SHOW / EPISODE

Training Camp Day Two: Matas & Caleb Are Already Going AT IT šŸ˜³šŸ‚ + Splitter Gives Okoro A HUGE Role

21m | Oct 1, 2026

Chicago Bulls training camp is only getting started, and Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Isaac Okoro and Noa Essengue are already giving Bulls fans plenty to talk about.

On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the biggest takeaways from the latest Bulls practice availability—and the early signs that Tiago Splitter’s vision for this roster is beginning to take shape.


First, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson.


Matas says Caleb already feels like his ā€œbrotherā€ and ā€œtwin,ā€ but don’t mistake that chemistry for a lack of competition. The two young forwards have already played together, matched up against one another in camp and, in Matas’ words:

šŸ”„ ā€œWe try to kill each other on the court. That’s how we’re gonna get better.ā€

That may be EXACTLY what Chicago needs.


Matas also said he expects to defend positions 1 through 4 this season, while the Bulls’ increased size with Nic Claxton, Caleb Wilson and Leonard Miller is giving the defense more freedom to be aggressive.


Then we get into Isaac Okoro.


Tiago Splitter called Okoro probably the Bulls’ best perimeter defender, described him as ā€œrelentlessā€ defensively and made it clear he expects Okoro to play significant minutes and help Chicago win games.

That has major implications for the Bulls’ rotation.

PLUS…


šŸ‘€ Noa Essengue has reportedly been extremely aggressive through the opening two days of camp.

After all the offseason conversation about Noa’s motor, development and possible Windy City assignments, that is exactly the type of early response Bulls fans should want to hear.

And Matas had high praise for camp overall, calling the first practice the best training-camp day he had ever been part of—and saying the next day was even better.


šŸ”„ On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:

- 😳 Matas + Caleb already battling in practice

- šŸ¤ Why Matas calls Caleb his ā€œbrotherā€ and ā€œtwinā€

- šŸ”’ Matas expecting to guard 1 through 4

- šŸ’Ŗ How Claxton and Chicago’s size can unlock an aggressive defense

- 🧠 Why Matas is loving the competitiveness and attention to detail

- šŸ”„ Tiago Splitter’s BIG praise for Isaac Okoro

- šŸ‘€ Noa Essengue reportedly attacking camp aggressively

- 🩺 Zach Collins continuing individual work and cardio while not yet ready for contact

- šŸ‚ What all of this says about the Bulls’ new culture under Splitter

šŸ’¬ What’s your biggest takeaway so far: Matas + Caleb pushing each other, Okoro’s major defensive role, or Noa coming out aggressive?

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