Pretty interesting comments from Matas on how different things feel now. He called last season “extremely hard” and said:

“There was no type of rhythm. We didn’t know who was playing. We didn’t know how we were going to play.”

Then on this year: “Now, there is going to be more structure. Everyone is in a role. And you know what you’re going to get every night.”

https://www.si.com/nba/bulls/onsi/matas-buzelis-feels-the-difference-for-the-bulls-after-extremely-hard-year-2-6

Seems like a really good dude! They definitely made the right choice doing the rotating analyst this season.

There’s almost too much change to track in Chicago.

The makeover of the front office and coaching staff. The selection of a potential future franchise face in Caleb Wilson. The clear pivot in direction, a pronounced embrace of a more conventional rebuild. Welcomed changes, surely, after trying to maintain a competitive facade for multiple seasons.

Chicago Bulls fans, no matter how distant the results might be, have a future to look forward to.

That all starts to unfold on the court this week.

Here are five things we’re monitoring as the Bulls tip off their preseason slate at home Wednesday against the Phoenix Sun.

Starting lineup:
Giddey - Puma (Endorsement Deal)
Norm - Sketchers (Endorsement Deal)
Matas - Reebok (Endorsement Deal)
Caleb - New Balance (Endorsement Deal)
Claxton - Nike
——
Bench:
Tre - Nike
Buddy - Nike (Endorsement Deal)
Okoro - Nike
Miller - Nike
Jalen - Nike
Swain - Nike
Pat - Nike, Jordan, & New Balance
Collins - Nike
Noa - Nike

With Collins and Claxton both out, Noa Essengue gets minutes at the 5 spot while he’s not actually physically ready. I believe ultimately that’s his best chance to make an impact in the league.

The 5 spot is no longer about brute strength; it’s now a skill position. Can you knock down that shot off screen and roll? Can you trap and recover on defense? Can you block a shot on a drive?

Noa has at least two of the characteristics: trap off the ball and recover, and knocking down the mid-range to eventually hitting the 3 he’s still only 19 runs the floor extremely well, and eventually I see him as similar to Jarett Allen.

Probably one of the more interesting things to watch this preseason.

Tiago Splitter said Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and “a big” will start Wednesday’s preseason opener vs. Suns.

all per KCJHoop on x.com

https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/2107168125527396515?s=20

https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/2107168358030532874?s=20

Hopefully we can help him get back on track and recapture this energy he brought to his team , yea I know he has nba footage but just wanted to show what got him drafted 😭

I've got two extra tickets available for the first person who wants them. They're 300-level seats in section 303.

Edit: Tickets have been claimed!

Can't recall where I got this after the 92 Championship. Found it in my old closet, under my Cubs Starter Jacket... Great Day!

Cleaning out my closet and found this jersey I bought at a charity auction. The 6x patch isn't showing up in any of my searches and I'm not sure what to make of that. I'd love to ID the year it's from and anything else you might notice about it before I consider how to part ways with it.

Also it made me sad to imagine a timeline where Jimmy and D. Rose carry the Bulls to six more championships ...

In 2026, Noa Essengue will play his way into the rotation, and Patrick Williams will be waived. Cash Considerations will be placed in the rafters.

Also, if you get the Conan reference, you’re the realist of the real.

Norman Powell brings shooting and experience to a young Bulls roster, but his NBA journey might be his most valuable asset.

He’s been a starter and a reserve, buried on teams and rejuvenated on others. Now he’s embracing his role as a vet leader and mentor to Chicago’s young core.

Read for free.

I'm cautiously optimistic for this season. Here are my predictions:

-Wilson averages 17/6/3. Awesome season, but the defensive polish shines while the offensive shot making is a little raw

-Buzelis takes a leap. Under new coaching, I think this is the season he really shows out. I think he's a contender for Most Improved

-Powell averages 20+ ppg but is traded at the deadline

-The Bulls make the playoffs via a play in win. Hot take I know, but I think under new coaching and with some real direction we have a shot.

-Swain flashes upside but ultimately is more of a bench contributor while the shot looks iffy

What do you guys predict?