Chicago Bulls Show Promise in Preseason Game Against Milwaukee Bucks

During Wednesday’s 121-98 preseason victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson battled with the growing pains of adjusting to professional basketball. His first half was marked by numerous fouls, underscoring the challenges rookies often face in adapting to the NBA’s pace and rules.

Wilson struggled initially, committing fouls such as stepping out of bounds and holding a defender’s jersey. Still, he managed some standout moments, including scoring his first three-pointer of the game just before halftime and executing a remarkable dunk in the third quarter. Despite an average performance, tallying 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, Wilson’s game was marred by his 1-for-5 record from behind the arc.

Takeaway 1: Testing Depth

Milwaukee used this game to evaluate their roster depth. Their usual starters, including players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle Kuzma, were rested. In their absence, younger talents like Ousmane Dieng and Kasparas Jakučionis took center stage, contributing to a somewhat chaotic game with 15 turnovers in the first quarter alone. The Bucks struggled, shooting less than 25% from the three-point line and scoring 39 points by halftime. The Bulls also missed players but managed to start with most of their usual starters. Jaylin Sellers and rookie Dailyn Swain had modest shows, adding a few points each.

Takeaway 2: Backup Frontcourt Shines

Bulls coach Tiago Splitter intended to solidify his rotation, but injuries altered his plans. With key players like Isaac Okoro and Nic Claxton out, the Bulls adopted a small-ball strategy, starting Jalen Smith at center. Noa Essengue and Leonard Miller took on heavier roles. Smith excelled with long-range shooting, while Miller consistently attacked mismatches, scoring 18 points. This temporary rotation may continue until the injured players return.

Takeaway 3: Giddey’s Shooting Concerns

Josh Giddey, a guard for the Bulls, remains cautious with shot attempts this preseason. In the Milwaukee game, he did not take a shot in the first half despite earning free throw opportunities earlier. Giddey’s reticence to shoot extends throughout this preseason, with only a few attempts in previous games. His current 22-minute stint yielded six points and nine assists but highlights a departure from last season’s average of 17 points over 13.3 attempts per game. The shift in Giddey’s dynamic raises questions about his role alongside new teammates like Caleb Wilson. If Giddey chooses a more pass-first role, emerging players like Wilson and Buzelis must step up offensively for a balanced team effort.