Denver edged Chicago 124-117 in a fast-paced preseason clash where the Bulls showed defensive leakage and continuity gaps as they work to establish an identity. Chicago’s foul trouble and the Nuggets’ interior finishing kept the margin wide, underscoring questions about rim protection and discipline even as young talent flashed promise.

Matas Buzelis anchored the Bulls’ future, dropping 20 points and swatting five shots, signaling two-way upside and a potential defensive backbone as he grows into the NBA pace. Josh Giddy delivered a stat-stuffing performance for Oklahoma City, while veteran frontcourt pieces and bench players kept Chicago competitive late, highlighting growth areas and the pace of development ahead of the regular season.

On the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic’s limitations were highlighted against Denver’s bigs, even as Patrick Williams and Zack Collins offered bright spots from the bench. Ayo Dosunmu and Dalen Terry showed flashes of the role players Chicago hopes to lean on, with Terry in particular emblematic of the guard depth the team will rely on as it tightens rotations for the opening grind. Upcoming finale vs Minnesota looms as the last live tune-up before the real grind begins.

Calf concerns for Kobe White keep him out of Chicago’s early preseason, reshaping the Bulls’ rotation as they chase optimal rhythm before opening night. Patrick Williams has been the brightest spark, delivering energy, rebounding, and scoring that hint at a larger role. Josh Giddy delivered the most complete preseason performance yet, showcasing his scoring, vision, and off-ball movement that could unlock faster flows once Kobe returns. Guard depth, rotation balance, and how two-guard looks mesh with Kobe’s timeline remain the key questions.

Mock lineups with multiple guards are being tested as Billy Donovan weighs minutes for IO DeSumo, Trey Jones, and others behind Kobe. Denver’s upcoming clash and the Bucks’ intensity loom large for readiness. The overarching narrative: can Williams sustain momentum, can Giddy grow as a facilitator, and which wing steps into bigger responsibility as the rotation tightens?

Modis Buselovich flashed a refined, slower tempo and sharper reads in the Bulls’ 118-117 win, signaling a potential year-two breakout. Dalon Terry delivered the clutch moment with a game-saving block, fueling optimism about the team’s bench and defensive versatility. Javon Carter, Noah Essengay and Zach Collins supplied quick-impact energy, while Patrick Williams showed improved decision-making and aggression. Turnovers remain the concern, but the guard rotation is waking up, and the tenth-man battle at the backcourt is wide open as the Bulls prepare for more Cavs action.

Day two of Bulls training camp brought injury caution and ramp-up talk as Kobe White nurses a calf strain and Patrick Williams tweaked an ankle, with the Bulls prioritizing a cautious start to prevent lingering issues. Trey Jones and Kevin Herder spoke about stepping into key bench roles, while Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency and a potential January trade window kept the Bulls and fans thinking big picture. A feature on Noah Asen and notes from Billy Donovan framed the depth-driven approach Chicago is betting on this season.

Trey Jones emerged as a cornerstone of the second unit, pairing well with Josh Giddy (in theory) for a measured, pace-conscious attack. Herder’s shooting gravity and defensive steadiness were highlighted as critical to balancing the rotation and opening up looks for DeRozan and Vooch. The show also touched on the broader market chatter around Kuminga and how a January deadline could reshape Chicago’s plans.