Is Matas Buzelis’ third-year leap already in question after ONE game? Not so fast — but Chicago absolutely needs to see more.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what Matas’ opening-night performance actually tells us, why Tiago Splitter is considering two-big combinations, and the five biggest things Chicago must prepare for against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Matas finished against Toronto with 17 points, six rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes, but shot just 2-for-8 from the field and 0-for-4 from three. The fascinating part? He still got to the free-throw line 16 times, making 13.

So is his third-year leap already in trouble?

No.

But the standard has changed.

Chicago needs Matas to become more dependable when the first action breaks down, attack closeouts without losing control, recognize help earlier, stay active defensively when his jumper isn’t falling and produce against teams prepared to take away his favorite opportunities.

Then there’s Tiago Splitter’s latest wrinkle.

Splitter has discussed testing two-big combinations, and with Zach Collins back, Chicago can now evaluate pairings like Jalen Smith + Collins. Collins returned against Toronto with five rebounds in nine minutes while reportedly operating under a 12-to-16-minute restriction.

The key question isn’t simply:

“Does more size sound good?”

It’s whether the lineup actually improves specific possessions.

Can two bigs:

• Finish defensive rebounds?
• Give Chicago another interior defender?
• Create better screens?
• Generate elbow passing opportunities?
• Survive defensively when opponents drag a big away from the rim?

Haize also lays out a potential experimental lineup:

Tre Jones

Norman Powell

Matas Buzelis

Jalen Smith

Zach Collins

with Smith spacing the floor while Collins facilitates from the elbow.

And then comes Milwaukee.

The Bucks present a completely different tactical challenge.

🔥 Tyler Herro opened with 24 points and nine assists

💪 Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 22 points and seven rebounds

🎯 Myles Turner can pull Chicago’s centers away from the rim

✈️ Kel’el Ware gives Milwaukee a different rolling threat

🚨 Milwaukee will almost certainly test Chicago’s ball security after the Bulls’ disastrous opener

Chicago also has something to attack.

Washington scored 70 points in the paint and attempted 41 free throws against Milwaukee, giving the Bulls a potential blueprint to investigate — not a guarantee they can duplicate it.

💬 BULLS NATION: What concerns you most heading into Milwaukee — Herro’s creation, Jaquez attacking mismatches or Chicago handling Turner and Ware?

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The Chicago Bulls cannot simply wait for Nic Claxton to return and expect everything that went wrong against Toronto to disappear.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the biggest problems exposed in Chicago’s 135-92 opening-night loss, how the Bulls can help rookie Caleb Wilson bounce back, and five specific changes Tiago Splitter needs before Friday’s matchup with Milwaukee.

Chicago committed 27 turnovers, which led to 35 Toronto points, while the Raptors won the fast-break battle 34-13. Those categories overlap, so they should not be added together, but they show the same larger issue: Chicago repeatedly gave Toronto advantageous possessions before the Bulls could even establish their defense.

That’s why this isn’t simply a Nic Claxton conversation.

Claxton can eventually help with rim protection, mobility and defensive coverage, but he cannot fix:

• Forced passing decisions
• Poor floor balance
• Bad spacing
• Perimeter containment
• Young players repeating the same mistake
• Veteran guards failing to stabilize ugly stretches

And Josh Giddey has to be better.

Giddey finished the opener with 2 points on 1-for-10 shooting, 6 assists and 5 turnovers. Chicago needs its lead organizer getting the Bulls into actions early, recognizing when the game needs a manageable possession and putting Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson in positions where their decisions are simpler.

Then we get into Caleb.

Wilson’s NBA debut was eventful:

🔥 16 points

💪 4 rebounds

🔒 3 steals

🚫 1 block

🎯 7-for-21 FG

📉 1-for-8 from three

🚨 9 turnovers

The solution should NOT be taking responsibility away from him.

Instead, Chicago needs to improve the quality of Caleb’s opportunities.

That means:

• Using him as a screener
• Getting him rolling toward the rim
• Creating short-roll decisions
• Giving him catches while already moving
• Using weak-side cuts
• Establishing early seals
• Evaluating his three-point attempts individually rather than telling him to stop shooting entirely

And finally, the Bulls don’t have time to fix everything before Milwaukee.

They DO have time to make five clear corrections:

1. Start with cleaner, executable possessions
2. Make Tyler Herro work before he receives the ball
3. Make Milwaukee defend the paint before settling for threes
4. Finish defensive possessions with contact and rebounds
5. Give every rotation group a clear offensive and defensive identity

This is now Tiago Splitter’s first major response test.

The Bulls will still make mistakes.

What matters Friday is whether we can SEE that Chicago understood what Toronto exposed and applied the correction.

💬 BULLS NATION: What needs the biggest improvement against Milwaukee — turnovers, Caleb’s decision-making, Josh Giddey’s leadership or Tiago Splitter’s rotations?

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OPENING NIGHT COULD NOT HAVE GONE MUCH WORSE FOR THE CHICAGO BULLS.

The Bulls were blown out 135-92 by the Toronto Raptors, suffering a stunning 43-point loss in the first regular-season game of the Tiago Splitter era.

Join Haize LIVE on Chicago Bulls Central as we break down what went wrong, what this game exposed about Chicago’s young roster, and which problems can be fixed quickly versus which ones may become larger concerns.

The biggest takeaway is impossible to ignore:

Chicago scored only 92 points while allowing Toronto to hang 135.

That is exactly the type of regular-season reality check we talked about entering opening night.

