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The Chicago Bulls may have more young rotation depth than fans realize. Dailyn Swain, Jaylin Sellers and Noa Essengue are all fighting for NBA minutes, but each one has a very different pathway into Tiago Splitter’s rotation.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down what each young Bull must prove to force his way onto the floor.
First, Dailyn Swain.
Summer League could hardly have gone worse statistically. Swain shot 4-for-31 from the field and 0-for-7 from three, while struggling with significant point-guard responsibilities. But training camp has reportedly looked completely different. Splitter described Swain’s improvement as “night and day,” praising his confidence and aggression attacking the paint. Swain has also made it clear he wants to guard the opponent’s best player. Pasted text
That may be his fastest route to minutes.
At 6-foot-7 and roughly 220 pounds, Swain gives Chicago another large wing who can defend, rebound and push in transition. He does not need to outscore Norman Powell or Buddy Hield. He needs to prove the Bulls can maintain their defensive pressure when Isaac Okoro leaves the floor. Pasted text
Then there’s Jaylin Sellers.
The undrafted two-way guard led the Big East in conference scoring at 19.6 points per game, averaged 18.3 overall and showed legitimate scoring flashes in Summer League. His challenge is turning that scoring ability into efficient NBA offense without monopolizing possessions. Pasted text
And finally, Noa Essengue.
After a difficult Summer League in which Splitter questioned his physicality, training camp has brought more encouraging reports. Splitter says Essengue has become more aggressive, is fighting for rebounds, protecting the rim, getting stronger and following instructions. Pasted text
The challenge for all three is simple:
Potential will not put them in the rotation. Repeatability will. Pasted text
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
- 😳 Why Swain looks “night and day” different
- 🔒 How defense could get Swain immediate minutes
- 🎯 Sellers’ pathway from scorer to NBA rotation guard
- 👀 Why Sellers may be Chicago’s emergency scoring option
- 💪 What Noa must prove physically
- 🛡️ Essengue’s small-ball center potential
- ⚔️ Who each young Bull is competing with
- 🧠 Why repeatability matters more than upside
- 📞 Bulls Central listener voicemails
💬 Which young Bull earns the biggest role this season: Dailyn Swain, Jaylin Sellers or Noa Essengue?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Phone: (773) 270-2799
Is Caleb Wilson really the Chicago Bulls’ best incoming prospect since Michael Jordan? And can Buddy Hield reverse his recent decline and become a dependable scorer again in Chicago?
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize dives into two major Bulls debates before closing with listener voicemails.
First, it’s FACTS OR CAP on Caleb Wilson.
Sam Smith recently said Wilson is as good an incoming prospect as he has initially seen while making it clear he was not calling Caleb the next Michael Jordan.
That creates a much more interesting debate:
How does Caleb’s pre-NBA profile compare with Derrick Rose, Jay Williams and Elton Brand?
Haize evaluates the comparison using what was known before each player made his NBA debut:
🔥 College production
💪 Athletic tools
🧠 Offensive creation
🔒 Defensive potential
📈 Projected ceiling
⚠️ Identifiable weaknesses
Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists at North Carolina and then opened Summer League with a 35-point performance.
But Rose entered Chicago as the No. 1 overall pick with elite speed, strength and proven ability to create advantages with the ball. Jay Williams and Elton Brand also arrived with major college résumés and National Player of the Year credentials.
So is Caleb already clearly ahead of them?
Then we turn to Buddy Hield. 🏹
Hield’s recent three-point shooting drill showed the touch is still there, but the larger question is whether he can regain consistent production after his minutes, scoring and three-point accuracy all declined over the last three seasons.
Chicago may have a path to helping him.
Josh Giddey and Tre Jones can create timely shooting opportunities. The Bulls’ bigs can screen for him. And Norman Powell could become especially important by creating actions where defenders have to choose between staying attached to Hield or helping on Powell.
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 Using only what was known before their NBA debuts, who was the better Bulls prospect: Derrick Rose, Caleb Wilson, Jay Williams or Elton Brand?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Phone: (773) 270-2799
Could Karl-Anthony Towns eventually become a realistic Chicago Bulls target? Could Nic Claxton actually start possessions guarding point guards? And can Tiago Splitter build an aggressive defense without Chicago constantly putting opponents on the free-throw line?
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down three major questions surrounding the Bulls’ future and the defensive identity beginning to take shape under Tiago Splitter.
First, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jake Fischer’s reporting has New York and Towns apart on extension value, while Towns holds a roughly $61 million player option for 2027–28. The important distinction: there is currently no credible reporting that Chicago is pursuing him. The Bulls angle is a roster-building scenario about whether Chicago’s young core could develop enough this season to make a major veteran addition sensible next summer. Pasted text
Towns averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 36.8% from three, giving Chicago a potential pick-and-pop center who could open the floor for Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson. Pasted text
But before Chicago even considers that level of investment, Matas, Caleb, Giddey and the young supporting cast need to prove this roster is ready for an expensive win-now addition. Pasted text
Then we get into one of the wildest defensive possibilities Splitter has discussed:
👀 Nic Claxton guarding point guards.
Splitter did not announce that as an everyday assignment, but he floated it as a matchup possibility. That creates fascinating options for cross-matching, switching and using Chicago’s length to disrupt an offense before the first screen even arrives. Pasted text
And finally…
😤 Chicago wants to become more physical defensively. But the NBA’s officiating points of emphasis on push-offs, screening contact, freedom of movement and driving lanes mean aggression has to come with discipline. Pasted text
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 What would Matas and Caleb have to show this season for YOU to support Chicago spending big on a player like Karl-Anthony Towns?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
Could Jalen Duren’s contract situation eventually change how the Chicago Bulls view their long-term center position? Could Patrick Williams find new value as a small-ball five? And which Bulls have actually earned long-term extensions?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down three roster-building questions that could shape Bryson Graham’s next phase of the rebuild.
First, Jalen Duren.
Detroit’s contract standoff has created an interesting future possibility, but this is NOT a report that Chicago is pursuing Duren. The Bulls angle is simple: if Duren eventually reaches the market, should Chicago preserve enough flexibility to seriously consider a 22-year-old center coming off an All-Star and All-NBA season?
And there’s an important deadline distinction: October 1 is the qualifying-offer acceptance deadline—not an absolute deadline for Detroit and Duren to negotiate a long-term contract.
The bigger Bulls question is how much better Duren would actually make Chicago compared with Nic Claxton, who is already under contract and now gets an entire season to prove whether he can become the defensive anchor this young core needs.
Then we get into Patrick Williams. 👀
With Dailyn Swain improving, Isaac Okoro earning major defensive praise, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson locked into developmental priority and Leonard Miller/Noa Essengue competing for opportunities, Patrick needs a defined reason to be on the court.
Could that reason be small-ball center?
Haize breaks down what the experiment would actually require—screening, switching, rebounding, quick decisions and physicality—and why simply writing “C” next to Patrick’s name does NOT solve his longstanding issue with passivity.
And finally…
💰 Nic Claxton, Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith and Isaac Okoro are all extension-eligible.
But being eligible is not the same thing as earning a long-term commitment.
Chicago has to decide:
🔥 Is Claxton worth securing before his current deal gets closer to expiration?
🌱 Can Leonard Miller turn upside into a dependable NBA role?
🎯 Is Jalen Smith’s shooting too valuable to risk losing?
🔒 Does Okoro’s perimeter defense outweigh his offensive limitations?
Every decision should come back to one question:
Does this player make Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson better while preserving Chicago’s ability to address a bigger weakness later?
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 If Jalen Duren eventually becomes unrestricted, would you prioritize him—or spend that money on a high-level scoring guard?
AND…
Which extension would you do first: Claxton, Miller, Jalen Smith or Okoro?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
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 “brother” and “twin,” 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:
🔥 “We try to kill each other on the court. That’s how we’re gonna get better.”
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 “relentless” 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…
👀 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.
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
- 😳 Matas + Caleb already battling in practice
- 🤝 Why Matas calls Caleb his “brother” and “twin”
- 🔒 Matas expecting to guard 1 through 4
- 💪 How Claxton and Chicago’s size can unlock an aggressive defense
- 🧠 Why Matas is loving the competitiveness and attention to detail
- 🔥 Tiago Splitter’s BIG praise for Isaac Okoro
- 👀 Noa Essengue reportedly attacking camp aggressively
- 🩺 Zach Collins continuing individual work and cardio while not yet ready for contact
- 🐂 What all of this says about the Bulls’ new culture under Splitter
💬 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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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
Shaquille O’Neal believes Matas Buzelis could become “a force to be reckoned with” in roughly two years—but what does Chicago need to accomplish before Matas gets there? And should the Bulls be monitoring Jalen Suggs if Orlando eventually shakes up its core?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize dives into three major Bulls storylines that could shape both the short-term rotation and the long-term rebuild.
First, we discuss Jalen Suggs.
ESPN’s recent preseason reporting raised questions about whether Orlando could revisit larger roster changes if its new coaching direction fails to improve how the group fits together. That does not mean the Bulls are pursuing Suggs or that Orlando has made him available—but it creates an interesting basketball question:
Would Suggs make sense as a long-term backcourt partner for Josh Giddey?
Suggs is 25, has already earned All-Defensive recognition and averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals last season. His point-of-attack defense could take pressure off Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton, but a 33.9% three-point mark and his availability would need to be weighed against the major financial and acquisition cost.
