Bulls coaching staff signals more threes for Matas Buzelis
Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter is open to Matas Buzelis taking more threes this season.
The new Chicago Bulls coaching staff may be more willing to let Matas Buzelis shoot from beyond the arc. Head coach Tiago Splitter said he likes good threes from the young forward, and Buzelis himself stated he will have 'more freedom' this season. The Bulls hosted media day Monday at the Advocate Center before launching into training camp and a slate of five preseason games.
Matas Buzelis was reluctant to explain exactly what 'more freedom' means. One report indicated he often took too many three-pointers last season. Splitter added that Buzelis can shoot mid-range and should be smart about his shot selection.
Buzelis and Wilson’s bond shapes their development
Matas Buzelis and lottery pick Caleb Wilson have formed a tight bond. The two compete fiercely against each other in scrimmages. Buzelis said they won't improve if they just 'mess around' and let each other score.
He said Wilson feels like his brother and twin. Buzelis noted they talk and think similarly, and he remembered watching Wilson's interviews and being reminded of his own younger mindset. Wilson, the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft who turned 20 in July, is very confident. Buzelis said they connect very easily.
Veteran additions bolster Bulls’ perimeter shooting
Norman Powell and Buddy Hield bring elite outside shooting to a Bulls roster where they are the only players older than 28. Powell signed as a free agent after spending the previous season with the Miami Heat. He is coming off his first All-Star season and, with 11 NBA seasons under his belt, is likely the team's best outside shooter.
Norman Powell said: "I’m excited to be that vet leader and help shape these guys." Caleb Wilson remarked, "Norm’s been in the league damn near half my life." Hield was newly acquired this offseason.
Young bigs Noa Essengue and Josh Giddey show progress
Second-year big man Noa Essengue bounced back from a rough Summer League performance to impress head coach Tiago Splitter in training camp. Essengue, who is 19, played only six minutes in his rookie season due to left shoulder surgery and did not make a strong impression in summer league. Splitter had criticized his motor and effort, benching him for swaths of games.
After Summer League, Essengue talked with Splitter and executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham. He was told to play his game, play free offensively and defensively, and step up his game. Splitter said he needed to see a higher level of competitive fight from him.
Josh Giddey, 23, is on a very affordable contract. His three-point shooting improved massively last season. He delivers consistently above-average ball facilitation but is still a defensive hazard and cannot generate high-level scoring on his own.
Roster spots and cap flexibility shape camp competition
The Bulls have one full roster spot open entering training camp and three two-way contracts to offer. Draftees Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka, along with training camp invitee Peter Suder, are competing for roles. The team cleaned house this summer, hiring a new executive vice president of basketball operations and adding a handful of new faces in free agency after drafting a couple of exciting prospects.
The Bulls have the second-most cap space in the league at $1.96 million. They avoided unnecessary hires this summer to maintain that financial flexibility.
The season opener is on Oct. 21 in Toronto.
