Nic Claxton has healed from a preseason left‑hamstring strain and could suit up for the Bulls on Sunday, Julia Poe reported for The Chicago Tribune. The club eased him back after the offseason trade, allowing full recovery. He logged minutes Thursday with the G League squad and joined the starters on Friday.
“I’m ready,” he declared. “Feeling great—no aches, no bumps. I could run through a wall. Bring on whatever comes next.”
Claxton will start under a minutes cap. Head coach Tiago Splitter didn’t reveal the exact limit, only noting the center’s usage will be “small” for a few outings.
Poe notes Claxton’s comeback forces split‑second lineup choices for Splitter. Jalen Smith has thrived as a starter in Claxton’s absence, and despite a hand injury on Wednesday, he practiced Friday. Splitter confirmed they’ll definitely share double‑big sets and could soon form a starting duo once Claxton’s minutes normalize, which may push Matas Buzelis into a bench role after a shaky start. For my money, Buzelis is better off coming off the bench.
“Early in the season nothing’s set in stone,” Splitter said. “We’ll experiment, give them time together, and see the sample size. Jalen could start alongside Nic – we’ll try different combos.”
More insight from Chicago:
- With Chicago sliding to 1‑7, Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun‑Times argues it’s time to explore trades. He says the priority should be moving on from Norman Powell, who arrived as a free agent and carries a $22.6 MM team option for next season, then Isaac Okoro, Tre Jones and Smith. Powell won’t be eligible to trade until Dec. 15.
- Cowley adds the Bulls’ offensive woes stem from poor defense. They rank third‑worst in offensive efficiency, second‑lowest field‑goal rate at 41.2 % and bottom in three‑point shooting at 27.2 %, while scarce transition chances limit quality shots. “We’re forced into half‑court sets, trying to manufacture scores,” Powell observed. “We need stops, fast breaks, easy baskets.” Adding Claxton’s rim protection should lift the defense, and Cowley suggests promoting Okoro to the starting five over Buzelis. Can the Bulls turn the tide with a stronger defense?