Then we get into the BIG Matas conversation. 🌟
Shaq recently praised Buzelis’ work ethic and development and predicted:
“In about two more years, he will be a force to be reckoned with.”
But becoming a “force” can’t just mean scoring more.
Haize breaks down the four things Matas needs to prove:
🔥 Can he create advantages against set defenses?
🧠 Can he consistently make the next pass when help comes?
💪 Can he handle NBA physicality?
🔒 Can he impact games when his shot isn’t falling?
And Chicago has responsibilities too.
If the Bulls truly believe Matas can become that type of player, Tiago Splitter needs to give him meaningful creation reps, allow him to play through developmental mistakes and figure out whether Matas and Caleb Wilson can eventually create offense for one another instead of always depending on someone else to manufacture advantages.
PLUS…
🩺 Zach Collins missed the opening full practice with a quad soft-tissue issue.
The current information does not indicate a long absence, but it immediately puts Chicago’s frontcourt depth under the microscope.
Can Jalen Smith establish himself as a dependable backup? Are Orlando Robinson and Tobe Awaka viable emergency options? And against massive Eastern Conference frontcourts, can Chicago actually survive stretches without Claxton?
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 Would you rather invest in an elite defensive guard like Jalen Suggs—or prioritize a higher-level shooter next to Josh Giddey?
And…
What would convince you THIS season that Matas is on the path Shaq described: scoring, playmaking or two-way consistency?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
Bryson Graham made one thing clear at Chicago Bulls Media Day: this roster is NOT guaranteed to stay together. So which veterans could be moved first—and will Chicago’s new development philosophy extend to Noa Essengue the same way it does to Caleb Wilson?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down three major questions surrounding the Bulls as training camp begins.
First, we look at Bryson Graham’s comments about Chicago’s veterans and future roster flexibility. Graham said nobody currently feels like he is “on the chopping block,” but acknowledged that the Bulls could change direction as the season provides more information. Chicago also still has its room exception and the February trade deadline as opportunities to continue reshaping the roster. Pasted text
That means players such as Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, Buddy Hield, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones and Zach Collins may all be auditioning for more than minutes—they’re showing whether their value is greater helping Chicago’s young core or eventually being converted into future assets.
🔥 Norman Powell could potentially bring back Chicago’s strongest return because of his scoring, shooting and playoff experience.
👀 Buddy Hield may be the easiest deadline fit if his three-point shooting rebounds.
🧠 Nic Claxton presents the most important philosophical decision: is he Chicago’s long-term center or simply a bridge to the next one? Pasted text
Then we get into SLAP basketball—Bryson Graham’s preferred identity built around size, length, athleticism and physicality. Chicago clearly has those traits throughout its young forward group, but the backcourt is more complicated. The Bulls’ best defensive combinations may struggle offensively, while their best shooting lineups could become vulnerable at the point of attack. Pasted text
Haize breaks down how Tiago Splitter can balance those lineups, why Isaac Okoro or Dailyn Swain may need to accompany weaker defenders, how Josh Giddey can be used in cross-matches, and why Nic Claxton cannot be expected to erase every perimeter mistake.
And finally…
🌱 Does developmental grace apply to Noa Essengue too?
Chicago has made it clear that Caleb Wilson will be coached through normal rookie mistakes rather than immediately pulled after every turnover. But Noa is still only 19, essentially lost his rookie season to shoulder surgery and remains one of the rawest players on the roster. Pasted text
The real test for Chicago’s new regime is whether it can distinguish between developmental mistakes and standard-breaking mistakes—giving young players room to learn while still demanding effort, communication and professionalism. Pasted text
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 Which Bulls veteran should be closest to untouchable—and who should Bryson Graham be willing to move immediately for the right return?
And…
Would you rather see Noa Essengue play 25–30 minutes with Windy City or inconsistent 8–10 minute stretches in the NBA?
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
Chicago Bulls Media Day is here—and the time for hypotheticals is over.
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the FIVE biggest questions Bryson Graham, Tiago Splitter and the Bulls must answer before training camp officially begins.
First: Why did Chicago move on from Rob Dillingham before Splitter ever coached him? The Bulls traded the 21-year-old guard before camp, and that decision could tell us a lot about how Graham evaluates inherited players, developmental upside and roster fit.
Then we get into what may be the MOST important Media Day question:
What is the actual development plan for Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue? 👀
Both are first-round picks—but their paths should look very different. Haize breaks down why Swain needs NBA role discipline mixed with G League creation reps, while Essengue may need more sustained developmental minutes after effectively losing his rookie season.
PLUS…
🔥 Who actually holds offensive developmental priority between Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton?
