Chicago Bulls’ Depth Faces Preseason Test

The Chicago Bulls are facing roster challenges even before the NBA regular season begins. Injuries to key players like Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, and Tobe Awaka have disrupted the backcourt during the first three preseason games.

A team’s health at the beginning of the season is crucial, but these hurdles provide an opportunity for the Bulls. Depth is pivotal for their success in terms of wins and losses, as well as for talent development. With one week left in the preseason, Coach Tiago Splitter remains flexible, abstaining from committing to any specific nine- to 11-player rotation.

“It’s not nailed down,” said Splitter. “The availability of the players is going to change. It’s a night-to-night type of thing. Those decisions have to be made right before the game. We’re still exploring some things and probably the beginning of the season as well as we figure out what is the best lineup.”

Splitter will use the final preseason games to experiment with primary rotations for the regular season. This experimentation is crucial as the Bulls have several players who need minutes. Developing players like Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis is a priority, focusing on skills such as on-ball facilitation, 1-on-1 defense, off-ball movement, and spot-up shooting.

Josh Giddey also enters an important season that could determine his future as the team’s point guard. Depth in the backcourt showcases the team’s versatility. Claxton leads as the starter, with Collins as backup. However, other players, including Awaka, Jalen Smith, Noa Essengue, Leonard Miller, and Patrick Williams, present options for Splitter.

A balancing act is required, as the Bulls need to support the growth of first- and second-year players while incorporating experienced veterans like Isaac Okoro, Buddy Hield, and Tre Jones. Players such as Dailyn Swain will gain experience in both the G League and with the main team.

Miller has impressed during the preseason, adding pressure at the bench’s end. His ability to switch positions enhances the team’s already adaptable lineup. His flexibility allows for small ball rotations, contributing to perimeter challenges for opposing defenses.

“Even the last game, we kind of played him small ball five,” remarked Wilson. “That would be elite in our lineup. With our length and our versatility, I feel like that’s definitely a possibility for us.”

The Bulls need to maintain roster flexibility this season. They’re not set on a short nine-player rotation. Splitter’s focus is to evaluate various talents for skill development and future roles in the team.

Trading players like Powell or Hield, if they meet expectations, could free up space during the February trade deadline, allowing for more player opportunities. Roster flexibility is vital in rebuilding. With no true centerpiece stars, Wilson or Buzelis might grow into that role in the coming years, but until then, a deep roster will help manage growth throughout the season.

“There is a lot of different combinations that we can use,” said Splitter. “We are still learning these guys. We’re still trying to see what’s the best combination of players and schemes for them.”