The Chicago Bulls are entering a new chapter for the 2026-27 NBA season, installing a fresh front office, coaching staff, and key roster additions after another disappointing year.
Bryson Graham is the new head of basketball operations, bringing 15 years of front-office experience from the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. His first major move was hiring Tiago Splitter as head coach. Splitter went 42-39 as the Portland Trail Blazers' interim coach last season, posting a 114.7 defensive rating. Graham praised Splitter's basketball intellect and focus on player development, making it a core part of the Bulls' new plan.
The roster sees three significant additions. Nic Claxton, a 6-foot-11 center, averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season. Veteran guard Norman Powell arrives after an All-Star year where he put up 21.7 points per game for Miami. Rookie Caleb Wilson adds perimeter skill to a projected starting lineup with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis.
Last season's stats painted a clear picture. The Bulls averaged 116.3 points but allowed 121.5 per game, with a defensive rating of 118.1 that ranked 22nd in the league. Claxton's rim protection and ability to defend in space directly target that weakness. His limited three-point shooting, just 15.8% on 19 attempts, means he'll focus on screening, rolling, and defense.
Powell's scoring punch is needed. Chicago's offensive rating was 113.0 with a net rating of minus-5.1. His two-year, $45 million deal gives the Bulls an established perimeter creator to ease the burden on younger players during critical possessions.
Training camp will be about building chemistry under Splitter's system. The coach helped Portland to a nearly neutral net rating last season, and his task is to improve Chicago's defensive identity. The front office, led by Graham, has preserved flexibility with Powell's team option for 2027-28, keeping future moves possible.
The end of last season was tough. Integrating the new veterans with developing talent is the immediate challenge. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page as this new era begins.
