Tiago’s Bulls Look FUN… But 21 Turnovers Could Ruin Everything

The Chicago Bulls’ preseason just created a fascinating new rotation debate: did undrafted rookie Jaylin Sellers already move ahead of first-round pick Dailyn Swain? 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Sellers making his preseason debut and immediately receiving meaningful first-quarter minutes from Tiago Splitter. Sellers responded with 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting, two made threes and two steals in just under 15 minutes, while Swain played a little over 10 minutes and did not enter until much later in the game. Pasted text
That raises a bigger question about the new Bulls regime: does draft position matter at all once the competition starts?
Chicago invested the No. 15 pick in Swain because of his size, versatility and long-term two-way upside. Sellers went undrafted. But if Sellers is already better equipped to shoot, move without the ball and contribute alongside established creators, should Splitter simply reward the player who helps the team more right now?
Haize and Pat also dive into Chicago’s explosive offensive performance against Milwaukee.
The Bulls scored 125 points, made 20 threes, recorded 35 assists and generated 41 points off Milwaukee turnovers. Josh Giddey finished with nine assists, Tre Jones added seven, and Matas Buzelis scored 19 points while knocking down five threes. Pasted text
That sounds fantastic.
But Chicago also committed 21 turnovers.
So is Tiago Splitter building the fast, unselfish and entertaining offense Bulls fans have wanted for years, or is the pace creating a team that could eventually beat itself against better defenses?
The guys discuss whether 50 three-point attempts are sustainable, how much Chicago’s offense depends on forcing turnovers, and whether Matas Buzelis could become the player who makes the system work even when transition opportunities disappear.
Plus, Haize and Pat ask a question that would have sounded ridiculous a few years ago:
Are the Bulls actually in a better position than the Milwaukee Bucks?
Chicago beat Milwaukee by 21 in preseason, though the Bucks rested many of their key players. More importantly, Milwaukee is now navigating a post-Giannis era while Chicago is trying to build around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Leonard Miller, Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue. Pasted text
Who has the stronger young core? Who is better positioned to win now? And would finishing ahead of Milwaukee actually make this Bulls season a success?

The Bulls are beginning to reveal something important: competition may matter more than reputation under Tiago Splitter. Sellers is pushing for minutes, the offense is moving at a completely different pace, and Chicago may be closer to the middle of the Eastern Conference than many expected.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat debate Jaylin Sellers vs. Dailyn Swain, break down Tiago Splitter’s high-powered but risky offense, and ask whether Chicago has actually moved ahead of Milwaukee.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.