The Chicago Bulls concluded their preseason with a 133-116 win over a depleted Minnesota Timberwolves squad at the United Center on Friday, finishing with three victories in five games. While preseason results are generally not indicative of regular-season outcomes, the exhibition period provided valuable insights into how the new-look Bulls will function as they prepare for their season opener against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Head coach Tiago Splitter had planned to use the final two preseason games to evaluate his full roster rotations. However, the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves opted to rest their starters, limiting the competitiveness of those contests. Nonetheless, Splitter utilized the opportunity to experiment with lineups within a deep roster designed for adaptability.
Rookie Caleb Wilson emerged as a notable figure during the preseason. Displaying confidence beyond his years, Wilson contributed significant offensive highlights, including three-point shooting and powerful dunks. Although he occasionally struggled with defensive positioning and decision-making, the 20-year-old showed an ability to compete physically against more seasoned players. Wilson acknowledged the learning curve that comes with his rookie season but expressed readiness to embrace the challenges ahead. He emphasized maintaining perspective, noting that adversity is part of early career development and that he remains focused on growth.
The Bulls’ starting lineup appears settled for now, featuring Josh Giddey, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Norman Powell, and Nic Claxton. With Claxton sidelined for the opener due to injury, Tobe Awaka and Jalen Smith have filled in at the center position. Splitter intends to maintain this approach until Claxton returns, highlighting the team’s flexibility in managing frontcourt depth. Backup roles are held by Tre Jones at point guard, with support from Zach Collins, Buddy Hield, and Isaac Okoro. The coach indicated comfort in extending rotations to 11 players, with Leonard Miller securing a prominent spot as a "next-man-up" option, especially over Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue at forward.
Leonard Miller’s progression was a preseason highlight. Despite substantial competition at the power forward position, Miller has outperformed peers, shooting an efficient 62 percent from the field. At 22 years old, Miller’s passing acumen and unconventional playing style have garnered praise from Splitter, who commended his off-ball movement and defensive awareness. Miller’s continued development could provide the Bulls with an important asset as the team works through its rebuilding phase.
Jalen Smith’s role is expected to be pivotal given the Bulls’ frontcourt injury concerns. With Claxton and Collins unavailable or limited, Smith’s versatility as a stretch big man and defensive presence makes him a key component to maintaining balance on both ends of the floor.
Finally, the preseason featured increased playing time for the Bulls’ youngest players, including Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue. Both are considered developmental projects with potential upside. Swain demonstrated growth in decision-making when freed from heavy ball-handling duties, while Essengue quietly improved defensively, though he continues to seek greater impact as a rim protector. Their ability to maximize limited NBA minutes while supplementing time with the G League will be critical to their long-term progress.
As the Bulls enter the regular season, the combination of promising young talent, strategic depth management, and coaching flexibility will shape their pursuit of growth in a competitive Eastern Conference landscape.