Chicago Bulls Central

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:
👀 Why Jalen Duren belongs on Chicago’s long-term watchlist
💰 What Duren’s contract decision actually means
🐂 Claxton vs. Duren as a future roster-building question
😳 Patrick Williams at small-ball center?
🔄 A lineup that could give Patrick a clearly defined offensive role
💪 The rebounding problem with P-Will at the five
💵 Four Bulls eligible for extensions
🎯 Jalen Smith’s unique value
🔒 Isaac Okoro’s long-term case
🌱 Leonard Miller’s upside vs. guaranteed money
🧠 How Bryson Graham should approach every long-term commitment
💬 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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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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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:
👀 Why Jalen Suggs belongs on Chicago’s watchlist
🔒 How Suggs could change Bulls perimeter defense
💰 Why a Suggs deal would require a major commitment
🌟 Shaq’s huge Matas Buzelis prediction
🧠 What Matas must prove beyond scoring
🐂 How Matas and Caleb’s development affects future roster moves
🩺 Zach Collins’ quad issue
🔥 Jalen Smith’s opportunity
💪 Can Chicago handle bigger Eastern Conference frontcourts?
🧢 FACTS OR CAP: Bulls have enough frontcourt depth
💬 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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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 could be traded first?
💰 What would it take to move Norman Powell?
🎯 Could Buddy Hield become a deadline asset?
🧠 Is Nic Claxton part of the long-term core?
💪 Can Chicago really play “SLAP basketball”?
🔒 How Splitter can protect weaker perimeter defenders
🌱 Does Noa Essengue deserve developmental grace?
🏀 Why Windy City could be the best thing for Noa
🔥 Caleb Wilson vs. Noa Essengue developmental expectations
🐂 What this all tells us about Bryson Graham’s new Bulls philosophy
💬 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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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:
👀 Five Bulls Media Day questions that NEED answers
🚨 Why Chicago moved on from Rob Dillingham
🌱 The development plans for Dailyn Swain & Noa Essengue
🏀 Who should receive offensive priority?
⚔️ Development vs immediate performance
📈 How Chicago should define progress
🧠 Tiago Splitter’s “organized craziness”
⚡ The Bulls’ potential 0.5 offense
😳 Is Caleb Wilson hype going too far?
🌟 Why Chicago shouldn’t make Caleb vs. Matas a competition
💬 Which Media Day answer matters most to YOU: Dillingham, Swain/Noa development, the offensive hierarchy or how Chicago defines progress?
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