🔥 LIVE POSTGAME TOPICS:

• 😳 How the Bulls allowed a 43-point blowout

• 🧠 Why Chicago’s half-court offense struggled once Toronto took away the easy looks

• 🚨 What happened when the Bulls’ first offensive action failed

• 🔒 Why the defense could not survive consistently without Nic Claxton

• 🌟 What we learned from Matas Buzelis in his first regular-season test

• 🐂 How rookie Caleb Wilson handled his first NBA regular-season game

• 🧠 Whether Josh Giddey created enough offense against Toronto’s length

• 🎯 How the Bulls used Jalen Smith at center

• 👀 What Tiago Splitter could have adjusted sooner

• 📉 Whether the preseason optimism took a legitimate hit

• 🔄 What MUST change before the Bulls face Milwaukee

• 🏀 Why one ugly game doesn’t define the rebuild — but the response absolutely matters

Chicago came into the opener wanting to prove three things:

Create good offense against a set defense.

Stop mistakes from multiplying.

Adjust when the opponent exposes something.

Toronto put all three areas under serious pressure tonight.

Now the question becomes whether the Bulls can actually use this film and show meaningful corrections in Game 2.

💬 BULLS NATION: What concerned you MOST tonight — the offense, the defense, the effort or Tiago Splitter’s adjustments?

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The Chicago Bulls have officially picked up the 2027-28 rookie contract options on Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue — and now the real development work begins.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what BOTH young forwards need to prove this season, previews Chicago’s opening-night matchup against Toronto, and puts five bold Bulls predictions on the record for the 2026-27 season.

Chicago exercised Matas Buzelis’ fourth-year option at approximately $7.58 million and Noa Essengue’s third-year option at approximately $5.97 million. These are existing rookie-contract options — not new extensions. Matas becomes rookie-extension eligible in summer 2027, while Chicago’s next major Noa decision will be whether to exercise his fourth-year option for 2028-29.

The development conversations are very different.

For Noa Essengue, the goal is to establish a dependable NBA identity built around physicality, defensive positioning, screening, cutting, running the floor and consistent engagement — even if the jumper remains inconsistent. Chicago also has a crowded forward group with Matas, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller, Dailyn Swain and Isaac Okoro, so meaningful reps may require a deliberate mix of NBA minutes and Windy City assignments. Pasted text

For Matas Buzelis, the question is how much responsibility he can eventually carry. He enters the year after averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 34.9% from three. The next step is becoming a more complete creator: beating the first defender, handling the help defender, staying involved when others have the advantage and making his defensive versatility more dependable.

Then it’s OPENING NIGHT.

Toronto’s projected starting lineup features Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, giving Chicago an immediate test against length, experience and physicality. Nic Claxton is out, while the source document lists Dailyn Swain and Jordan Hawkins as not expected to travel because of illness; Zach Collins, Leonard Miller, Isaac Okoro and Tobe Awaka were listed as probable on the October 21 morning report.

The biggest questions:

🔥 Can Chicago move Toronto’s defense before attacking?

🎯 Can Jalen Smith’s shooting pull Poeltl away from the paint?

🔒 Can the Bulls protect the rim without over-helping?

👀 How do Matas and Caleb handle difficult defensive assignments?

🧠 Which reserves give Tiago Splitter exactly what the starters need?

And finally…

🔥 FIVE BOLD BULLS PREDICTIONS

1. Matas Buzelis averages 20+ PPG while shooting at least 37% from three.
2. Caleb Wilson wins Rookie of the Year.
3. Leonard Miller becomes Chicago’s leading bench scorer and averages at least 13 PPG.
4. Josh Giddey averages double-digit assists.
5. Chicago finishes in the NBA’s top 15 in defensive rating. Pasted text

💬 Which prediction are YOU riding with — and which one are you saving to roast Haize about in April? 😂

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A former first-round pick just hit waivers, and the Chicago Bulls have an open roster spot. Should Bryson Graham take the swing?

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down whether Chicago should investigate Walter Clayton Jr., why Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson’s biggest opening-night test may come on defense, and the three things the Bulls must prove during the first week of the regular season.

Memphis waived Clayton on October 19 while trimming its roster. He was selected 18th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, and there is currently no verified Bulls pursuit. The conversation is simply whether Chicago should consider him now that he is available.

Clayton’s profile is intriguing because he has shown both scoring and playmaking ability. In his final season at Florida, he averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists and shot 38.6% from three. As an NBA rookie, he averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists, but his three-point percentage fell to 30.7%.

Chicago could potentially develop him as:

• 🧠 A secondary ball-handler next to Josh Giddey
• 🎯 A creator for developmental lineups
• 🔥 A guard who can relocate and shoot after giving up the ball

But Chicago already has Giddey, Tre Jones, Norman Powell and Buddy Hield on standard deals, while Jordan Hawkins, Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka occupy the three two-way spots. That means the Bulls would need an actual development plan, not simply excitement over Clayton’s draft pedigree.

Then we turn to opening night.

With Nic Claxton unavailable, Chicago’s young forwards will face a serious defensive responsibility against Toronto. The source document frames a possible matchup with Matas defending Kawhi Leonard and Caleb taking Scottie Barnes, while emphasizing that this is a proposed matchup, not an announced coaching decision. Pasted text

The key isn’t whether Matas and Caleb shut down elite scorers.

It’s whether they:

• Communicate through screens
• Help at the correct time
• Recover under control
• Stay disciplined when contesting shots
• Finish possessions with rebounds

That defensive partnership may tell us more about their long-term fit together than one big scoring night. Pasted text

And finally, Chicago opens with Toronto, Milwaukee and Washington, including an early back-to-back. Haize lays out three things the Bulls need to prove:

🔥 Create quality offense when transition disappears

🧠 Play aggressively without giving away possessions

📈 Show that Tiago Splitter and the players can adjust from game to gamE

💬 Would you use Chicago’s final roster spot on Walter Clayton Jr., and what matters more opening night: Matas and Caleb scoring big or defending well together?

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The Chicago Bulls now have TWO different roster opportunities to monitor, and they solve completely different problems.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the Bulls’ reported links to Dalton Knecht and Moussa Cissé, Josh Giddey’s developing lob game with Chicago’s athletic young core, and what Bryson Graham should do if this Bulls team starts winning faster than expected.

