The Chicago Bulls will start their preseason without Nic Claxton, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury, coach Tiago Splitter confirmed on Monday. Claxton’s absence comes just days before the Bulls’ opener against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, October 7, and will see the team adjust its rotation during this early stage of the season.
Claxton, a 6-foot-11 center acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in July, was expected to strengthen the Bulls’ interior defense and rim protection. Last season, he posted an impressive 70.5% field goal percentage, leading the NBA in that category, while averaging 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 57.1% shooting overall. His ability to provide consistent interior scoring and defensive presence was seen as a valuable addition for a Bulls squad blending youth and experience.
During Claxton’s recovery, which is set for two weeks with a reevaluation scheduled afterward, the Bulls will fill the starting center spot with Jalen Smith. Smith, who has been with Chicago since 2024, is a versatile forward/center who appeared in 53 games last season. He averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 48.3% from the field. Smith’s skill set includes floor spacing, rim attack, and defensive coverage, giving the Bulls some flexibility in the paint.
The rest of the projected starting five for Wednesday’s game includes Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, and Norman Powell. These names reflect the Bulls’ current rebuilding phase, which mixes young players like Wilson and Buzelis with veterans such as Powell and Giddey. Claxton’s injury means the team will need to rely on this combination more heavily as they prepare for the season ahead.
The Bulls had not anticipated losing Claxton before the preseason began, and his injury comes at a sensitive moment as they seek to establish cohesion within the roster. The organization’s plans to bolster interior defense and scoring will have to wait until Claxton’s return.
If everything proceeds on schedule, Claxton could be back in action in time for the regular season opener against the Toronto Raptors on October 21. Until then, the Bulls will monitor his progress and adjust their lineup accordingly.
On Tuesday, the team signed a former lottery pick to a two-way contract, adding further depth to the roster ahead of the new campaign. This move reflects the Bulls’ continued effort to build around a mix of promising talent and experienced players despite the setback with Claxton’s injury.
According to Yahoo Sports.
