Chicago Bulls Central

🐂🔥 The Chicago Bulls finally have a roster that makes sense — but who gets the ball when the game is on the line?
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down one of the biggest unanswered questions for Tiago Splitter: who is the Bulls’ closer? Josh Giddey is the best organizer, Norman Powell is the most proven scorer, Matas Buzelis needs late-game creation reps, Caleb Wilson has the highest long-term ceiling, and Nic Claxton fits more as a screener, roller, and interior finisher. The Bulls may fit for 43 minutes, but the final five minutes are a different test.
Haize also dives into Bryson Graham’s SLAP philosophy — size, length, athleticism, and physicality — and asks the question Bulls fans can’t ignore: should the acronym really be SLAPS, with shooting added to the formula? Chicago has added long, athletic, physical players like Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, and Nic Claxton, but the roster still has real spacing questions if too many non-shooters share the floor.
Plus, could recently available big man Johni Broome be a sneaky Bulls target? Broome brings rebounding, passing, physicality, G League production, and a low-cost contract — but Chicago already has a crowded frontcourt and a bigger need for shooting and guard-wing depth.
🔥 Topics include:
Who should close games for the Bulls?
Norman Powell as the short-term late-game answer
Josh Giddey’s role as the organizer
Why Matas Buzelis needs pressure reps
Caleb Wilson’s late-game development path
Bryson Graham’s SLAP philosophy
Why shooting may be the missing ingredient
How poor spacing could hurt Caleb, Matas, Giddey, and Claxton
Could Johni Broome fit Tiago Splitter’s system?
Why Broome may be a Windy City developmental big
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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Derrick Rose just gave Caleb Wilson the kind of co-sign that should have Chicago Bulls fans fired up.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down Derrick Rose’s comments about Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson, including Rose saying he sees a little of himself in Wilson’s belief, confidence, and mindset. Rose described Wilson as having the kind of “delusional” confidence elite athletes need — the belief that he can be the No. 1 player — and explained why that is something he respects.
Haize also reacts to Rose’s advice to Wilson about making “gambit” moves, sacrifice, discipline, and staying focused as the No. 4 overall pick begins his rookie journey in Chicago. Wilson honoring Rose with a silver rose pin on draft night only makes the connection even stronger.
Then the conversation turns to the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year race. Can Caleb Wilson become the fourth Bulls player ever to win ROY, joining Michael Jordan, Elton Brand, and Derrick Rose? After a dominant Summer League and rising odds from FanDuel and DraftKings, Wilson has already become one of the biggest names in the rookie race.
🔥 Topics include:
Derrick Rose praising Caleb Wilson
Why “delusional confidence” matters in sports
Rose’s advice about sacrifice and discipline
Caleb Wilson honoring Derrick Rose on draft night
Wilson’s Rookie of the Year odds
Can Wilson pass Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and AJ Dybantsa?
Why Wilson’s highlight ability could help his award case
Why Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson could push each other
Bulls defense and transition identity
Why fans should not rush the rebuild
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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Did ESPN underrate the Chicago Bulls’ offseason? Haize breaks down why a C+ grade for Bryson Graham’s first offseason feels too harsh when the Bulls landed Caleb Wilson at No. 4, drafted Dailyn Swain at No. 15, added Nic Claxton, signed Norman Powell, brought back Zach Collins, and still maintained future flexibility.
The Bulls did not have the flashiest offseason in the NBA, but they finally looked calculated. Powell’s deal includes a team option, Claxton was added without giving up meaningful value, and Collins’ deal also keeps Chicago flexible. That is a major change from the short-sighted roster-building Bulls fans have been frustrated with for years.
Then Haize turns to Matas Buzelis’ potential Most Improved Player case. Matas is focused on getting stronger, has upgraded his nutrition with a chef, wants to attack the rim more, has interest in working with Deni Avdija, and has already worked with Dirk Nowitzki on shooting. If Buzelis gets a bigger role under Tiago Splitter, could he enter the 2027 MIP conversation?
