The Chicago Bulls are approaching their training camp with a sense of cautious optimism, particularly concerning the health of their key player, Josh Giddey, who has successfully recovered from ankle surgery. Giddey's readiness, coupled with his high praise for rookie Caleb Wilson and the team's new coach, Tiago Splitter, signals a refreshed outlook for a franchise aiming to rebound from a disappointing previous season. The team's new leadership, under Bryson Graham, has implemented a strategic approach to roster building, emphasizing specific athletic attributes in their new acquisitions.
Last season proved challenging for the Chicago Bulls, as they recorded a 31-51 record, marking their lowest win total since 2020-21 and leading to significant changes in their basketball department. General Manager Artūras Karnišovas departed, making way for Bryson Graham, who took over as president of basketball operations. Following these shifts, head coach Billy Donovan also stepped down after six seasons, prompting Graham's immediate task of finding a new leader for the team. His search concluded with the hiring of Tiago Splitter, who had an impressive interim stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, guiding them to a 41-39 record and a playoff appearance.
Josh Giddey expressed significant enthusiasm for Splitter's arrival, highlighting the new coach's background as a former NBA player. “He's been great,” Giddey remarked, “and he truly understands the game from a player's perspective. His high basketball IQ is evident in our conversations.” This sentiment underscores a belief within the team that Splitter's experience will foster a deeper connection and understanding with the players, potentially leading to improved on-court performance. Splitter's previous success in Portland, where he led the Blazers to exceed expectations, further bolsters this confidence, even though he ultimately left due to disagreements over contract terms with the new Blazers owner.
Bryson Graham's philosophy for shaping the Bulls' roster, known as SLAP (Size, Length, Athleticism, and Physicality), guided his decisions in the NBA draft and free agency. This strategic focus led to the selection of Caleb Wilson as the fourth overall pick and Dailyn Swain at No. 15. Additionally, the team acquired Nic Claxton via trade and signed free agent Norman Powell, who is fresh off a career-best season. Wilson, in particular, has garnered considerable attention, demonstrating exceptional potential during the Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 23.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes strong shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc. Giddey spoke highly of Wilson, noting, “He possesses a versatile game; there are no discernible weaknesses. He can impact both ends of the floor at a high level.”
While Wilson shone, Dailyn Swain faced struggles during the Summer League, particularly with his shooting, despite showing promise in rebounding and defensive capabilities. The Bulls are also navigating their roster situation with 14 players on standard contracts and approximately $1.9 million in cap space, suggesting further roster adjustments might occur before the season begins. The team also has one open two-way spot, with several players, including Isaiah Stevens, Donovan Atwell, and Marquel Sutton, competing for it through Exhibit 10 agreements. These players will strive to impress during training camp, hoping to secure their place or provide valuable depth, especially Stevens, who brings prior NBA experience.
As the Bulls prepare for training camp, the health and continued development of key players like Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis are paramount for their competitive aspirations. Giddey's successful recovery from ankle surgery in May 2026, which he described as a “challenging but well-managed” process, means he is now participating in five-on-five drills with no restrictions. Other players, including Zach Collins and Rob Dillingham, have also undergone offseason surgeries to address injuries and are anticipated to be fit for camp. The overall health and integration of these returning players, combined with the talents of new acquisitions, will be crucial in determining the Bulls' performance in the upcoming season.