The Lakers have reportedly communicated with Chicago while trying to move Dalton Knecht, while separate reporting connects the Bulls to Moussa Cissé if Dallas waives him. The Knecht situation establishes contact. The Cissé situation is conditional on him becoming available. Neither means Chicago has completed a move. Pasted text

Knecht gives Chicago another potential perimeter scorer. His production dropped from 9.1 points per game on 37.6% from three in 2024-25 to 4.2 points on 34.2% from deep last season, so Chicago would need a clear plan for why his game could improve in a different role. Pasted text

But the roster is already crowded with shooters and young perimeter players.

Buddy Hield. Jordan Hawkins. Jaylin Sellers. Dailyn Swain.

That makes the question bigger than whether Knecht has talent. Chicago has to determine whether adding him is worth the minutes, coaching attention and roster space. Pasted text

Cissé offers something very different.

In 38 games last season, he averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 13.9 minutes, shooting 57.4% from the field. His appeal would be a simple role built around screening, rolling, finishing, rim protection and rebounding. Pasted text

The downside?

He offers little perimeter spacing, attempted no threes last season and shot 46.9% from the free-throw line. Chicago would need to know whether his defense and rebounding outweigh those offensive limitations. Pasted text

The Bulls currently have their three two-way spots occupied and have 14 standard-contract players, meaning one standard roster spot remains. Adding both Knecht and Cissé would require another roster move. Pasted text

My lean?

Investigate Cissé first if Dallas makes him available, while keeping the Knecht conversation alive if Los Angeles makes the price favorable. Pasted text

Then we turn to Josh Giddey.

Giddey acknowledged that throwing lobs is something he has not done much throughout his career. Now he has Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Nic Claxton, Leonard Miller and Noa Essengue as potential vertical targets. Pasted text (2)

A credible lob threat can change how a defense guards Giddey before the ball ever leaves his hands. The big may step toward Josh, stay attached to the roller, or force a third defender to help. That can create a finish, lob, corner three or extra pass. Pasted text (2)

And finally:

What happens if the Bulls are better than expected?

Bryson Graham’s biggest challenge may come if Caleb, Matas, Giddey and the young core start winning early. The front office has to understand whether that success is sustainable before spending future assets to chase more of it. Pasted text (2)

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• Dalton Knecht vs Moussa Cissé
• Which player better fits Chicago’s final roster spot
• Why Knecht would need a clear development plan
• Why Cissé’s rebounding and rim protection are intriguing
• The Jalen Smith factor in any Knecht trade
• Josh Giddey developing his lob game
• Caleb, Matas, Claxton, Leonard and Noa as vertical threats
• Why shooting helps create lob opportunities
• How to judge Giddey’s passing beyond assists
• What Bryson Graham should do if Chicago starts winning
• When a trade should accelerate the rebuild
• Why a hot month should NOT dictate the entire plan

💬 Who would YOU rather use the final roster spot on: Dalton Knecht, Moussa Cissé or nobody yet?

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Tiago Splitter wants Caleb Wilson to become special. That doesn’t mean every possession should become the Caleb Wilson show.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down Splitter’s approach to developing Caleb, whether the Bulls truly need an isolation scorer to take the next step, and why Chicago’s full-court pressure could become a legitimate weapon with this roster’s length and athleticism.

Following the preseason finale, Splitter praised Caleb’s willingness to learn and request extra film work while also making one thing clear:

“It’s not the Caleb Show every night.” Pasted text

That gives us the bigger developmental question.

Can Caleb learn to recognize what the possession needs from him, rather than simply hunting touches?

Sometimes that means attacking.

Sometimes screening.

Sometimes moving the ball.

Sometimes keeping an advantage alive for somebody else.

Chicago’s goal should be developing Caleb’s judgment alongside his skill set. Pasted text

Then we go FACTS OR CAP:

🧢 The Bulls can’t take the next step without an isolation scorer.

My verdict?

CAP as an absolute statement.

But dependable individual creation DOES matter when Chicago’s movement offense gets disrupted. The bigger goal should be developing players who can force a defense to react, whether that advantage starts through isolation, a ball screen, a handoff, a mismatch or attacking a closeout. Pasted text

That means different assignments for different Bulls:

🔥 Norman Powell gets decisive scoring possessions.

🌟 Matas Buzelis learns what to do when the second defender arrives.

🐂 Caleb builds a smaller menu of repeatable advantages.

🧠 Josh Giddey must punish clean scoring opportunities enough to strengthen his passing. Pasted text

And finally, we break down Splitter’s use of full-court pressure.

Splitter specifically identified Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue as long, mobile defenders who can help Chicago “make the court a little smaller” and disrupt opponents after certain stoppages. The goal doesn’t have to be a steal every possession. Making an opponent start its offense later and less comfortably can already create value. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• Caleb Wilson’s developmental leash
• What “It’s not the Caleb Show” actually means
• Splitter’s accountability standard
• Why Caleb asking for additional film matters
• Facts or Cap on Chicago needing an isolation scorer
• Norman Powell’s role in difficult possessions
• Matas learning to beat the second defender
• Caleb’s repeatable creation package
• Josh Giddey balancing scoring and passing
• Chicago’s full-court pressure
• Isaac Okoro’s potential role at the point of attack
• How Caleb, Matas and Noa can use their length
• What Bulls fans should watch beyond steals
• Bulls Nation voicemails

💬 With six seconds left and the offense broken, who do YOU trust most with the ball right now: Powell, Matas or Giddey?

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The preseason is OVER, and now Tiago Splitter has some real decisions to make.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down which Bulls actually earned meaningful regular-season opportunities, who still has work to do, and how this preseason may have changed Chicago’s rotation entering opening night.

The Bulls finished preseason 3-2, closing with a 133-116 win over Minnesota. The finale featured 34 assists, 76 points in the paint and 17 offensive rebounds, giving Chicago several different ways to manufacture offense beyond isolation scoring. Pasted text

The biggest winner?

🔥 Leonard Miller.

