Chicago Bulls Face Early Test of Depth Ahead of NBA Season
The Chicago Bulls’ roster depth is being tested even before the NBA regular season begins. Injuries to center players like Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, and Tobe Awaka have caused disruption in the backcourt through the first three preseason games. Starting the season with health issues is challenging, but it is a crucial test for the Bulls. Their depth will be vital for win/loss success and talent development.
With one week left in the preseason, coach Tiago Splitter avoids committing to a rigid nine- to 11-man rotation. He plans to use the final preseason games against Milwaukee and Minnesota to explore primary rotations for the regular season. However, he acknowledges these may change throughout the year. “It’s not nailed down,” Splitter said. He emphasized that player availability will affect decisions made just before each game. “We’re still exploring, probably at the beginning of the season too,” he added, regarding finding the best lineup.
The Bulls need to allocate playing time to various players this season. Key focuses include developing Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis in skills such as on-ball facilitation, 1-on-1 defense, off-ball movement, and spot-up shooting to aid their long-term growth. They also need to give Josh Giddey substantial chances as it is crucial for him to establish his fit in the point guard role.
Beyond that, the Bulls face a complex puzzle with their lineup depth. In the backcourt, Claxton is the primary starter with Collins as a backup. Beyond these roles, a crowded lineup includes backup options like Awaka, Jalen Smith, Noa Essengue, Leonard Miller, and Patrick Williams. The team must also balance developing first- and second-year players with playing experienced veterans like Isaac Okoro, Buddy Hield, and Tre Jones. Young players like Dailyn Swain are likely to gain minutes in the G League and the main team, allowing Splitter to adapt rotations based on player availability. Keeping a balanced approach is a challenge.
Leonard Miller has shown strong preseason performances, adding pressure to the bench. Splitter appreciates Miller’s ability to move between the 4 and 5 positions, providing versatility in the Bulls’ switch-heavy lineup. The Bulls can also experiment with small-ball rotations featuring Miller alongside forwards like Buzelis and Wilson, adding a challenging dimension to opposing defenses. “Even the last game, we kind of played him small ball five,” Wilson noted, expressing optimism about utilizing length and versatility.
Depth is critical for the Bulls, who need flexibility throughout the season. They cannot rely on a fixed nine-player rotation. Splitter aims to thoroughly evaluate a wide range of talent for both skill development and future fit within the team. If players like Powell or Hield perform well, they might be traded by February, creating room for more players in the rotation.
Flexibility is key in a rebuilding phase. Although the Bulls lack a true centerpiece star, they hope Wilson or Buzelis will mature into one over time. Meanwhile, Splitter’s strategy is to maintain a deep roster adaptable to the challenges of the season. “There are various combinations we can use,” Splitter emphasized. “We are still learning about these guys and trying to determine the best player and scheme combinations for them.”