called Quest – The Low End Theory

Lonzo Ball

Shania Twain – Now

There was great concern that Shania Twain would never be able to sing again. She nearly lost her voice to Lyme Disease and underwent vocal therapy and rehabilitation to try to resolve the matter all while going through a messy divorce. “Now” was her first album in 15 years and she came back strong for everyone to see and hear.

Bulls and NBA fans know the devastating knee injury Lonzo Ball endured. It kept him out of basketball for two years, and many worried if he would even be able to walk again. He quieted the loving concerns of many fans when he came back to the court on October 16th. He looked like he could still impact the team on and off the court and it was beautiful to see. We wish him nothing but love and success in Cleveland.

Honorable Mention:

Sade – Soldier Of Love

Beck – Modern Guilt

The Temptations – Sky’s The Limit

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Jalen Smith

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Rick Ross – Rather You Than Me

When you put on a Ricky Rozay album, you can pretty much set your watch to what kind of sound and style you will receive from it. Great production, simple and smooth flow, money talk and inspiration. This album was no different and may be the best version of that sound.

When Jalen Smith enters the game, you know what’s about to happen. Pick and roll, pick and pop, blocks and getting to the line. There is nothing like reliable consistency and Jalen continues to provide that for the Beloved.

Honorable Mention:

Surfaces – Hidden Youth

Dalen Terry

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PREP – Futures

Prep is a good band. But sometimes being good isn’t enough. Despite how solid “Futures” is, the band has struggled to break through and find the bigger audience and success that they deserve.

Dalen is a hard worker. Has put in the time and effort to be a better player, but it hasn’t fully translated into more time on the floor, consistent shooting and scoring. As a Dalen Terry fan club member, I’ll continue to root for his breakthrough.

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Honorable Mention:

Laila! – Gap Year!

Julian Phillips

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Solange – Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

We already knew she was a good artist. Hell, it’s in her blood. But what she needed was her own style and sound to be able to stand out on her own. We heard her begin to discover just that on this album. Solange came through with a futuristic throwback sound, excellent lyrics and a clear theme. The best was yet to come.

Julian was already delivering solid play but we hadn’t gotten a glimpse into what his potential truly was. We were able to see that this season, as he improved in every single statistical category. We are excited for what is to come in his third year.

Honorable Mention:

Tyler The Creator – Wolf

Talen Horton-Tucker

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Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers

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A true wild card. You didn’t know what to make of him, but you knew you had to pay attention. ODB came with his own style (cause there’s no father to it), incredible production from RZA, and an ability to come out of left field and be directly on point.

THT got a training camp invite contract (partially guaranteed deal) and quickly showed that he belonged on the roster. He earned himself playing time, and when he got in the game, it was a beautiful chaos. There were many times he was the best player on the floor for the Bulls and helped contribute to many victories on the season. You didn’t know you needed him until he got there and was always on point.

Honorable Mention:

Twista – Adrenaline Rush

Jevon Carter

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Isley Brothers – Make Me Say It Again, Girl

There has been an Isley Brother on the Billboard charts with new music since the 1950s (read that again). They have consistently been GREAT, and now, as they continue to put out good music, they act as the respected veterans who help grow and influence the younger generation of artists.

Jevon Carter didn’t see the floor a lot this season as he was the odd man out on a crowded point guard depth chart. That did not deter the seven-year veteran as he cheered, encouraged and counseled the younger players while always being ready to perform when his number was called—a true professional.

Honorable Mention:

Al Green – Lay It Down

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