Across five preseason games, Miller averaged 16.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 62.0% from the field and 55.6% from three. The shooting will come back toward earth, but his scoring efficiency, rebounding and consistent production gave Splitter a legitimate reason to test him with real regular-season minutes. Pasted text

Jordan Hawkins also made a huge late push, finishing the preseason finale with 14 points, four made threes, three assists, two steals and a block. He went 6-for-8 from three across his two appearances, giving Chicago another shooting weapon worth testing. Pasted text

Meanwhile, Jalen Smith averaged 11.0 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Tre Jones totaled 17 assists against only three turnovers in his three appearances. Both reinforced how valuable dependable skills can be around a young roster. Pasted text

We also evaluate Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jaylin Sellers, Tobe Awaka and Patrick Williams, including what each player actually needs to show to earn more opportunities once the games count. Pasted text

And the biggest concern entering opening week?

Defense.

Chicago committed 30 fouls and allowed 40 Minnesota free throws in the preseason finale. With Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, Isaac Okoro and Tobe Awaka all unavailable, we still have not seen Splitter’s full defensive rotation. Pasted text

Then we look ahead.

👀 Who belongs on the Bulls’ 2027 watchlist?

• Brice Sensabaugh as a potential affordable scoring wing
• Anthony Black as a big guard with defensive and creation upside
• Karl-Anthony Towns as the major veteran swing if Chicago proves ready to compete

These are conditional possibilities based on contracts and fit, not reports that Chicago is pursuing all three. Pasted text

Anthony Black may be the most intriguing young option. Recent reporting indicates rival executives are wondering whether Orlando could explore a deal if extension talks fail, though another executive expects Orlando to keep him. Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists, but his 33.3% three-point shooting remains a key fit question beside Josh Giddey. Pasted text

And KAT?

A rival executive has identified Chicago as one of the teams with a plausible future path based on cap space and fit, but Towns would first need to decline his roughly $61 million player option to become a 2027 free agent. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• Who actually earned regular-season minutes
• Leonard Miller’s incredible preseason
• Jordan Hawkins’ late shooting surge
• Jalen Smith and Tre Jones proving their value
• What Swain, Noa, Sellers and Awaka still need to show
• Patrick Williams’ place in the rotation battle
• Chicago’s 30-foul defensive problem
• Tiago Splitter’s likely opening rotation
• Anthony Black’s contract situation
• Brice Sensabaugh as an affordable scoring target
• What would have to happen for KAT to become realistic
• How Caleb, Matas and the young core should determine Chicago’s future spending

💬 Who earned the BIGGEST regular-season opportunity, and which 2027 target interests you most: Anthony Black, Sensabaugh or KAT?

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Join Haize LIVE on Chicago Bulls Central for the full postgame reaction after the Bulls’ preseason finale against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center.

Chicago controlled the game early, scored 33 points in the first quarter, followed with 34 in the second, and entered the fourth with a double-digit advantage. By the final minutes, the Bulls had pushed the lead close to 20 as Tiago Splitter’s young roster delivered another encouraging performance.

The biggest takeaway?

Chicago’s young core continues to look increasingly comfortable in Splitter’s system.

🔥 Tonight’s biggest postgame storylines:

- 🏀 Caleb Wilson puts another strong all-around performance on tape before his NBA regular-season debut

- 👀 What Caleb’s decision-making and activity tell us about his opening-night role

- 🔥 Matas Buzelis gets one final preseason tune-up after his huge Milwaukee performance

- 📈 Leonard Miller closes an incredible preseason run and keeps forcing himself into the regular-season rotation

- 🧠 What Josh Giddey showed as the organizer of Chicago’s offense

- 🎯 Did the Bulls create enough clean looks for their shooters?

- 💪 Chicago’s offensive-rebounding emphasis continues to create extra possessions

- 🔒 How the Bulls defended without Nic Claxton

- 👀 Which bench players actually earned regular-season minutes?

- 🧩 What Tiago Splitter’s final preseason rotation tells us about opening night

- 🔥 Which preseason developments look REAL enough to carry into the regular season?

This wasn’t simply about beating Minnesota.

It was Chicago’s final dress rehearsal before the games start counting, and the Bulls gave fans plenty to be encouraged about heading into the regular-season opener.

💬 What was your BIGGEST takeaway from the preseason: Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Leonard Miller, the new offense or Tiago Splitter’s rotations?

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NBA executives are buying into Caleb Wilson’s long-term ceiling, and that should change how the Chicago Bulls think about his development.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what the latest NBA GM survey says about Caleb Wilson, why Chicago’s emphasis on offensive rebounding could become an underrated part of Tiago Splitter’s offense, and whether Leonard Miller’s preseason rise should change how Bulls fans evaluate the Ayo Dosunmu trade.

In the GM survey, Caleb Wilson tied AJ Dybantsa for first among rookies executives believe could become the best player in the class five years from now, with 33% each. Wilson also finished second in Rookie of the Year voting at 20%, while Matas Buzelis received breakout-player votes. These are opinions, not guarantees, but they show how highly NBA decision-makers view Chicago’s young forward. Pasted text

That raises a bigger question than Rookie of the Year:

How should Chicago develop Caleb if his ceiling is potentially much higher than his current role?

The Bulls need to give him responsibilities that test more than scoring. That includes attacking unsettled defenses, making second decisions after his first move gets stopped, and selectively creating against set defenses. Chicago also needs to keep developing Caleb and Matas as a partnership, not as two separate projects. Pasted text

Then we turn to an offensive wrinkle that could matter more than people think.

Chicago finished 23rd in offensive rebounds per game last season at 10.4, and Splitter’s system has emphasized creating extra possessions. The key isn’t crashing recklessly. It’s teaching Caleb, Matas, Leonard Miller and Noa Essengue when they actually have a realistic path to the rebound and when somebody needs to protect the other end. Pasted text

And finally, Leonard Miller’s emergence has reopened the Ayo Dosunmu trade discussion.

