Acting head coach Wes Unseld addressed Jaden Ivey’s surprising DNP following the Chicago Bulls’ 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night at United Center.
Unseld called the decision a “basketball decision,” according to Joel Lorenzi.
“It’s really tough to play six guards,” Unseld said, explaining the rotation squeeze created by the team’s recent roster overhaul.
Chicago reshaped its roster at the trade deadline with seven trades, adding Ivey while also bringing in Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton and other perimeter pieces. The Bulls now have a crowded guard room that includes Josh Giddey, Tre Jones and Rob Dillingham.
Unseld said he “wanted to push Giddey and Jones in their returns,” as both guards came back from hamstring injuries and played just over 21 minutes each.
Giddey finished with five points and five assists, while Jones added 12 points and six assists off the bench. Simons led the team with 20 points in his fifth game since arriving via trade.
When asked whether Ivey’s upcoming restricted free agency played a role in the decision, Unseld declined to go there.
“That conversation is probably above my pay grade,” he said.
Unseld added that he “addressed the team this morning and the difficulties the crowded guard room would create.”
Ivey, who believes it was the first DNP of his career, handled the situation publicly after the game.
“It doesn’t change my character and that I’m here to ‘do his job, glorify God,’” he said.
He acknowledged the roster dynamics, stating: “Going into it, you gotta look at who’s on the roster. … getting traded, that’s what happens in the NBA.”
The 24-year-old also revealed he has been managing knee soreness.
“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness in my knee,” Ivey said. “I’m sure people can call it out — I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead.”
Through 37 games this season between Detroit and Chicago, Ivey is averaging 8.5 points in 18.1 minutes. In four appearances with the Bulls, he has averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.8 minutes.
Chicago dropped to 24-32 with the loss and sits 11th in the Eastern Conference. Toronto improved to 33-23 behind Brandon Ingram’s 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Bulls host the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Saturday, which could present another rotation test for Chicago as the team balances development, health and depth in a reshaped backcourt.
