Tiago Splitter’s Strategic Approach for the Bulls

Tiago Splitter’s approach for the Chicago Bulls had existed mostly in theory during the summer. However, following training camp and four preseason games, a clearer picture is emerging of how the Bulls will operate in their debut season under Splitter’s guidance.

Splitter’s goal isn’t to overhaul the sport. His system aims to be straightforward and effective, aiding the growth of young talents like Caleb Wilson who are still adjusting to the rigors of the NBA.

The Bulls struggled last season, ranking 23rd in the league for offensive rebounding, averaging 10.4 per game. Splitter’s former team, the Portland Trail Blazers, excelled in this area, ranking second with an average of 14.1 and leading in second-chance scoring with 18.5 points per game. Splitter seeks to bring this focus to his new team.

“It’s something that we weren’t really used to,” said guard Tre Jones. “We’re trying to get everyone on the same page there, just crashing on the boards… Now, everybody needs to crash. Instead of it just being a couple guys each possession or a couple spots on the court, it’s everybody trying to go in some way or shape.”

This tactic has faced limitations in the preseason due to the absence of centers Nic Claxton, Zach Collins, and Tobe Awaka. Awaka, who is set to return for the regular-season opener after recovering from knee soreness, is an exceptional offensive rebounder who can excel through his skills.

Offensive boards are not exclusive to the big players. Guards like Jones will also need to chase shots and apply pressure rather than retreat to prevent fast breaks. Although this strategy presents a risk by potentially leaving openings for opponents, the Bulls believe it offers significant benefits.

“It’s something that analytics backs up as well,” Jones explained. “We can steal more possessions throughout the game, get more shots up that way as well, and it leads to more points… It’s something little, but it wears on a team throughout the game. … If all guys are going, they’ve got to box out as well. They can’t really leak out as much.”

This commitment involves causing disruption to opponents, a central aspect of Splitter’s vision for the Bulls both this season and beyond. Jones described the defensive strategy as applying pressure to opponents, disrupting their comfort.

This translates into greater perimeter pressure, an area the Bulls previously struggled with due to a lack of rim protection. Claxton’s presence aims to address this issue. The frontcourt’s length and mobility facilitate a robust strategy for defensive switches at the point of attack.

Players like Claxton and Matas Buzelis are expected to switch across positions, though this poses challenges for less experienced defenders. Matas Buzelis is seen practicing these tactics during the preseason game against the Grizzlies at the United Center.

For young players, mastering this defensive style presents a significant learning curve. Wilson, in particular, noted the difficulty in navigating screens due to his size and focusing on positioning.

“I mean, when it comes to screen navigation, I’m humongous,” Wilson remarked. “So it’s hard to get through screens. I’m working on being more physical before it, being in the right place on the court.”

Splitter frequently discusses implementing “small rules” to shape the team’s play. These guidelines simplify both offensive and defensive approaches, offering a framework for young players to manage games independently.

While occasional guidance is necessary for players like Wilson, Splitter seeks an offense that feels less rigid, encouraging the development of good habits over complex playbooks.

“It’s a balance,” Splitter stated. “When you have random basketball, when you’re running in transition, when you’re just playing out of small rules that we have — running to the corners, playing fast, quick pick-and-rolls, flair — that’s a little bit like playing a position and it’s random.”

As the regular season unfolds, Splitter’s system will continue to evolve, adapting to the team’s strengths and weaknesses while maintaining its core strategic principles.