Chicago Bulls Central

Can Tiago Splitter turn the Chicago Bulls into a top-15 defense immediately? Haize breaks down why the Bulls finally have the defensive personnel to make a real jump after allowing 121.5 points per game last season, ranking 28th in the NBA. With Nic Claxton, Isaac Okoro, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Leonard Miller and Tre Jones, Chicago now has far more size, length, versatility and defensive tools than the group that finished 31–51.
Haize also looks at what Splitter’s Portland defensive success could mean for Chicago. Portland used multiple coverages, controlled shot quality, finished fifth in blocks, allowed the sixth-fewest made threes, and ranked 14th in defensive rating. Now the question is whether Splitter can transfer those principles to a Bulls roster built around Claxton’s rim protection, Okoro’s point-of-attack defense, and the weak-side length of Buzelis and Wilson.
Then the conversation shifts to the Bulls’ rotation battle. The starting five looks clearer with Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Nic Claxton, but the bench and “outside looking in” group could get ruthless fast. Players like Rob Dillingham, Dailyn Swain, Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue may have to fight for every minute under a new front office and head coach with no loyalty to the old regime.
🔥 Topics include:
Can Tiago Splitter build a top-15 Bulls defense?
Why Nic Claxton changes Chicago’s defensive floor
Isaac Okoro as a matchup specialist
Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis as defensive playmakers
What Splitter’s Portland defense showed
Why the Giddey-Powell backcourt could still be attacked
Bulls rotation depth entering camp
Leonard Miller vs Patrick Williams
Noa Essengue’s path after Summer League
Which Bulls players are already outside the rotation
🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!
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Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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The Chicago Bulls rumor mill is heating up — and now Bennedict Mathurin is reportedly a name to watch.
Haize breaks down the latest report that Chicago has emerged as another known suitor alongside New Orleans for Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin. Mathurin is officially on the 2026 restricted free-agent list after the Clippers issued him a qualifying offer, and Marc Stein previously reported New Orleans plus a second suitor had shown interest.
Could Mathurin make sense for the Bulls? Haize looks at the fit, the cost, the restricted free agency complications, and whether Chicago should chase another young scoring wing now or preserve flexibility for the bigger 2027 picture.
Then, the show turns to Jalen Duren vs Peyton Watson as possible 2027 Bulls targets. Duren is the bigger star swing, but Watson is the cleaner roster fit beside Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton. The current verdict: Watson fits the Bulls better as currently constructed, while Duren would require a bigger frontcourt reset.
Plus, Haize reacts to Jalen Smith trade buzz after reported Lakers interest, and why Smith’s shooting, expiring contract, and frontcourt versatility could make him one of Chicago’s better trade chips.
And finally, the Chicago Bulls 2026-27 preseason schedule is out — headlined by a must-watch Caleb Wilson vs Cameron Boozer rematch when the Bulls face Memphis.
🔥 Topics include:
Bennedict Mathurin linked to Bulls
Mathurin’s restricted free agency fit
Should Chicago chase Mathurin now or protect 2027 cap space?
Peyton Watson vs Jalen Duren as 2027 targets
Why Watson fits better beside Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis
Why Duren would force a Nic Claxton decision
Bulls 2027 cap-space paths
Jalen Smith Lakers trade interest
Chicago Bulls preseason schedule
Caleb Wilson vs Cameron Boozer rematch
🎧 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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The Chicago Bulls are entering a new era, but the roster still has major questions — and today’s Chicago Bulls Central dives into three of the biggest.
Haize breaks down why Norman Powell may be exactly what Caleb Wilson needs in his rookie season. Powell gives Chicago a proven scoring option who can take pressure off Wilson early, allowing the No. 4 pick to grow into his role instead of being forced to carry the offense right away.
Then the conversation shifts to Josh Giddey’s real position. Is he a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, or something more modern? Haize explains why Giddey should remain Chicago’s primary offensive organizer while defending bigger guards/wings and spending more half-court possessions as a screener, cutter, and secondary playmaker.
Plus, Noa Essengue’s Bulls future may be more complicated than fans realize after an ugly Summer League and a crowded frontcourt. Essengue still has tools, length, mobility, and developmental upside, but Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Dailyn Swain, Leonard Miller, Jalen Smith, and others make his path to minutes much tougher.
🔥 Topics include:
Why Norman Powell helps Caleb Wilson’s rookie development
Powell as Chicago’s pressure-release scorer
Josh Giddey’s best offensive and defensive role
Why Giddey should be a hybrid, not boxed into one position
How Tiago Splitter can modernize Giddey’s usage
Noa Essengue’s Summer League struggles
Why Noa’s rotation path is suddenly crowded
Bryson Graham’s development priorities
Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis as frontcourt foundations
What the Bulls must evaluate heading into training camp
🎧 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
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
Phone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬

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🐂🔥 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
Get at us:
Email: BullsCentralPod@gmail.com
Twitter:@BullsCentralPod
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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