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?

Isaiah Jackson rockets up Yahoo pre-rank, leaping from 419 to 145, with his ADP now in play by the 11th round. Tari Eason vaults 141 to 101, reshaping late-round targets; Cooper Flagg and Derek Lively land in the mid- to late-round conversation as high-upside centers. The episode also repositions proven vets like Austin Reeves, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jimmy Butler, while Jokic, Bridges, and Poeltl settle in as safer anchors. A Buckets-driven reclassification pushes players around, stressing safer mid-range centers and high-usage wings for nine-cat builds.