From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 20s
Nic Claxton injury concerns Bulls season start
Bulls' Nic Claxton hamstring injury delays season opener.
In brief
Bulls' Nic Claxton hamstring injury delays season opener. Bulls' Nic Claxton's hamstring injury creates uncertainty for the team's start of the regular season. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Claxton injury update
Bulls center Nic Claxton faces hamstring injury uncertainty as the regular season approaches.
“According to coach Tiago Splitter on Wednesday, the projected starting center will have his injured hamstring re-evaluated right before the start of the regular season in less than two weeks”
Claxton's injury history
Claxton previously dealt with back injuries two years ago and claims full recovery since.
“Nic Claxton had to deal with back injuries two years ago and insisted he made a full recovery since”
Coach Splitter's view
Splitter says Claxton is a key piece for the rebuild despite reduced production this season.
“I think he’s a great fit. I think he can run the court, I think he can protect the rim. His production wasn’t as good as maybe two, three years ago last year. We believe there is a reason behind it, and we just want to have the best Nic we can have”
Claxton's explanation
Claxton attributes his reduced minutes to Nets' tanking strategy last season.
“Claxton explained that 'reason' early on in camp, admitting that back issues derailed his 2024-25 season, but the Nets commitment to tanking last year was why his minutes were cut into”
Short-term impact
Bulls lose Claxton and Zach Collins for preseason opener due to injuries.
“The bad news for the Bulls in the short-term was no Claxton and no Zach Collins (quad) for the preseason opener”
Collins' status
Zach Collins may return soon after quad injury but Claxton's status remains unclear.
“Collins could be back very soon, but Claxton is an unknown”
Coach Splitter's reassurance
Splitter emphasizes Claxton's defensive impact despite injury concerns.
“Of course it is not great that he’s injured and that’s something we’ve got to be patient with. Let him heal and get in good shape. But the way he plays, the way he puts pressure at the rim, rolls, he can leap over the rim, so I think he’s important for our offense and our defense”
Team communication focus
Bulls prioritize team communication to address defensive issues.
“Communication breakdowns on the defensive end have seemingly been a staple in Bulls basketball the previous five seasons, and that’s why Norman Powell is so adamant about putting an end to that and starting new habits”
Norman Powell's role
Powell stresses daily communication to build winning habits on defense.
“Drills are great but as soon as that live play happens you kind of lose that sense and you start to try and anticipate. Just being on them each and every day that we have to talk, we have to communicate where building winning habits happen”
Patrick Williams' contract
Patrick Williams has $18 million remaining on contract through 2027.
“As much as the Bulls try and move off of Patrick Williams, he has 18 million reasons he’s not going anywhere. Then another $18 million next season and an $18 million player option for the year after that”
Splitter's assessment
Splitter says Williams is performing well despite contract concerns.
“I think it’s hard to evaluate guys from practice. We want to see what it looks like when the lights are on and go from there. We know how he plays. I’ve coached against him, so we know where he’s at. He’s doing the right things, doing the things I’ve asked him to do. The role I’m asking him to do he’s getting it done”
Stacey King tribute
Bulls honor Stacey King with moment of silence and patch for regular season.
“The Bulls honored former broadcaster and three-time NBA champion Stacey King with a moment of silence before Wednesday’s game with the Suns and will do so again in the regular-season home opener. They will also wear a patch starting in the regular season to remember King. He died on June 7 at the age of 59”
The essence
Bulls' Nic Claxton's hamstring injury creates uncertainty for the team's start of the regular season.
