The Chicago Bulls' guard situation shifted this week with Rob Dillingham's exit, creating a direct opening for two-way contract player Jaylin Sellers. Dillingham, traded twice in a year, was waived by the Charlotte Hornets and is now an unrestricted free agent. This move leaves preseason minutes up for grabs as the Bulls look to finalize their rotation ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The team is coming off a tough 149-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 13, part of a recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five games.
Rob Dillingham's departure from the NBA landscape, at least for now, removes a potential competitor for a deep bench role. His career is on thin ice after being waived. For the Bulls, it simplifies a crowded backcourt picture. The focus now turns to internal development and competition. Preseason games will be critical for evaluating who fills those final roster spots.
Head coach Tiago Splitter has emphasized a need for more aggressive defense. That directive sets the tone for every player fighting for a job. Sellers, with his 6'5", 205-pound frame, has a physical advantage over the smaller Dillingham. He needs to use that size on both ends of the floor.
Jaylin Sellers absolutely can. His performance during the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League was a positive sign. He was one of the bigger surprises for the Bulls there, showing energy and vocal leadership. The goal for him is straightforward: seize every preseason minute.
He must prove he belongs in the Bulls' long-term development plans. Making an impact starts on defense, an area Coach Splitter has singled out for improvement. Sellers can model the defensive identity the team wants. If he locks in on that end, his path to a main roster spot becomes much clearer.
Opportunity also exists due to circumstances ahead of him. Starting point guard Josh Giddey spent the offseason recovering from a right ankle procedure. Primary backup Tre Jones could attract trade interest as a valuable veteran on an affordable deal. Injuries and roster changes are constant in the NBA. Sellers must be ready if a chance arrives.
The Bulls' backcourt hierarchy appears set at the top. Josh Giddey is the projected starter, provided he's fully healthy. Tre Jones is the experienced backup. Realistically, the team may not go more than ten players deep into its bench once the regular season starts. That makes every preseason evaluation intense.
Sellers is competing for what would likely be a third point guard role. His two-way contract status gives the team flexibility, but he'll want the security of a standard NBA deal. Preseason games against other teams will be his proving ground. He needs to show he can run an offense, hit open shots, and be a pest defensively.
The Bulls' recent results, including losses to the Mavericks and Orlando Magic, highlight areas needing improvement. A player like Sellers injecting energy and defensive focus could help address some of those issues.
Jaylin Sellers should treat every preseason possession like it's his last. He needs to be the loudest, most engaged defender on the floor. His communication in Vegas was noted, and that has to continue. Coach Splitter's message about aggression wasn't subtle.
Offensively, he must play within himself and make smart decisions. Forcing shots or trying to do too much won't help his case. He has to demonstrate he can be a reliable option when called upon. Building a foundation as a homegrown success story starts now. The Bulls haven't had many recent player development wins, and Sellers could change that narrative.
The window is open. With Dillingham gone, there are fewer bodies between him and a real NBA opportunity. His performance over the next few weeks will determine if he walks through it.
