New Bulls era features young roster, fresh leadership
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Caleb Wilson, No. 8 of the Chicago Bulls, dunks the ball during a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Photo: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
The Chicago Bulls' new front office is preaching patience and rebuilding, but a promising young roster has fans dreaming of something bigger.
Why it matters: After four straight seasons without a playoff appearance, the Bulls are entering a new era with fresh leadership and a potential franchise star.
The latest: The Bulls tip off the season Wednesday night against the Raptors in Toronto.
State of play: The Bulls have overhauled their leadership, bringing in Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations and Tiago Splitter as head coach.
- At his introductory press conference, Graham warned fans that another rebuild was coming and asked for patience.
Reasons for optimism: The NBA draft lottery bounced the Bulls' way, allowing them to select North Carolina standout Caleb Wilson with the No. 4 pick.
- Wilson has electrified fans with his preseason play, while his potential pairing with Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey has raised hopes for a quicker turnaround.
Yes, but: The Bulls still lack an established NBA superstar and face a daunting early schedule, with games against the Celtics, Knicks, 76ers and Spurs.
- The young roster also has limited experience playing meaningful basketball late in the season.
What they're saying: "Mental is everything when juggling an 82-game season," former Bulls star Nate Robinson told Axios at this summer's Bulls Fest. "Keeping yourself mentally prepared helps you enjoy what's in store. The journey."
The big picture: Fans can look to young teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder for examples of how quickly fortunes can change.
- The Bulls added veteran support with offseason acquisitions Norman Powell and Buddy Hield.
- The projected starting lineup features Wilson, Buzelis, Giddey, Powell and Nic Claxton.
- Hield, Patrick Williams and Noa Essengue are expected to contribute off the bench.
Of note: The Bulls' broadcasts will sound different this season following the sudden death of beloved analyst Stacey King.
- Adam Amin returns alongside a rotating cast of analysts, including former Bulls Will Perdue, Kendall Gill, Scott Williams and Bill Wennington, plus Robbie Hummel.
The bottom line: The front office is asking for patience. But after years of disappointment, Bulls fans are hoping this rebuild delivers more than just another lottery pick.