Nic Claxton OUT 2 Weeks?! Bulls Defense Already Tested + Did Bryson STEAL Jordan Hawkins?

The Chicago Bulls haven’t even played a preseason game yet, and Tiago Splitter’s plan is already being tested. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the news that Nic Claxton tweaked his hamstring and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, effectively ruling him out for the preseason and putting his status for opening night into question.
That matters because Claxton was supposed to be the backbone of Tiago Splitter’s new defensive system. Chicago has spent training camp talking about pressuring higher, blowing up screens, switching aggressively, and trusting Claxton to clean up mistakes behind the play.
Now the Bulls have to prove that identity can survive without him.
Haize and Pat discuss whether Jalen Smith should step directly into the starting center role, whether Tobe Awaka could earn a bigger preseason opportunity, and whether Claxton’s injury proves exactly why Chicago should avoid trading Smith right now.
The guys also break down the Bulls signing Jordan Hawkins to their third and final two-way contract. Hawkins, the No. 14 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is still only 24 years old and gives Chicago another low-risk swing on shooting and upside.
Could Bryson Graham have found a former lottery talent for almost nothing? Hawkins’ career has not matched expectations yet, but his movement shooting and ability to play off creators like Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Caleb Wilson make him a very interesting fit.
And the Bulls kept their 15th standard roster spot open in the process.
Plus, Tiago Splitter reportedly said an eight-man rotation would be basically impossible if Chicago wants to play at the pace he envisions, suggesting the Bulls could use nine to 11 players regularly.
That sounds simple until you actually try to name the 11.
Topics Include:
- Nic Claxton’s hamstring injury
- Claxton out for the preseason
- Bulls defensive identity without Claxton
- Jalen Smith’s opportunity at starting center
- Does this kill Jalen Smith trade talks?
- Tobe Awaka’s chance to earn minutes
- Bulls sign Jordan Hawkins to final two-way contract
- Did Bryson Graham find a former lottery steal?
- Jordan Hawkins vs. Jaylin Sellers long-term
- Bulls keep the 15th roster spot open
- Tiago Splitter wants a 9-to-11-man rotation
- Who gets squeezed out of the Bulls rotation?
- Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, Noa Essengue, Dailyn Swain and Leonard Miller rotation battles
The Bulls entered camp with depth, flexibility, and a clear defensive vision. Now an early injury, a new developmental addition, and Tiago’s rotation philosophy are forcing Chicago to test all three before the season even begins.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Nic Claxton’s injury, the Jordan Hawkins signing, and who makes Tiago Splitter’s 11-man rotation.

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