Chicago sent Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips to Minnesota for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and draft compensation, then later moved Dillingham for Buddy Hield and cash. Miller enters the matchup with Minnesota averaging 17.5 points on 65.1% shooting through four preseason games. That does not settle the trade, but it gives Chicago a legitimate young-player outcome to evaluate. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• 👀 NBA GMs’ view of Caleb Wilson’s ceiling
• 🏆 Why Rookie of the Year shouldn’t define Caleb’s development
• 🧠 How much offensive freedom Tiago Splitter should give him
• 🔥 Developing Caleb and Matas together
• 🧩 How their growth should shape future roster decisions
• 💪 Chicago’s offensive-rebounding emphasis
• 📈 Why crashing intelligently matters more than raw rebound totals
• ⚡ Caleb, Miller, Matas and Noa’s different rebounding responsibilities
• 👀 Leonard Miller’s impact on the Ayo trade evaluation
• ❤️ Separating missing Ayo from evaluating the actual return
• 🔒 What Miller must prove in the regular season
• 🐂 What to watch when Ayo returns to face Chicago

💬 What would tell you the most about Caleb’s future this season: scoring, playmaking or Tiago trusting him in closing situations?

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Matas Buzelis may have just shown the Chicago Bulls what an efficient breakout version of his offense can look like.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down Matas’ huge night against Milwaukee, why Norman Powell’s foul-drawing could become one of the most valuable tools on this roster, and what another strong showing from Leonard Miller, Noa Essengue and Jaylin Sellers means for Chicago’s rotation.

Matas finished with 19 points in just under 24 minutes, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and 5-for-7 from three, while adding three assists with zero turnovers. He also knocked down all four of his third-quarter threes, including three within a 55-second stretch. Pasted text

The bigger question is whether Chicago can consistently create easier opportunities for him.

If Matas becomes a shooter defenses truly respect, his gravity could also create more space for Josh Giddey, Caleb Wilson and the rest of Chicago’s offense. Pasted text

Then we get into Norman Powell’s scoring craft.

Across his last two preseason appearances, Powell scored 33 points while making only six field goals, because he went 18-for-22 from the free-throw line. That ability to create points when jumpers stop falling could become extremely valuable for a Bulls team that attempted 50 threes in each of its last two games. Pasted text

And Chicago’s young reserves continue making the rotation conversation harder.

Against Milwaukee:

• 🔥 Leonard Miller: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 3-for-4 from three
• 👀 Noa Essengue: 7 PTS, 2 AST, 1 STL
• 📈 Jaylin Sellers: 10 PTS, 2 threes, 2 steals in his preseason debut

Miller has now scored 44 points across his last two games, while Sellers immediately gave Chicago another young wing worth evaluating. Pasted text Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• Matas Buzelis’ breakout blueprint
• Why his shooting changes more than his own scoring
• What happens when defenses start closing harder
• Norman Powell’s elite foul-drawing craft
• What Caleb and Matas can learn from Powell
• Leonard Miller continuing to force the rotation issue
• Noa Essengue’s progress and foul problem
• Jaylin Sellers’ impressive preseason debut
• What each young Bull needs to prove next
• Jalen Smith’s impact on Chicago’s frontcourt combinations

💬 Whose Milwaukee performance changed your outlook most: Matas, Leonard Miller, Noa Essengue or Jaylin Sellers?

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The Chicago Bulls have three developmental questions to answer, and each one could shape how Tiago Splitter manages this young roster.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why Tre Jones may be more valuable to the rebuild than his own box score suggests, how Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson can attack Milwaukee’s size, and why Jordan Hawkins has earned a legitimate audition for a bigger role.

Caleb Wilson said of Tre Jones, “I trust him with the ball,” while Tiago Splitter emphasized Jones’ speed with the second unit. Jones returned against Denver and recorded five assists with zero turnovers in 9:47, despite not scoring. That raises a bigger question: how much value can an organizer create by putting young players in better developmental situations? Pasted text

Tre’s role could be especially important for Dailyn Swain, Caleb, Matas, Noa Essengue and Leonard Miller. The goal isn’t to remove responsibility from the young players. It’s to give them more possessions where they can recognize an advantage, make a decision and learn from what happens next. Pasted text

Then we look ahead to Milwaukee.

If the Bucks use Myles Turner and Kel’el Ware together, Chicago’s young forwards need to make that size defend movement and space instead of attacking two stationary rim protectors. That could mean using Caleb as a screener, forcing Milwaukee’s bigs into decisions and giving Matas chances to attack a defense that has already shifted. Pasted text

And finally:

FREE HAWK. 👀

Dan Hurley reshared Jordan Hawkins’ Bulls highlights with that message after Hawkins hit two of three threes and scored six points in 10:18 against Denver. Hawkins remains on a two-way contract, so one encouraging appearance doesn’t establish a permanent rotation role. But it absolutely gives Chicago a reason to test him again. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• 🧠 Why Tre Jones matters beyond his own scoring
• 📈 How Tre can support Dailyn Swain’s development
• 🔥 Specific developmental assignments for Caleb, Matas, Noa and Leonard Miller
• 👀 Why Tre still has to threaten the defense himself
• 🏀 How Matas and Caleb can attack Milwaukee’s size
• 💪 Why Caleb screening could force the Bucks’ bigs out of their comfort zone
• 🎯 Jalen Smith’s spacing impact
• ⚡ How to get Matas attacking a moving defense
• 👀 Dan Hurley’s “Free Hawk” message
• 🔥 What Jordan Hawkins must prove beyond making threes
• 🎯 Hawkins vs Buddy Hield as movement shooters
• 🧩 Regular minutes vs situational role vs Windy City development

💬 Who would benefit most from Tre Jones’ minutes, and what should Chicago do next with Jordan Hawkins?

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Caleb Wilson’s 17 points against Denver may not have been the most important part of his performance.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why Wilson’s ability to adjust when his three-point shot wasn’t falling could tell us much more about his offensive development.

