The Chicago Bulls are using training camp to establish a new defensive identity under head coach Tiago Splitter, with young forwards Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis forming a promising partnership. This work follows a 124-117 preseason victory over the Phoenix Suns on October 7, and the team now prepares for its next home test against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 9.
Tiago Splitter's early practices have centered on fixing a defense that ranked 22nd in the NBA last season. The Bulls allowed 121.5 points per game and posted a 118.1 defensive rating in 2025-26. Splitter is demanding better communication, screen navigation, and matchup flexibility from his squad. He wants a more aggressive defensive approach moving away from rigid positional assignments.
This philosophy is immediately testing rookie Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 overall pick. Wilson spent most of his college career at North Carolina defending as a traditional big. Now, Splitter is putting him on the perimeter to guard quicker players and handle screens. "We want to be more aggressive," Splitter said. Wilson responded confidently, stating, "I'm comfortable guarding whoever they put in front of me."
Wilson and second-year forward Matas Buzelis are quickly becoming the Bulls' most intriguing frontcourt pairing. Their skill sets allow them to play together without either having to drastically change their game. Buzelis provides essential perimeter scoring, having shot 34.9% from three-point range across 77 games last season while averaging 16.3 points.
The two have developed a strong bond in a short time. Buzelis said Wilson feels like "my brother" and "my twin." Their practice sessions have involved both working together and competing directly against each other. Wilson's broad statistical profile from college-19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game-shows why Chicago is eager to expand his role quickly.
Spacing is the main question when they share the floor with center Nic Claxton. Claxton attempted just 19 threes last season, making only three. This puts more pressure on Buzelis' shooting and Wilson's developing outside game to open the floor for Claxton to operate as a screener and roller.
Nic Claxton is the defensive anchor Splitter's system needs. His presence inside allows the Bulls to experiment with versatile lineups featuring Wilson and Buzelis. Claxton's primary job will be protecting the rim, finishing around the basket, and setting hard screens. His limited shooting range makes the perimeter scoring from his fellow starters even more important for the team's offensive flow.
Executive vice president Bryson Graham and Splitter orchestrated an offseason reset, and Claxton is a foundational piece of that plan. His ability to defend multiple positions and clean up mistakes on the back line is vital for a team trying to climb out of the NBA's defensive basement.
The immediate focus is the next preseason contest at home against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 9. The 124-117 win over Phoenix offered a first glimpse of Splitter's principles in game action, but rotation spots are still being contested. Players like Dailyn Swain are pushing for wing minutes, ensuring competition remains high.
The Bulls are clearly building for the future around their young core. Training camp is less about installing a complex playbook and more about establishing a defensive mindset and evaluating which player combinations work. The progress of the Wilson-Buzelis pairing will be one of the most watched storylines as the regular season approaches.
