# Bulls Hidden Gem: Leonard Miller

> Leonard Miller's preseason surge makes him a core piece for Chicago Bulls.
- Title: Bulls Hidden Gem: Leonard Miller · Chicago Bulls On SI
- Summary: Leonard Miller's preseason surge makes him a core piece for Chicago Bulls. Leonard Miller's strong preseason performance positions him as a key player for…
- Keywords: chicago bulls, leonard miller, preseason, nba, minnesota timberwolves, tiago splitter, caleb wilson, sports, Bulls, Hidden, Gem, Leonard
- Source: Chicago Bulls On SI — https://si.com/nba/bulls/onsi/a-bulls-hidden-gem-is-leonard-miller-a-core-piece-after-preseason-surge-015
- Published: 2026-10-16T03:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: chicago bulls, leonard miller, preseason, nba, minnesota timberwolves, tiago splitter, caleb wilson, sports
## Preseason Lesson
The Chicago Bulls' preseason has taught us one very valuable lesson: Arturas Karnisovas was right.
## Leonard Miller's Rise
Leonard Miller has been the Chicago Bulls' most consistent player in the lead-up to the regular season.
## Preseason Stats
He has scored at least 12 points in each preseason outing while grabbing 7 rebounds in three of the four games.
## Key Game Performance
Against the Denver Nuggets, Miller led the way with 26 points on 11-14 shooting from the field.
## Miller's Perspective
Miller said, 'Those body of games I got to play, those meaningful minutes, I got to play through mistakes.'

> Those body of games I got to play, those meaningful minutes, I got to play through mistakes
## Contract Status
Miller is on an expiring contract and thus not officially part of the young core.
## Coach Splitter's View
Head coach Tiago Splitter has sounded very happy to have the 22-year-old in the mix.
## Miller's Fit
Miller said, 'I fit the mold of everything that he asks for in his player.'

> I fit the mold of everything that he asks for in his player
## Future Outlook
As long as Miller's camp is willing to talk business, now could be the time to get Miller on a team-friendly extension.
## Preseason Impact
Miller has been one of the Bulls' best players in preseason, and they should be looking to extend him ASAP.
## Team Option
The Bulls picking up his team option should have been a given after Bryson Graham revealed his 'SLAP' acronym.
## Physical Attributes
Miller is every bit six-foot-ten with a sturdy frame and bulky upper body.
## Potential Role
He has all but locked in a rotational spot, potentially serving as the primary backup to rookie power forward Caleb Wilson.
## Next Steps
Miller's rise is an incredibly pleasant surprise for the new-look Bulls, but could his contract change in a matter of days?
## Key takeaway

Leonard Miller's strong preseason performance positions him as a key player for the Chicago Bulls after joining from Minnesota Timberwolves.