Nic Claxton Might MISS Opening Night?! Bulls Frontcourt In Trouble

The Chicago Bulls are one week away from opening night, and three major questions are starting to take shape around the future of this roster. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer start with the biggest long-term debate surrounding Chicago’s young core: who eventually becomes the Bulls’ No. 1 player, Caleb Wilson or Matas Buzelis?
Both forwards have the size, athleticism and two-way upside to become foundational pieces, but they may develop into very different types of stars.

Does Caleb Wilson’s explosiveness, physical tools and growing creation ability give him the higher ceiling? Or is Matas Buzelis’ combination of shooting, size, confidence and three years of NBA development more likely to make him Chicago’s primary option?
The guys debate what Tiago Splitter should prioritize when developing both players and whether the Bulls even need to choose one as the clear No. 1 yet.
Then the conversation turns to an immediate concern: Nic Claxton may not be ready for opening night.

Claxton remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to be reevaluated shortly before Chicago’s October 21 opener in Toronto. That leaves very little time to return to practice, rebuild conditioning and be fully prepared for regular-season basketball.
That matters because so much of Tiago Splitter’s defensive system was designed around Claxton’s ability to protect the rim, switch onto guards and cover for Chicago’s aggressive perimeter defense.

If Claxton cannot go, should Jalen Smith start at center? Does Zach Collins become the answer if healthy? Or should Chicago experiment with Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Leonard Miller in smaller frontcourt combinations?
Haize and Pat also ask whether the injury situation proves the Bulls should stop entertaining Jalen Smith trade conversations and keep as much center depth as possible.
Plus, the guys dive into one of Chicago’s most interesting developmental swings: Jordan Hawkins.

The former No. 14 overall pick made his Bulls preseason debut and immediately caught the attention of his former UConn coach Dan Hurley, who publicly celebrated Hawkins’ new opportunity with a simple message: “Free Hawk.”

Could Bryson Graham have found another undervalued young player?
Hawkins entered the NBA with a reputation as an elite movement shooter, but his first few seasons did not match lottery expectations. Now Chicago gets a chance to develop him on a two-way contract with almost no financial risk.

The guys debate whether Hawkins fits Tiago Splitter’s offense better than his previous situations, whether he can eventually push for real rotation minutes, and how his development could impact veterans like Buddy Hield and Norman Powell.

The Bulls have spent the offseason talking about development, versatility and depth. Now those ideas are being tested before the regular season even begins.

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate Caleb Wilson vs. Matas Buzelis, break down growing concerns around Nic Claxton’s availability, and discuss whether Jordan Hawkins could become Bryson Graham’s latest low-risk development win.

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