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Help is on the horizon for the Chicago Bulls as they navigate a demanding stretch of their schedule. Nic Claxton, acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-team trade during the offseason, participated fully in practice for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury during training camp.
The Bulls' new front office, led by Bryson Graham, essentially treated Claxton's acquisition as a primary free-agent signing. The move raised some eyebrows, but it was likely made with interior defense in mind—a glaring weakness on the roster Graham inherited, which lacked any true rim protection.
While Claxton has struggled to replicate his elite defensive form over the past couple of seasons, his track record is hard to overlook. The Bulls appear to believe a change of scenery could help him regain his previous level of play.
It has been widely assumed that a healthy Claxton would serve as the team's starting center. Head coach Tiago Splitter has consistently stressed the importance of defense and a more aggressive point of attack. Claxton's versatility and paint presence theoretically enable that approach better than Chicago's other big men.
The Bulls' need for improved paint protection has been evident early in the season. They are surrendering 52.3 points in the paint per game, the sixth-most in the league, and their defensive rating of 121.6 ranks behind only the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings. Claxton won't solve every issue on that end, but any help is welcome.
However, should Claxton immediately step into the starting lineup? While that has long seemed his destined role, there is a legitimate argument for sticking with Jalen Smith as the starting five.
That might sound strange given the Bulls' 1-5 record, but Smith has been the team's most consistent player to start the year. He has carried momentum from a solid 2025-26 campaign into the new season. Initially, it appeared Smith might be the odd man out after Claxton's arrival and Zach Collins' re-signing, but injuries and strong play have forced the Bulls to give him meaningful minutes, and he has capitalized.
Over his first six contests, Smith is averaging 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and a block. His three-point shooting has been below his usual standard, but he is still shooting a respectable 45.8 percent from the field and remains a threat from beyond the arc in opponents' scouting reports.
Despite the team's overall defensive struggles, Smith has provided high-energy play. He was particularly impactful against the New York Knicks, helping hold them to an 18-41 shooting display in the restricted area.
Would Claxton be the better option on defense? Possibly, but the gap may not be as wide as some assume—especially on the glass. Smith has been an effective rebounder, an area where Claxton regressed last season, averaging just 6.9 rebounds per game, his fewest since the 2021-22 campaign.
Offensively, the two big men offer contrasting skill sets. Claxton is a highly efficient finisher and lob threat, and he might be the most athletic roll man Josh Giddey has ever played with, potentially unlocking something new for a shaky half-court offense. Smith, while less effective around the rim, is a more versatile player with genuine perimeter skills. Whether hustling in the open floor, knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, or attacking closeouts, Smith fits how the Bulls want to play offensively. With two young wings who thrive attacking the paint, a more traditional big man could clog driving lanes.
Smith's early productivity is reflected in his estimated plus-minus. Dunks & Threes gives him a +2.8, well ahead of Norman Powell's second-best mark of +1.5. Among all centers and forwards, Smith ranks 23rd in the NBA in EPM. While not a perfect metric, it aligns with the eye test—he has arguably been the Bulls' best player, making a move to the bench seem counterintuitive after such a poor start.
Nevertheless, Splitter is likely to make the change at some point. With a 1-5 record, it's hard to blame him for wanting to see how the starting group meshes with Claxton. If things don't improve, though, Splitter should have a tight leash. Smith has earned that much.