The Chicago Bulls are entering the new season with more positive momentum than they have had in quite some time. Rather than putting pressure on themselves to make the playoffs, the Bulls are focused on building their future around 2026 first-round pick Caleb Wilson and new head coach Tiago Splitter.
Caleb Wilson Has Rookie of the Year Ambitions
Expectations are already high for Wilson within the organization. One team source told ESPN that, after drafting the forward, it looked like the Bulls had landed a real “dude.”
Wilson himself is equally confident heading into his first NBA season. “I expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly,” Wilson said. “I’m going to work hard. I’m going to do what it takes.”
The rookie also believes Chicago is a strong fit for the way he wants to play and for the development of his NBA career.
Caleb Wilson Praises Tiago Splitter
Part of Wilson’s optimism comes from the opportunity to play under Splitter. The new Bulls head coach coached the team during its first two Summer League games, giving Wilson an early look at his approach.
“He’s really detailed. He knows what he wants you to do and he’s pretty serious,” Wilson said. He particularly appreciates Splitter’s straightforward communication.
“I’d rather have someone who’s serious and straightforward with me, so I know what I can do better,” Wilson added.
Tiago Splitter Wants to Build Around His Players
Splitter, meanwhile, is focused on developing a system that maximizes the strengths of his roster. The Bulls coach emphasized that his approach will have to adapt to the players available to him.
“You have to adapt your system to the players you have,” Splitter said.
“Yes, I have a vision. I have a certain way I want to play, but you also have to explore what they do best. That’s what we’re going to do here.”
The Bulls will therefore enter the season focused on developing their young core and establishing a new identity around Wilson and Splitter’s vision.
Commenta
Visualizza commenti