A New Chicago Identity: Wilson, Buzelis and Giddey Headline a Youth‑Driven Bulls Rebuild With Veteran Backbone
Bulls Enter 2026‑27 With New Leadership, a New Core and a Long‑Awaited Sense of Direction
The Chicago Bulls begin the 2026‑27 season with a dramatically reshaped foundation and a renewed organizational identity. After four straight years outside the postseason and a 31‑51 finish, the franchise has pivoted toward a youth‑centric rebuild supported by targeted veteran additions. With Bryson Graham taking over basketball operations and Tiago Splitter stepping in as head coach, Chicago finally has alignment at the top—and a potential franchise centerpiece in No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson.
Offseason Recap
- 2025‑26 Record: 31–51 (12th in East, missed postseason)
- Key Additions: Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Dailyn Swain, Caleb Wilson
- Organizational Direction: Build around Wilson, Buzelis, Giddey and Dillingham; add defensive stability and scoring; modernize the roster
Chicago’s offseason was defined by clarity. The Bulls committed fully to their young core—Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey and Rob Dillingham—while adding veterans who fit specific needs. Powell brings shot creation and toughness after an All‑Star season in Miami, and Claxton arrives as a defensive anchor capable of elevating a unit that ranked 22nd last year.
The Bulls aren’t chasing shortcuts. They’re building deliberately, with an eye toward long‑term competitiveness.
Season Outlook: Development First, Results Second
The Bulls’ postseason hopes hinge on how quickly Wilson adapts to the NBA and how much growth they get from their young core. Wilson’s Summer League performance showcased his versatility, poise and two‑way potential, but the real evaluation begins in October.
Chicago’s youth movement is balanced by veterans who can stabilize the rotation and raise the team’s floor:
- Norman Powell — efficient scorer, secondary creator
- Nic Claxton — elite rim protector and switch defender
- Josh Giddey — oversized playmaker entering Year 3 in Chicago
- Matas Buzelis — explosive wing scorer with two‑way upside
- Rob Dillingham — dynamic guard with shot‑making flair
Whether the Bulls can break their four‑year playoff drought depends on how quickly these pieces mesh under Splitter’s system.
Breakout Candidate: Matas Buzelis
Buzelis made one of the league’s most impressive Year‑1 to Year‑2 jumps, becoming a full‑time starter and nearly doubling his production across the board:
- 16.3 PPG
- 46.3% FG
- 5.8 RPG
- 2.1 APG
- 1.5 BPG
- 2.2 made threes per game
His highlight reel grew as well, including a poster dunk that ranked No. 14 on the NBA’s Top 100 Plays of the 2025‑26 season. He delivered seven 25‑plus point games and a 41‑point explosion against Golden State, capped by a clutch overtime three.
With Powell’s scoring gravity and Wilson’s versatility, Buzelis should see cleaner driving lanes and more opportunities to attack. His defensive growth—finishing 10th in blocks last season—paired with Claxton’s rim protection could transform Chicago’s backline.
Number to Know: 3.6
The Bulls averaged 3.6 fewer shot opportunities per game than their opponents last season—the third‑worst margin in the league.
Chicago struggled to generate extra possessions, ranking bottom‑10 in:
- Turnover ratio
- Opponent turnover ratio
- Offensive rebounding percentage
They defended the defensive glass well, but they didn’t force turnovers or create second chances. With Wilson likely starting at small forward and Claxton anchoring the paint, the Bulls should improve on the boards. But turnover creation remains a concern: Powell is not a high‑deflection defender, and Splitter’s Blazers played a conservative pick‑and‑roll scheme.
Chicago must find ways to manufacture more possessions if it hopes to climb the standings.
Five Must‑See Matchups
Oct. 24 — Wizards vs. Bulls
Caleb Wilson’s home debut comes against AJ Dybantsa in a showcase of two top‑four picks. Chicago enters with a five‑game win streak over Washington.
Dec. 16 — Jazz vs. Bulls
Another top‑four rookie showdown: Wilson vs. No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson in their first NBA meeting.
Dec. 21 — Bulls vs. Heat
Norman Powell returns to Miami to face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the revamped Heat.
Feb. 14 — Bulls vs. Blazers
Tiago Splitter’s first trip back to Portland after guiding the Blazers to a playoff berth as interim head coach.
Mar. 13 — Grizzlies vs. Bulls
A Rookie of the Year spotlight game: Wilson vs. No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer.
Preseason Storylines
1. The Splitter Era Begins
How quickly will the Bulls adapt to Splitter’s system after two-plus seasons under Billy Donovan? His defensive philosophy and rotation patterns will be closely watched.
2. Wilson’s Integration
Wilson’s Summer League debut impressed, but preseason will reveal how he fits alongside Giddey, Buzelis, Powell and Claxton.
3. Powell’s Role
Powell must balance scoring with leadership as he adjusts to a new team for the second straight season.
4. Claxton as Defensive Anchor
Claxton’s rim protection and mobility could elevate Chicago’s defense significantly—if the team can improve its turnover creation.
5. Chemistry of the Projected Starting Five
Giddey, Powell, Buzelis, Wilson and Claxton form one of the league’s most intriguing young‑veteran blends. Their cohesion will determine Chicago’s trajectory.
A Rebuild With Real Momentum
Chicago finally has a direction—and a core worth investing in. Wilson is the centerpiece, Buzelis the rising star, Giddey the connector, Claxton the anchor, and Powell the stabilizer. The Bulls may not be ready to contend, but they are building something coherent, modern and sustainable.
