# Bulls' New Forward Thinkers

> Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis lead Chicago Bulls' rebuild with elite defense and chemistry.
- Title: Bulls' New Forward Thinkers · Chicago Sun-Times | Shortify
- Summary: Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis lead Chicago Bulls' rebuild with elite defense and chemistry. Bulls' rookie Caleb Wilson and 21-year Matas Buzelis form a…
- Keywords: chicago bulls, matas buzelis, caleb wilson, nic claxton, nba, bulls rebuild, defensive frontcourt, rookie of the year, klutch sports, lebron james, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2026/09/20/bulls-preview-matas-buzelis-caleb-wilson-forward-thinkers
- Published: 2026-09-20T10:21:23.762+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago bulls, matas buzelis, caleb wilson, nic claxton, nba, bulls rebuild, defensive frontcourt, rookie of the year, klutch sports, lebron james, news, local
## Bulls' New Forward Thinkers
Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis aim to lead the team's rebuild.

> The duo have become friends off the court since Wilson was drafted last June
## Summer Connections
Wilson trained with LeBron James and teammates at Cubs games and South Side Pro Run.

> he’s been spotted at Cubs games cheering on Pete Crow-Armstrong with teammate Matas Buzelis
## Elite Defense
Buzelis blocked 116 shots and Claxton recorded 189 blocks in 2022-23.

> Buzelis is 21 and coming off a season in which he hit 173 three-pointers and blocked 116 shots
## Back Health
Claxton's back issues resolved, enabling him to play with elite defensive presence.

> the back is no longer an issue
## Defensive Power
Wilson, Buzelis and Claxton create a no-fly zone for opponents on defense.

> the skies above the United Center are basically a no-fly zone for the opposition
## Coaching Shift
New coach Tiago Splitter focuses on versatile frontcourt defense.

> Even better news for new coach Tiago Splitter? His starting frontcourt doesn’t just rim protect on the defensive end of the floor
## Rookie Focus
Wilson targets Rookie of the Year and league greatness.

> Wilson will be must-see TV this season
## Buzelis' Growth
Buzelis enters year three with potential for stardom.

> Buzelis: Year 3 is always huge for a young player and Buzelis is no different
## Claxton's Role
Claxton provides physical presence in the paint with healthy back.

> Claxton: If the back is truly healthy then the Bulls will have an athletic big patrolling the paint
## Reserve Depth
Bulls have versatile reserves to support frontcourt defense.

> Splitter is being handed a versatile group that can gives the opposition different looks
## Key Reserves
Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith and Zach Collins form strong reserve options.

> Zach Collins: The center was re-signed for a reason as the Bulls love his physicality and presence in the paint
## Future Outlook
Bulls aim to dominate with Wilson, Buzelis and Claxton as the core.

> This could be the most exciting frontcourt the Bulls have had since the Joakim Noah, Luol Deng days
## Key takeaway

Bulls' rookie Caleb Wilson and 21-year Matas Buzelis form a defensive powerhouse with 27-year Nic Claxton, aiming to dominate the NBA's frontcourt.