🔥 Topics include:
Why ESPN’s Bulls offseason grade misses context
Caleb Wilson changing the direction of the rebuild
Norman Powell, Nic Claxton, and Zach Collins as flexible veteran additions
Bryson Graham’s first offseason grade
Matas Buzelis getting stronger entering Year 3
Why Matas wants to attack the rim more
Deni Avdija as a developmental model
Dirk Nowitzki helping Matas with shooting
Can Matas Buzelis win Most Improved Player?
Voicemails on Caleb, Matas, Noa Essengue, Dailyn Swain, Josh Giddey, and organic team-building
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
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Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
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Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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The Chicago Bulls suddenly have a real rotation problem — and that is a good thing.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why Patrick Williams, Rob Dillingham, Dailyn Swain, Leonard Miller, and Noa Essengue may all have legitimate NBA talent, but not all of them are guaranteed regular minutes under Tiago Splitter.
With projected starters Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton, plus established bench candidates like Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and Zach Collins, the Bulls may only have one or two dependable rotation spots left unless Splitter consistently plays 11 deep.
Haize explains why the battle will be decided by specific utility, not draft position, contract size, or theoretical upside. Patrick Williams must become a dependable 3-and-D forward. Rob Dillingham has to prove his shot creation outweighs his defensive concerns. Dailyn Swain needs to win minutes through defense, rebounding, and connective play. Leonard Miller must turn activity into a repeatable role. Noa Essengue likely needs Windy City reps before becoming a true rotation option.
Plus, Haize reacts to Bill Simmons comparing Caleb Wilson to Tracy McGrady after Wilson’s monster Summer League run, and why Bulls fans should be excited while still keeping expectations grounded. Wilson averaged 23.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.5 blocks while shooting 50% from the field and 41.9% from three.
Also: Tre Jones gets called a Bulls hidden gem, and Haize explains why his steady playmaking, efficiency, and $8 million salary could matter more than fans realize.
🔥 Topics include:
Bulls training camp rotation battle
Patrick Williams’ path to minutes
Rob Dillingham as the Bulls’ bench creator
Dailyn Swain’s defensive pathway
Leonard Miller’s frontcourt logjam
Noa Essengue’s Windy City development plan
Tiago Splitter’s likely rotation philosophy
Bill Simmons’ Caleb Wilson/Tracy McGrady comparison
Caleb Wilson’s Summer League production
Tre Jones as Chicago’s hidden gem
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis are already putting in work — and that could matter more than Bulls fans realize.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why Wilson’s rookie season could become one of the biggest swing factors in the entire Bulls rebuild. After saying he was not taking time off after Summer League, Wilson was already back on the court in Chicago at a South Side Pro Run, where he was spotted building chemistry with Buzelis — including an alley-oop connection that should have Bulls fans excited for October.
But the bigger question is this: Can Caleb Wilson show enough as a rookie to change how aggressive Bryson Graham needs to be next offseason?
Haize breaks down the six things Wilson must prove: a potentially elite NBA trait, a respectable jumper, multiple frontcourt roles, improved decision-making, defense that translates beyond highlights, and functional fit next to Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.
Plus, we look at the Bulls’ possible 2027 cap flexibility. Depending on team options for Norman Powell, Zach Collins and Tre Jones, Chicago could have anywhere from practical starter-level money to major flexibility in the $60–70 million range.
Also: Dailyn Swain’s Summer League was rough, but his mindset after struggling as a de facto point guard should give Bulls fans a reason to avoid panic.
🔥 Topics include:
Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis building early chemistry
Why Wilson’s rookie year could change the Bulls’ rebuild timeline
What Caleb must show to prove star upside
Green-light, yellow-light and red-light rookie-year outcomes
Bulls 2027 cap space scenarios
Norman Powell, Zach Collins and Tre Jones team-option decisions
What “aggressive” should actually mean for Bryson Graham
Why Chicago needs a high-level perimeter creator
Dailyn Swain’s rough Summer League and mature response
How Swain can still earn trust under Tiago Splitter
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPod
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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