Bulls' Rebuild Reshapes Roles for Three Key Players
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The Chicago Bulls are not merely turning a page; they are ripping out the entire chapter and starting a fresh volume. With Bryson Graham and Tiago Splitter now steering the ship, the franchise has abandoned the win-now mentality that defined the previous regime. The 2026-27 campaign will not be about clawing into the Play-In Tournament at any cost. Instead, the Bulls are committing to a traditional rebuild, one that prioritizes growth over short-term results. This shift in philosophy will inevitably reshape the roles of several players on the roster, and while the process may not deliver immediate accolades, it offers a different kind of excitement: watching young talent evolve in real time.
Let's examine three players whose responsibilities are most likely to undergo drastic changes. These are not the obvious names—Patrick Williams, for instance, could find himself on the fringe of the rotation—but rather individuals whose roles might surprise fans.
**Norman Powell** arrived in Chicago with a reputation as a proven scorer. At 33, he signed a substantial free-agent contract to serve as both a sharpshooter and a veteran voice on a youthful team. Last season, he was a legitimate All-Star, averaging 21.2 points per game on 47.0% shooting from the field and 38.0% from beyond the arc. He also set a career high in free throw attempts (5.5 per game) and posted a usage rate of 24.9%, ranking in the 93rd percentile league-wide. With the Miami Heat under Erik Spoelstra, Powell shouldered the offensive load in a desperate playoff push. But in Chicago, the priorities are different. The Bulls are in the thick of a rebuild, and the development of young players like Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson will take precedence. Powell's role will shift from primary scorer to facilitator of growth. He will be asked to set up his teammates and defer, especially as the season progresses. This is reminiscent of his Sixth Man days with the Los Angeles Clippers or his role-playing stints in Toronto. The good news: Powell has experience in such roles and appears willing to adapt. He understands what he signed up for—a season of tweaking and gradual integration of youth, unlikely to yield a second All-Star appearance.
**Josh Giddey** faces a pivotal season. The previous administration viewed him as a foundational piece, trading an All-Defensive Team guard (presumably Alex Caruso) to acquire him, then signing him to a four-year, $100 million contract. The new regime, however, is less committed. Giddey must prove his long-term value to Graham and company. He will still play a significant role in the offense, but the Bulls are likely to scale back his responsibilities. Under Arturas Karnisovas, Giddey was encouraged to attack the basket and launch more three-pointers. But will Tiago Splitter push the same agenda? It feels like Giddey's role could be simplified. The revamped Bulls may want to leverage his passing skills while leaving the scoring to their athletic wings. The addition of Nic Claxton could boost Giddey's pick-and-roll production, but he has never been a dynamic half-court scorer. It seems plausible that the team will reduce his scoring burden, letting Powell, Wilson, and Buzelis handle more of the bucket-getting.
**Leonard Miller** is a wild card who could see his role expand dramatically. One of Graham's first moves as front office leader was to pick up Miller's team option. After being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves at the deadline, Miller thrived in increased minutes. Over his final 18 games of the 2025-26 season, he averaged nearly 15.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, shooting 54.6% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range. At only 22 years old, he stands six-foot-ten with aggressive athleticism and the footwork to guard multiple positions. He fits the SLAP model (Size, Length, Athleticism, Positional flexibility) perfectly. Moreover, his hustle and energy could quickly win over the coaching staff. Miller outperformed Patrick Williams down the stretch last season, and if that trend continues, he will be rewarded with significantly more playing time. The stage is set for him to become a key two-way contributor.
The Bulls' new direction is a gamble, but it offers a clear path forward. For Powell, Giddey, and Miller, the coming months will define their future in Chicago. Whether they embrace reduced roles, simplified responsibilities, or increased opportunities, their adaptability will determine the team's long-term success.
Article commentary
The Chicago Bulls' decision to pivot toward a full rebuild marks a long-overdue course correction. After years of mediocrity—hovering around the Play-In and failing to secure a top lottery pick—the franchise is finally prioritizing youth development. The appointment of Bryson Graham and Tiago Splitter signals a break from the Arturas Karnisovas era, which was characterized by win-now moves that yielded little playoff success. This fresh approach is both necessary and risky, as it places immense pressure on the front office to identify and nurture the right pieces. Norman Powell's role change is the most straightforward. At 33, he is a veteran on a team that values growth over wins. While his scoring ability is undeniable, the Bulls do not need him to carry the offense. Instead, they need him to mentor young players and take a back seat as the season progresses. This mirrors the trajectory of many veteran scorers who join rebuilding teams—think of a player like Lou Williams in his later years. Powell's willingness to adapt will be crucial, but his past experience in complementary roles suggests he can handle the transition. The risk is that his production might dip, potentially affecting his trade value if the Bulls decide to move him later. Josh Giddey's situation is more complex. He was acquired as a potential cornerstone, but his skillset—excellent passing, limited scoring—fits awkwardly in a modern NBA that demands shooting and spacing. The new regime may not view him as a long-term solution, especially if they prioritize wing scorers like Buzelis and Wilson. Giddey's $100 million contract could become an albatross if his role diminishes. However, simplifying his role to focus on playmaking could unlock his potential. The challenge is whether he can accept a reduced offensive role without losing confidence. The addition of Nic Claxton, a rim-running center, could help him thrive in pick-and-roll situations, but the Bulls must also ensure that Giddey's development is not sacrificed for short-term experimentation. Leonard Miller represents the most exciting upside. His production after the trade deadline was no fluke—he demonstrated the ability to score efficiently, rebound, and defend multiple positions. Picking up his team option was a no-brainer. Miller's age (22) and physical tools align perfectly with the rebuild timeline. The key will be his consistency. If he can maintain his shooting percentages and continue to improve defensively, he could become a core piece. The Bulls should prioritize giving him heavy minutes, even if it means cutting into Patrick Williams' playing time. Miller's emergence could also make the team more attractive in future trade talks, as he provides a versatile asset. The broader implications for the Bulls are significant. A rebuild requires patience, and the front office must resist the temptation to chase quick fixes. The 2026-27 season will likely be a rollercoaster, with young players making mistakes and veterans adjusting to new roles. But the foundation is being laid. The key is to evaluate players like Giddey and Miller within the context of the new system, not past expectations. If the Bulls can develop a core of Buzelis, Wilson, and Miller, while also maximizing the trade value of veterans like Powell, they could emerge from this rebuild stronger than ever. The coming months will reveal whether this strategy pays off or if the Bulls once again find themselves stuck in no-man's land.