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The Chicago Bulls have completed the first week of training camp, practicing for four consecutive days before taking two off days. While it's early in what will be a lengthy process, initial signs suggest a motivated and cohesive young squad.
Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson have naturally commanded much of the public's focus, but camp is about the entire roster. The Bulls have seen positive developments from several players, including two who entered the 2026-27 season with plenty of uncertainty.
Noa Essengue: From Summer League Struggles to Camp Standout
Perhaps the most surprising development of the week was Tiago Splitter's praise for Noa Essengue. The head coach's comments marked a stark turnaround from just a few months ago, when the two first interacted during NBA Summer League.
Essengue's initial impression was far from ideal. Despite it being his second Summer League stint, he struggled mightily, repeatedly falling, losing the ball, and committing fouls. His jumper was off, his ball-handling was absent, and his confidence was shot. Splitter even benched him during the Bulls' second game.
Fast forward to training camp, and Essengue appears to be winning over his new coach. Splitter told reporters that the 19-year-old has been far more aggressive, specifically highlighting his rebounding and rim protection.
"I think he's fighting for a spot, right? He wants to play for us, which is great," Splitter said. "I like his ambition. He's getting stronger. He's shooting the ball better – I think the effort in the last two days is really what matters now. This summer we had a lot of open gyms. It's a different vibe, it's a little more relaxed. But now he's really following what we ask him."
Whether Essengue earns an immediate rotation spot remains uncertain, but impressing the new head coach is the first step, and he's doing exactly that. The Frenchman also spoke with reporters later in the week, acknowledging that things have trended upward since Summer League. He has spent more time in the weight room and is focused on his defensive impact.
Essengue's athletic traits—incredible length and surprising agility—could make him a defensive asset right away. Standing six-foot-eleven, he could even see minutes at center. When the Bulls' front office underwent changes this summer, many thought Essengue might be the odd man out, especially with Buzelis's growth and Wilson's addition. But he may be changing that narrative. It's easy to forget he's still the youngest player on the roster and remains a blank canvas.
Dailyn Swain: A Night-and-Day Transformation
Dailyn Swain also endured a rough Summer League, arguably one of the worst among 2026 NBA Draft picks. He missed nearly everything around the rim and looked nothing like his college self offensively. However, there were extenuating circumstances: every player adjusts differently, and unlike Essengue, this was Swain's first taste of NBA-level competition. Additionally, the Bulls asked him to play an unconventional role. At Texas in 2025-26, he was an ISO scorer, but in Summer League, he was suddenly a lead guard and distributor. That adjustment led to overthinking and poor play.
Many wondered if Swain would be less of a factor in 2026 than expected—perhaps destined for the G League or unable to crack the rotation. But at training camp, he's calming those nerves. When asked to compare the current Swain to the Summer League version, Splitter didn't hesitate: "Night and day. It's not even close. He was not himself in that Summer League. I think we all understand that. He has been great .. He is producing for us. Getting to the paint, finishing. He had a lack of confidence in Summer League but right now it's a different player. He is going and being aggressive, being himself, being the player he was in college."
If Swain maintains this level, he could play a meaningful role off the bench immediately. The Bulls lack go-to scoring options off the dribble, and Swain's defensive versatility—he was on the NBA radar for that before becoming a top scorer at Texas—adds value. His sturdy six-foot-seven frame allows him to switch onto guards and larger wings.
Swain believes defense will earn him early minutes: "I want to impact the game on defense. Guarding the best player. That's something they're challenging me with out here. Guarding guys like Norm and Caleb," Swain said. "Showing my versatility on defense and then the offensive side will come. Obviously, it comes with comfortability, getting to know this level, getting to know the sets and how we run things."
As training camp continues, both Essengue and Swain will look to build on their positive starts and solidify their roles for the upcoming season.