Caleb Wilson's development is key
as the Chicago Bulls look to move in a positive direction
[October 15, 2026]
Chicago Bulls
Last season: 31-51, missed playoffs.
COACH: Tiago Splitter (first season with Bulls, second season
overall, 42-39)
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 21 at Toronto.
DEPARTURES: G Anfernee Simons, G Collin Sexton, C/PF Nick Richards.
ADDITIONS: F Caleb Wilson, G Norman Powell, F Dailyn Swain, G/F
Buddy Hield, C Nic Claxton.
What to expect
The Bulls are starting over. Bryson Graham took over the front
office in May, and Splitter was hired as coach in June. Graham was
Atlanta’s senior vice president of basketball operations last season
after a 15-year run with New Orleans. Splitter, a 41-year-old former
NBA center, was the interim coach in Portland last year, guiding the
Trail Blazers to a 42-40 record for the franchise's first winning
record since the 2020-21 season. Graham has said the Bulls are “at
the ground floor,” so the expectations are focused more on the
growth of the team's youngest players. Improvement on the defensive
side would be a major development after Chicago allowed 121.5 points
per game last season, ranking 28th overall in the NBA.
Strengths and weaknesses
Graham's plans for Chicago got a lift when the team moved up to No.
4 in the draft lottery, resulting in the Bulls taking Caleb Wilson
out of North Carolina. The 6-foot-10 Wilson just turned 20 in July.
He averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 games with the Tar
Heels last season before he was sidelined by left hand and right
thumb injuries. With his athleticism and improving jumper, Wilson
could be in the mix for the Rookie of the Year award.
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Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson, front right, blocks a shot by
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, back right, as Chicago center
Jalen Smith covers in the first half of a preseason NBA basketball
game Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Bulls also have another intriguing rookie in
Dailyn Swain, the No. 15 pick in the draft. Depth is a major
concern, especially in the frontcourt. The 6-11 Claxton, who came
over from Brooklyn in an offseason trade, was slowed by a hamstring
injury during training camp. Zach Collins has been hampered by
injuries since joining the Bulls in a February 2025 trade.
Players to watch
Wilson is the team's most important player, but adding Powell in
free agency was a major move. The 33-year-old Powell agreed to a
two-year deal that could be worth up to $45 million. He averaged
21.7 points in 58 games with Miami last season, earning an All-Star
selection for the first time. Powell, who is a 39.6% 3-point shooter
for his career, is expected to help create space for Wilson and
Matas Buzelis when Chicago has the ball. The Bulls also acquired
Buddy Hield in a late-September trade. Hield, who turns 34 in
December, is a 39.5% shooter from deep for his career.
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