Tiago Splitter, in his first season as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, is implementing a system focused on rebounding and defense, aiming to establish a simple yet effective style of play. After training camp and four preseason games, the contours of Splitter’s approach are beginning to take shape as the Bulls prepare for their season opener.

Splitter draws on his previous experience with the Portland Trail Blazers, where his teams excelled in offensive rebounding. The Bulls, who ranked 23rd in the NBA last season with an average of 10.4 offensive rebounds per game, hope to improve by adopting a collective crash-the-boards mentality. The Trail Blazers led the league in offensive rebounds and second-chance points, an emphasis Splitter intends to replicate in Chicago.

Guard Tre Jones described the adjustment as a cultural shift for the team. “Now, everybody needs to crash,” he said, highlighting the expanded responsibility for players across positions to pursue offensive rebounds, rather than limiting the effort to a few designated players. Although the absence of key big men Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, and Tobe Awaka during the preseason has limited full implementation of this strategy, Awaka’s anticipated return before the Wednesday regular-season opener is expected to bolster the effort. Awaka’s skill as an offensive rebounder offers a unique asset within the scheme.

Splitter’s system also challenges guards like Jones to balance rebounding attempts with defensive assignments, a calculated risk intended to generate additional scoring opportunities. Jones noted that analytics support this tactic, emphasizing how increasing possession opportunities can exert pressure on opposing teams over the course of a game. The team aims to execute this aggressive rebounding while maintaining sound boxing out and defensive discipline.

Defensively, the Bulls plan to apply consistent pressure on opposing offenses, striving to disrupt rhythm through intense perimeter defense and coordinated switching. The addition of Claxton as a rim protector is viewed as a key component in enabling this strategy, addressing past weaknesses in interior defense. Players such as Claxton and Matas Buzelis provide the versatility to switch positions seamlessly at the point of attack, although this requires younger players, including rookie Caleb Wilson, to quickly acclimate to navigating screens and defensive positioning.

Splitter emphasizes a philosophy built on “small rules” that govern both offensive and defensive play, aiming to simplify decision-making for a largely young roster. This framework allows players to operate with some degree of autonomy, focusing on fundamental habits rather than complex playbooks. On offense, the team plans to blend spontaneous, fast-paced actions with structured sets called during stoppages, providing flexibility and encouraging player development.

While the system is still evolving, Splitter expects ongoing adjustments throughout the season as he learns more about his team’s capabilities and weaknesses. The approach reflects a balance between structure and adaptability, prioritizing growth and cohesion as the Bulls seek improvement in the highly competitive NBA landscape.