Caleb finished with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including just 1-of-4 from three, but he went 5-of-6 inside the arc while also recording five assists. Instead of allowing an inconsistent jumper to eliminate him from the offense, Wilson found production through drives, midrange opportunities and other ways to pressure Denver’s defense. Pasted text

That raises a major developmental question:

Can Caleb consistently identify what the defense is giving him before the opportunity disappears?

We also go Facts or Cap on Noa Essengue.

Noa posted eight points, six rebounds, four offensive boards and two assists against Denver. The debate is whether Chicago should already expect meaningful self-created offense from him, or whether his immediate role should focus on cutting, rebounding, screening, finishing advantages and making quick decisions while his creation develops. Pasted text

My verdict?

CAP on the idea that Noa must become a self-creator before he can help Chicago.

But patience still needs standards.

And finally, we break down Nic Claxton’s impact on the Bulls defense.

Chicago tried different ways to handle Denver’s Nikola Jokic, who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, while Aaron Gordon scored 25. The bigger lesson wasn’t simply whether Chicago should double. It was what happens AFTER the ball leaves Jokic’s hands. Pasted text

Claxton can give Tiago Splitter more options when he returns, but he cannot defend every action by himself. The guards and forwards still need to communicate, recover, recognize cutters and finish possessions with rebounds. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• Caleb Wilson finding offense when the jumper disappears
• Why Caleb’s 5-of-6 two-point shooting matters
• Caleb’s five assists and five turnovers
• How Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey can simplify Caleb’s reads
• Facts or Cap on Noa Essengue
• Noa’s offensive rebounding and activity
• Why self-creation does NOT have to come first
• How Chicago can keep Noa involved without destroying spacing
• Nic Claxton’s defensive impact
• Why doubling creates another defensive problem
• Matas and Caleb’s responsibilities behind the help
• What Chicago must learn before facing elite Eastern Conference offenses

💬 Which development matters most right now: Caleb’s counters, Noa’s offensive role or Chicago’s defensive communication?

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Leonard Miller isn’t just fighting for rotation minutes anymore. Now the Chicago Bulls need to find out how much OFFENSE he can actually handle.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down Miller’s huge performance against Denver, Josh Giddey’s extremely low shot volume and a new contract situation involving Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black that could eventually become relevant to Chicago.

Leonard Miller erupted for 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists in only 22 minutes, shooting 11-for-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from three in Chicago’s 133-128 loss to Denver. He has now scored 52 points through three preseason games, an average of 17.3 per game. Pasted text

The bigger question is no longer whether Miller has earned more minutes.

It’s whether Chicago should deliberately give him more offensive responsibility.

Can he attack closeouts?

Can he make short-roll decisions?

Can he create a useful possession when the ball is intentionally put in his hands?

Can his jumper hold up when defenses actually start respecting it?

Then we turn to Josh Giddey, who finished against Denver with seven points, eight assists and only one turnover, but attempted just three field goals in 24 minutes. He also went 4-for-4 from the line. Pasted text

Eight assists is good basketball.

But if Giddey becomes too predictable as a passer, defenses can stay attached to Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Norman Powell and Chicago’s other scorers.

The goal isn’t forcing Josh to chase a shot total.

It’s making sure the defense believes he WILL punish the openings it gives him.

And finally, we discuss Anthony Black.

Recent reporting indicates Black and Orlando have not had meaningful extension talks, with an agreement before the October 19 deadline considered unlikely. That could put the 22-year-old guard on a path toward restricted free agency in 2027 if nothing changes. Chicago’s involvement is NOT reported. This is a Bulls roster-building discussion about whether Black belongs on Bryson Graham’s future scouting list. Pasted text

Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 64 games last season, giving Chicago plenty to evaluate if his availability ever becomes real. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• 😳 Leonard Miller’s 26-point explosion
• 🔥 Miller’s 52 points through three preseason games
• 🎯 His 4-for-6 night from three
• 🧠 What greater offensive responsibility should actually look like
• 👀 Miller beside Giddey, Caleb, Matas, Powell and Hield
• 📈 How Miller could affect future Bulls roster building
• 🤔 Josh Giddey taking only three shots
• 🎯 Why scoring pressure can make Giddey’s passing even better
• 🌟 How an aggressive Giddey could help Caleb and Matas
• 👀 Anthony Black’s contract situation in Orlando
• 🧩 Whether Black fits beside Giddey
• 💰 Restricted free agency complications
• 🔭 What Chicago should monitor throughout the season

💬 Which development matters most: giving Miller more offensive responsibility, getting Giddey to attack more, or putting Anthony Black on Chicago’s future target list?

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The Chicago Bulls suddenly have a different development problem: there are more young players worth evaluating than there are meaningful minutes to go around.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what Tiago Splitter’s preseason rotations may be telling us about Dailyn Swain, Leonard Miller, Noa Essengue, Patrick Williams, Tobe Awaka, Jordan Hawkins and Jaylin Sellers.

Against Memphis, Buddy Hield and Leonard Miller were Chicago’s first substitutes, while Patrick Williams entered 11th despite several rotation players being unavailable. Dailyn Swain has also handled reserve playmaking duties with Tre Jones and Jaylin Sellers sidelined. These choices give us clues about how Splitter is distributing opportunities, but they are not yet proof of Chicago’s final regular-season rotation. Pasted text

That raises a bigger question:

Should development minutes look the same for everybody?

Caleb Wilson needs reps carrying responsibility.

Matas Buzelis needs opportunities to create, defend difficult assignments and play through mistakes.

Swain needs decisions with and without the ball.

Miller needs to prove his production fits a repeatable NBA role.

Essengue may need consistent reps more than occasional short appearances.

Patrick Williams needs to establish one dependable contribution Chicago can trust every night. Pasted text

Then we turn to the Bulls offense.

