Chicago pulls off a defensive pivot by acquiring Isaac Okoro from Cleveland, betting that his physical, multi-positional perimeter defense can catalyze a cultural reset. Okoro vows to guard the toughest assignments and lead with effort, while Billy Donovan weighs starting options as the Bulls push to maximize defensive energy. The move comes as Chicago emphasizes a faster, more relentless pace, with Okoro’s leadership seeding a contagious hustle throughout training camp.

Okoro’s arrival isn’t just about one player; it signals a broader shift in the Bulls’ roster dynamics. Young talents like Matas Buzelis are watching closely as Okoro models the gritty, team-first mindset the team seeks. The conversation around roles, rotations, and defensive identity could define Chicago’s fantasy upside this season, especially for managers seeking a true hustle-based floor.

Bruce Pearl's retirement drew praise from Jabari Smith Jr., who credited Pearl with transforming his game and Auburn's program. Smith called Pearl a legend and a great person, and expressed happiness for him and his family as Pearl steps away.

The piece highlights Pearl's impact on recruiting and player development, including four Tigers who became first-round picks. It notes Smith's leap to the NBA with Houston, signaling Pearl's lasting influence as Auburn's program moves forward.

Chicago Bulls depth chart for 2025-26 blends youth with veteran presence after a quiet offseason. A trade sent Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro, opening guard and wing opportunities while Giddey negotiates his extension. Tre Jones anchors the backup role behind a potential starter rotation, with Carter, White, Dosunmu and Terry adding scoring and playmaking depth. Skilled wings Okoro, Huerter and Julian Phillips raise floor spacing and defense, while Buzelis, Williams and Noa Essengue give versatile frontcourt options behind Vucevic and Collins.

Noa Essengue and Lachlan Olbrich join two-way roles alongside Kawamura and Emanuel Miller, keeping the Bulls flexible across the roster. Training camp opens Sept. 30 with 14 guaranteed contracts and a backdrop of big-money deals for Huerter, Vucevic, Williams and others, while Okoro's price tag and Giddey’s status loom over fantasy projections.

For fantasy players, the depth chart signals volume and roles to watch: Dosunmu and White handle primary creation; Giddey could push for minutes if he signs; Okoro provides defensive impact and occasional scoring; rookies Buzelis and Phillips offer upside but may start slow. The Chicago frontcourt of Vucevic and Collins anchors a middle with strong rebounding and scoring potential.

Bulls' 2025-26 hinges on Patrick Williams' upside, but Okoro's arrival adds a defensive hedge and could siphon Williams' minutes if he doesn't prove offensive consistency.

Lonzo Ball's exit to Cleveland opens guard-rotation questions; Okoro's progress could lift Chicago's defense while Williams' development would boost his trade value. Nikola Vucevic remains central, with the front office weighing lineup tweaks to keep a fast, defense-first edge.

The mix is kaleidoscopic: Williams' five-year, $90M deal, Okoro's 3-and-D floor, and a repositioned guard core all shape Williams' fantasy ceiling and Chicago's long-term pivot.