The Chicago Bulls are entering the new season with growing optimism as they begin building around first-round pick Caleb Wilson and new head coach Tiago Splitter.
Rather than placing immediate emphasis on reaching the playoffs, Chicago is focused on developing its young core, with Wilson generating considerable excitement inside the organization.
“He looks,” one team source told ESPN about drafting Wilson, “like we got a dude.”
Wilson is also setting ambitious goals for his rookie campaign.
“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. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play.”
The rookie has already developed an appreciation for Splitter after working with him during Summer League.
“He’s really detailed,” Wilson said. “He knows what he wants you to do and he’s pretty serious. Most coaches, you have coaches that are joking around and stuff like that. Tiago’s pretty serious and he knows what he wants.
“I’d rather have someone who’s serious and straightforward with me, so I know what I can do better.”
Splitter, meanwhile, intends to shape Chicago’s playing style around the strengths of his roster rather than forcing players into a rigid system.
“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.”