Chicago added shooting with Norman Powell, Buddy Hield and Jordan Hawkins, but movement alone does not create good shots. Screening angle, timing and contact matter. A useful screen should force the defense to change direction, switch, help or create space somewhere else on the floor. Pasted text

We break down how better screening could help:

🔥 Powell get cleaner catches

🌟 Caleb create value without dominating the ball

🧠 Josh Giddey turn the corner

🎯 Buddy Hield punish help defenders

📈 Miller, P-Will and Noa earn minutes without needing shots

And finally:

Could Isaac Okoro be more valuable to this Bulls roster than adding another scorer?

If Okoro can contain the first action, Chicago may not need to send as much emergency help. That could make life easier for Matas, Caleb and the Bulls’ centers while giving Splitter more defensive matchup options. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• 👀 What Splitter’s rotations are telling us
• 🧠 Different development plans for different young Bulls
• 📈 Leonard Miller’s path to a real role
• 🔥 Dailyn Swain’s expanded responsibilities
• 🤔 Where Patrick Williams fits
• 🏙️ Whether Noa Essengue needs Windy City reps
• 🎯 Why adding shooters isn’t enough
• 💪 The Bulls’ screening problem
• 🧩 Caleb screening for Norman Powell
• 🎯 Hield’s weak-side gravity with Giddey
• 🔒 Isaac Okoro’s potential defensive value
• 👀 How Okoro could help Matas and Caleb
• 📞 Bulls Nation voicemails

💬 Which young Bull needs guaranteed opportunities the most, and who needs a clearly defined role instead?

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The Chicago Bulls lost to Memphis, but the bigger story may be what we learned about Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Leonard Miller.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the latest Matas injury update, Caleb Wilson receiving a real late-game opportunity and why Leonard Miller is becoming increasingly difficult for Tiago Splitter to leave out of the rotation conversation.

Matas Buzelis left the Memphis game after an awkward landing caused a right ankle issue. Matas later sounded optimistic and said the Bulls were simply being smart with it, while Tiago Splitter was less definitive about his availability. Chicago should prioritize useful preparation over forcing preseason minutes simply because several rotation players are already unavailable. Pasted text

That matters because the Bulls were already without Nic Claxton, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins and Tre Jones, limiting the combinations Chicago has been able to evaluate. The biggest connections still needing reps include Josh Giddey with Claxton, Matas with Caleb and the second-unit ballhandlers with Chicago’s finishers. Pasted text

Then we get into Caleb Wilson’s biggest preseason moment yet.

After scoring only one point in the first half, Caleb exploded to finish with 21 points and five made threes. He hit a late three to pull Chicago within two before missing a contested step-back three that could have given the Bulls the lead. He also finished just 2-for-6 from the free-throw line. Pasted text

I still LOVE giving him that possession.

Why?

Because development means giving young players meaningful decisions under pressure and then coaching the result. The make or miss is only part of the evaluation.

And finally, Leonard Miller is making this rotation conversation impossible to ignore.

Miller followed his 14-point preseason opener with 12 points and 11 rebounds against Memphis. Now Chicago has to figure out whether Miller is simply filling frontcourt vacancies or showing skills that deserve a permanent place when the roster gets healthy. Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

• 👀 Matas Buzelis ankle update
• 🏥 Why Chicago shouldn’t chase lost preseason minutes
• 🧠 The Bulls lineup connections that still need reps
• 😳 Caleb Wilson gets a real late-game closing possession
• 🔥 Caleb’s 21-point response after a quiet first half
• 🎯 Why the missed game-winner is still a valuable rep
• 🚨 Caleb’s 2-for-6 free-throw shooting
• 📈 Leonard Miller’s 12-point, 11-rebound follow-up
• 💪 Should Miller be the backup power forward?
• 🧩 Could Miller play situational center minutes?
• 👀 Miller pairings with Claxton, Jalen Smith and Tobe Awaka
• 🗣️ Your Bulls voicemails and reactions

💬 Would you keep giving Caleb Wilson late-game possessions even if some of them get messy? And where should Leonard Miller’s rotation audition start?

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Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer could be headed for another matchup after their Summer League showdown, but this time the biggest story isn’t simply who scores more.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what Bulls fans should really watch if Wilson and Boozer share the floor again.

Their Summer League matchup produced fireworks, with Caleb scoring 35 points to Boozer’s 23. Now both rookies have their first preseason performances to build from.

Caleb opened with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists, shooting 6-for-15 while going 0-for-4 from three and committing five fouls.

Boozer enters after recording 16 points, six rebounds and two assists in 22 minutes, shooting 4-for-7 and knocking down two threes.

But this matchup should be judged by more than the final scoring totals.

Can Caleb create easier opportunities?

Can he handle physicality without unnecessary fouls?

Can he recognize the second read when his drive gets taken away?

Can he impact the game when the ball isn’t coming his way?

Then we get into Norman Powell’s hidden value.

Powell scored 14 points on only four field-goal attempts in Chicago’s opener, including three made threes and five free throws.

That shooting threat can do much more than produce points.

We break down how Splitter could use Powell as a screener for Matas Buzelis, turn aggressive denial into backdoor opportunities and create cleaner driving lanes for Matas, Caleb and Josh Giddey without taking the ball out of their hands.

And finally, it’s time for the Game 2 Development Checklist.

🔥 Five Bulls. Five clear priorities:

• 🌟 Matas Buzelis: Stay aggressive and make the correct read
• 💪 Tobe Awaka: Keep the motor, clean up the fouls
• 🧠 Dailyn Swain: Reach his decisions faster
• 📈 Leonard Miller: Prove Game 1 production can repeat
• 🎯 Josh Giddey: Make the defense respect his scoring earlier

This preseason is not about demanding polished basketball.

It’s about identifying whether mistakes turn into progress.

💬 Whose next step are YOU watching closest tonight: Caleb, Matas, Swain, Awaka, Miller or Giddey?

