It's almost time for Chicago Bulls basketball again. With the offseason moves, it should mark a shift in the narrative surrounding the team.
The Bulls have an exciting young core with promise, plus key veteran players who should have a major impact.
However, one roster position is more on the spot this season, having the biggest case to make: the centers.
Why? Because of the circumstances surrounding the other positions.
Bulls seem set with guards and forwards
Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson should be the forwards of the future. Buzelis showed growth in year two, which will hopefully continue in year three. He nearly doubled his scoring average during his sophomore campaign.
Buzelis also has defensive upside, which should complement Wilson well. Buzelis averaged 1.5 blocks per game in the 2025-26 regular season.
Wilson is an incredible talent on both ends of the floor. He should be the Bulls' offensive and defensive leader. If Wilson shoots as he did in summer league from deep, he will be even more of a well-rounded threat.
Josh Giddey may go under people's radar, but he averaged career highs in assists (9.1) and points (17) in the 2025-26 regular season.
With plenty of scoring around him, the Bulls should maximize Giddey's playmaking skills even more this season. The Bulls shouldn't need a ton from him scoring-wise. Around 15 points per game should complement the scoring around him while remaining a scoring threat himself.
Although Dailyn Swain struggled in summer league, Swain played well in his final collegiate season. The Bulls must believe in him, having selected him 15th overall in the draft. He should have a huge impact for Chicago, even if he needs time to adjust to the NBA.
Why the center position doesn't follow this
Given the young guards and forwards the Bulls have, it seems logical that they would prioritize the center position. It's hard to imagine Chicago making a major move at the guard or forward position with the aforementioned players on the roster.
Nic Claxton will need to make more of a case this season than players like Buzelis and Giddey. If he fits with this young core, especially Giddey, it's likely Chicago will want to keep him for the foreseeable future. This is especially true if he can anchor their paint defense.
If the point guard, shooting guard and forward positions seem set with starters and backups, the Bulls should prioritize a center addition following the season. The draft could be a great way to add depth at this position.
Jalen Smith and Zach Collins will need to prove their value in the center rotation to avoid this situation. Both will need to be available consistently to show that the Bulls can rely on them in the rotation.
