Episode Details

ESPN projects the Chicago Bulls to go 31–51 again — but does that actually mean the Bulls failed to improve?

On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize reacts to ESPN’s Summer Forecast placing the Bulls 13th in the Eastern Conference at 31–51, the same record as last season. But the bigger story is the depth of the East: ESPN projects the 10th-place team at 44 wins, meaning Chicago could become a better basketball team and still not climb much in the standings.

Haize explains why ESPN’s projection is defensible. The Bulls are still beginning a real rebuild with Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, and a new head coach in Tiago Splitter all bringing different levels of uncertainty. But Haize also pushes back: this is not the same 31-win team simply running it back. Chicago added Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, while also banking on internal growth from Giddey, Matas, Leonard Miller and Dillingham.

Then Haize asks whether Tiago Splitter can unlock Matas Buzelis the way he helped unlock Deni Avdija. Deni jumped from 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists to 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists under Splitter, while becoming a first-time All-Star. The lesson for Matas: attack with force, create for others, get to the free-throw line and stop letting the defense dictate where he plays.

Finally, Haize dives into the Windy City Bulls development plan after Chicago hired Quincy Pondexter to lead the G League team. Should Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain spend time in the G League? Haize says yes — if it’s done correctly. Noa needs heavy reps. Swain should compete for NBA minutes first, but Windy City can be a development shuttle, not an exile.

🔥 Topics include:

• ESPN projecting the Bulls at 31–51 again
• Why the East’s depth changes the conversation
• Why 31 wins could still be a successful development season
• Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey as the real measuring sticks
• Tiago Splitter’s possible impact on Matas
• Deni Avdija’s leap as a blueprint
• Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain G League debate
• Quincy Pondexter, Jordan Brink and Splitter building a real player-development pipeline

🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown!

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