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The Chicago Bulls’ first preseason game gave us much more than a win. It may have changed how we look at Dailyn Swain, Tobe Awaka and several players fighting for rotation minutes.

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the biggest developments from Chicago’s preseason opener against Phoenix.

First, Dailyn Swain.

With Tre Jones unavailable, Swain received real ball-handling responsibility and responded with 10 points, six assists, two steals and three turnovers in 21:53 while going 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.  Pasted text

The question now is bigger than whether Swain can provide bench scoring.

Can he become another trustworthy decision-maker?

We break down why Chicago should continue testing him as a secondary creator, how he could work alongside Tre Jones, and what his playmaking could mean for shooters like Buddy Hield and Jordan Hawkins.  Pasted text

Then we get into Tobe Awaka.

Awaka exploded for 14 points, 11 rebounds and six offensive boards in just 21:21, shooting 6-for-8 from the field. The issue? Six fouls.  Pasted text

His rebounding gives Chicago an identifiable NBA skill that does not require plays to be called for him. But can he stay on the floor long enough to make that skill matter?

We also debut a full Bulls Stock Report after Game 1:

📈 Jalen Smith

📈 Leonard Miller

📈 Norman Powell

📉 Patrick Williams’ opportunity

📉 Josh Giddey’s scoring aggression

↔️ Matas Buzelis & Caleb Wilson

↔️ Noa Essengue

Jalen Smith finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and two made threes, while Leonard Miller scored 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting in only 14:26 with two steals and zero turnovers.  Pasted text

And before we get out of here, we look ahead to Memphis.

Chicago committed 24 turnovers against Phoenix, making ball security the first thing I need to see improve in Game 2.  Pasted text

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

- 👀 Dailyn Swain’s unexpected playmaking role

- 🧠 Why six assists matter more than the raw total

- 💪 Tobe Awaka’s elite rebounding activity

- 🚨 Why Awaka’s six fouls cannot be ignored

- 📈 Leonard Miller forcing his way into the rotation conversation

- 🎯 Jalen Smith’s spacing value

- 🔥 Norman Powell’s efficient offensive role

- 😬 What Patrick Williams’ substitution pattern could mean

- 🧠 Why Josh Giddey needs more scoring aggression

- 🌟 Matas & Caleb’s homework after Game 1

- 🚨 Chicago’s 24-turnover problem

- 🎯 Three things that MUST improve against Memphis

💬 Who changed your opinion the most after Chicago’s preseason opener?

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THE CHICAGO BULLS START THE TIAGO SPLITTER ERA WITH A WIN!

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Phoenix Suns 111-108 in their first game of the 2026 NBA preseason, and there is plenty to discuss!

Join Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for a full postgame breakdown of Chicago's first preseason victory, including the performances of Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, and the rest of the new-look Bulls roster.

Chicago faced an early 40-29 deficit but responded with a strong second and third quarter to take control of the game.

🔥 TONIGHT'S POSTGAME DISCUSSION:

🏀 Matas Buzelis: Did he show the offensive aggression Tiago Splitter has been demanding?

🌟 Caleb Wilson: What did we learn from the rookie's first preseason appearance?

🧠 Josh Giddey: How effectively did he organize Chicago's offense?

🔥 Norman Powell: First impressions of his role alongside the young core.

💪 Jalen Smith: How did Chicago's frontcourt respond without Nic Claxton?

⚡ Tiago Splitter's System: Did the Bulls demonstrate the pace, physicality and defensive aggression their new coach wants?

👀 Bench Rotation: Which players helped their case for regular-season minutes?

📊 THE FINAL SCORE

Chicago Bulls 111

Phoenix Suns 108

The final score is encouraging, but the bigger question is whether Chicago showed meaningful progress in its new offensive and defensive identity.

💬 BULLS NATION, WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM TONIGHT'S WIN?

Was it Matas? Caleb? The coaching? Or something else entirely?

👇 Drop your reactions in the comments!

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Tiago Splitter wants Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson doing more than simply finishing plays. He wants them helping dictate the Chicago Bulls offense.

That means this preseason becomes about more than points.

Splitter specifically challenged Chicago’s young forwards to become more aggressive in controlling possessions instead of waiting for opportunities to arrive. That means creating advantages, forcing defensive reactions and making the right decision once help comes.  Pasted text

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down how that should look for both players.

🔥 Can Matas attack before the defense gets set?

🧠 Can Caleb make decisions after screening and short-roll catches?

🎯 Can Josh Giddey create the right opportunities without controlling every possession?

👀 Will Norman Powell keep empowering the young forwards when mistakes happen?

Then we get into Chicago’s other major preseason challenge:

Winning the possession battle.

Playing fast means nothing if turnovers become opponent layups, aggressive rebounding destroys transition defense or gambling for steals repeatedly leaves teammates scrambling. Splitter has emphasized rebounding, creating steals and protecting the basketball as parts of Chicago’s preferred style.  Pasted text

And finally, it’s FACTS OR CAP on a fascinating Warriors trade proposal.

The hypothetical framework would send Norman Powell and Jalen Smith to Golden State while Chicago receives Kristaps Porziņģis, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and a top-four-protected 2028 first-round pick. This is a writer-generated proposal, not a reported offer or active negotiation.  Pasted text

Would the young players and draft asset justify removing Powell’s scoring and Jalen Smith’s spacing from a roster built around Matas and Caleb?

🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:

- Matas + Caleb being challenged to dictate offense

- What real creation responsibility should look like

- How Giddey should empower the young forwards

- Why productive mistakes matter

- The Bulls’ offensive rebounding vs. transition-defense balance

- Aggressive defense vs. reckless gambling

- How Chicago should attack when transition disappears

- Norman Powell Warriors trade debate

- Moody and Podziemski’s potential fit

- Jalen Smith’s overlooked value

- Why first-round pick protections matter

- FACTS OR CAP on making the deal

💬 Would you trade Norman Powell and Jalen Smith for Porziņģis, Moody, Podziemski and the protected first?

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