The Chicago Bulls will begin their preseason campaign against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday with a significant size deficit in the frontcourt. Starting center Nic Claxton is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury, and backup Zach Collins continues to manage a quadriceps issue. This development forces head coach Tiago Splitter to immediately test smaller, more versatile lineups.
Nic Claxton tweaked his hamstring over the weekend, an injury that will keep him out of the entire preseason slate. Coach Tiago Splitter confirmed the two-week timeline, putting the prized offseason addition's status for the regular season opener on October 21 in some doubt. Zach Collins, meanwhile, has been limited for most of training camp with a quadriceps problem. Collins played only 10 games last season due to a broken wrist and a toe injury requiring surgery. His ongoing health issues create real uncertainty behind Claxton.
With no true seven-footer available, Splitter plans extensive experimentation. "Especially the first game of the preseason, you try things," Splitter said. "I will try to give minutes to everyone, see different rotations, different bigs, go small, maybe go double big. Who knows?" The primary internal option appears to be two-way forward Tobe Awaka, an undrafted rookie from Arizona. At 6-foot-8, Awaka offers physicality but lacks ideal height. The Bulls are deep in power forwards like Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, Leonard Miller, and Noa Essengue, who range from 6-8 to 6-11.
The team's offensive scheme is designed to be positionless, which fits a roster full of lengthy wings. Caleb Wilson pointed out the team's collective length. "Our point guard (Josh Giddey) is like 6-foot-6." Wilson said. "So having that ability to switch up and down the lineup and also be long and create opportunities at the basket, it's good." Jalen Smith has some experience at center but prefers the four spot. The trade-off for versatility and speed, however, could be a painful defensive mismatch against bigger opponents.
A size disparity poses a clear threat on defense, especially if Claxton or Collins misses regular season games. The Bulls ended last season allowing 149 points to Dallas and 127 to Orlando in their final two games, both losses. Protecting the paint and controlling the boards could become major challenges. Splitter believes Wilson, at 20, is more physically prepared to guard NBA bigs than the slightly older Buzelis. But asking either young forward to anchor the defense full-time is a big ask. The preseason offers a vital lab for Splitter to find workable combinations before the games count. Fans can track the team's recovery and upcoming schedule on our injuries and schedule pages.