Should Matas get the most advanced creation reps? Should Caleb’s touches be more structured? How much offense should still run through Giddey and Powell?
And then we go X’s and O’s. 🧠
Tiago Splitter has previously described a fast decision-making philosophy built around shoot, drive or pass within roughly half a second—what he’s called “organized craziness.”
Haize breaks down what that could look like with:
⚡ Josh Giddey pushing after rebounds
🔥 Matas attacking moving defenses
💥 Caleb Wilson running, cutting and screening
🎯 Buddy Hield and Norman Powell creating movement
🧠 Nic Claxton flowing through screens and handoffs
But this system could also expose players who hesitate, overthink or struggle making quick reads.
And finally…
😳 Is the Caleb Wilson hype becoming dangerous?
A recent Bulls article invoked a “1984 vibe” around Caleb’s arrival—not to compare him directly to Michael Jordan, but to describe the franchise excitement surrounding a potentially foundational rookie.
Haize breaks down why the hype is understandable, why Caleb’s confidence is part of his appeal, and why Bulls fans still need to leave room for normal rookie mistakes.
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 Which Media Day answer matters most to YOU: Dillingham, Swain/Noa development, the offensive hierarchy or how Chicago defines progress?
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Did the Chicago Bulls give up on Rob Dillingham too soon—and could Buddy Hield’s shooting actually make life significantly easier for Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson?
On today’s episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the Bulls’ reported decision to send 21-year-old Rob Dillingham to Charlotte for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash considerations. Dillingham averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 30 games with Chicago, but also shot 30% from three and carried significant questions about turnovers, defense and his pathway to minutes. Pasted text
The uncomfortable part? Dillingham is still only 21, and Chicago is supposedly rebuilding. Haize examines whether Bryson Graham sold too early on a former lottery pick before Tiago Splitter ever had the chance to coach him—or correctly identified that Chicago needed movement shooting and cleaner role definition more than another ball-dominant developmental guard. Pasted text
Then we get into the fun part. 🎯
Buddy Hield is a 39.5% career three-point shooter, and his value goes far beyond standing in the corner. Haize breaks down how Hield’s movement shooting could create easier driving lanes for Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, improve Nic Claxton’s roll opportunities, and give Josh Giddey another proven relocation target. Pasted text
PLUS…
Chicago may have solved one issue while creating another.
Who creates offense when Josh Giddey sits?
Tre Jones can organize. Norman Powell can score. Matas needs real creation reps. Dailyn Swain can eventually connect possessions. But replacing Dillingham with Hield changes the bench’s offensive hierarchy in a major way. Pasted text
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
💬 Did Bryson Graham sell low on Rob Dillingham—or recognize a bad fit before wasting a season trying to force it?
And…
Who should become Chicago’s late-clock creator off the bench: Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Tre Jones or someone else?
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he Chicago Bulls are reportedly trading Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash considerations, adding another proven perimeter shooter just before training camp. theScore
On this emergency episode of Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the trade from every angle.
Why did Bryson Graham decide to move on from Dillingham now? What does Buddy Hield bring to a Bulls roster built around Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton? And could Hield’s movement shooting finally give Chicago the spacing weapon we’ve spent the entire offseason saying this roster needs?
Hield has shot 39.5% from three across his NBA career, although he dipped to 34.9% last season. That makes this a bet that his shooting gravity and track record can still translate into a valuable complementary role in Chicago. Basketball Reference
The financial side matters too. Hield is making roughly $9.66 million this season, while the reported trade structure allows Charlotte to create a sizable trade exception and reduce salary, with Chicago also receiving cash. Basketball Reference
And Bulls fans are already going to ask:
What does this mean for the Ayo Dosunmu trade?
Remember—the Bulls originally received Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller and four second-round picks from Minnesota for Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips. Dillingham becoming Buddy Hield doesn’t erase the remaining Miller-and-picks portion of that return. NBA
🔥 On today’s Chicago Bulls Central:
- 🚨 Bulls trade Rob Dillingham for Buddy Hield
- 🎯 Why Chicago targeted shooting
- 🧠 How Hield could fit with Josh Giddey
- 🌟 What his gravity could do for Matas and Caleb
- ⚔️ How this changes the Bulls’ bench rotation
- 👀 What moving Dillingham says about Chicago’s evaluation of him
- 💰 The financial side of the trade
- 🔄 What this REALLY means for the Ayo Dosunmu trade tree
- 🐂 Whether Buddy Hield could become a meaningful piece beyond this season
💬 Did the Bulls make the RIGHT move trading Rob Dillingham for Buddy Hield?
Drop your reaction below!
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Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: (773) 270-2799
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The Chicago Bulls Central Podcast hosted by Haize a lifelong Bulls fan talks about everything Bulls and NBA related.

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