A Rebuild Year With a Starting Lineup That Doesn’t Look Like One

The Chicago Bulls are heading into another season widely labeled as a rebuild, but the starting 5 they are rolling out is far more intriguing than the national conversation suggests. Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton form a lineup that is long, athletic, versatile, and hungry to change the narrative in Chicago. It is not a group built to tank. It is a group built to compete, develop, and surprise teams that underestimate them.

Chicago struck lottery gold when they jumped up to the fourth pick and selected Caleb Wilson, a franchise‑changing talent whose blend of size, fluidity, and scoring instincts fits perfectly next to Matas Buzelis. Pairing two long, athletic wings with high ceilings gives the Bulls a modern foundation. Add in Giddey’s playmaking, Powell’s scoring punch, and Claxton’s rim protection, and suddenly the Bulls have a starting unit that checks a lot of boxes.

This is not a star‑driven lineup yet, but it is a lineup with identity. Chicago finally has length. They finally have switchability. They finally have young talent that complements each other. And they finally have a direction.

Caleb Wilson Already Looks Like the Real Deal

Wilson wasted no time showing Chicago what he can be. In the Bulls’ preseason win over the Suns, he led the team in scoring and looked comfortable operating as a primary option. His shot creation was smooth, his confidence was obvious, and his ability to attack mismatches stood out immediately. Wilson didn’t look like a rookie trying to find his place. He looked like a centerpiece.

Chicago’s young core fed off that energy. Tobi Awaka, Leonard Miller, Buzelis, and Powell all finished with 14 points, and the Bulls shot an efficient 50% from the field and over 35% from 3. It was the type of preseason performance that doesn’t guarantee anything, but absolutely hints at what this roster can become.

Wilson and Buzelis together give Chicago two wings who can handle, shoot, defend, and run the floor. Claxton anchors the defense. Giddey organizes the offense. Powell provides veteran scoring. It is a lineup built on balance, not desperation.

Length, Athleticism, and Versatility Define This Group

The Bulls have lacked length and defensive versatility for years. That is no longer the case. Wilson, Buzelis, and Claxton give Chicago three starters who can guard multiple positions. Giddey’s size at point guard allows the Bulls to switch more freely. Powell’s strength gives them stability on the perimeter.

This lineup is not just young. It is functional. It is modern. It is built for pace, spacing, and defensive flexibility. Chicago may not be ready to compete for a top seed, but they are absolutely ready to compete nightly. And in a rebuild year, that matters.

The Bulls are not trying to lose. They are trying to grow. And this starting five gives them a legitimate foundation to do that.

Chicago’s Starting Five Is Better Than the Narrative

The Bulls are still a bottom‑tier roster. But they are a young, athletic, modern lineup with real upside. Wilson and Buzelis give them star‑potential wings. Giddey gives them a connector. Powell gives them scoring. Claxton gives them defense. And the preseason win over Phoenix showed that this group can play fast, efficient, and confident basketball.

This may still be a rebuilding year, but Chicago’s starting five is underrated, overlooked, and far more dangerous than people realize. If Wilson continues to rise, if Buzelis takes another step, and if Claxton anchors the defense the way he has in Brooklyn, the Bulls will not be an easy out for anyone.