From Chicago Bulls On SI · · 2m
Bulls Shift to Player Development
Chicago Bulls commit to rebuilding through player development, not rushed talent acquisition
In brief
Chicago Bulls commit to rebuilding through player development, not rushed talent acquisition Bulls prioritize player development over quick wins with veteran players and young talent Originally reported by Chicago Bulls On SI.
Bulls' Plan Was Never Real
The Chicago Bulls' initial plan under Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley never existed, trading young players for win-now veterans instead of focusing on development.
Playoffs Were Immediate Goal
The Bulls traded DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, and Lonzo Ball for playoff success, but the plan collapsed quickly.
Rebuild Confirmed
Bryson Graham explicitly stated the Bulls are in a rebuild, emphasizing no skipped steps and youth-focused development.
No Lofty Expectations
The Bulls will have no lofty expectations for the win-loss column and no skipped steps in their rebuild process.
Development Focus
Graham emphasized the team is in the developmental stage, prioritizing smart and creative play over quick wins.
Caleb Wilson Lottery Pick
The Bulls secured Caleb Wilson via lottery luck, but Graham remained committed to development despite the potential cornerstone.
No Overload on Young Talent
Unlike many rebuilding teams, the Bulls avoided overloading their roster with young players to focus on development.
Infrastructure Focus
Graham believes the Bulls can build infrastructure to maximize potential players like Wilson and Buzelis.
Tiago Splitter Hired
The Bulls hired Tiago Splitter, a 41-year-old former player who led the Portland Trail Blazers to the postseason.
New Coaching Staff
The Bulls added new coaching staff members, including a player development coordinator from the reigning NBA champions.
Veteran Players Included
The Bulls added veterans like Norman Powell and Nic Claxton to provide floor stability without sacrificing development.
Long Leash for Young Players
Young players like Dailyn Swain, Josh Giddey, Wilson, and Buzelis will have extended development time with mentors.
Careful Free Agent Additions
The Bulls added free agents like Bennedict Mathurin without promising starting roles to prioritize development.
Intentional Approach
The Bulls are being intentional about development priorities, avoiding rushed decisions for long-term success.
The short version
Bulls prioritize player development over quick wins with veteran players and young talent
