Bulls forward Leonard Miller is stealing the spotlight this preseason, seemingly leapfrogging Noa Essengue and Patrick Williams in Tiago Splitter‘s rotation, reports Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun‑Times.
Selected 33rd overall in 2023, Miller saw limited action in Minnesota, yet earned a spot in Billy Donovan‘s rotation late last year after the Chicago trade involving Ayo Dosunmu. In four preseason games, the 6’10” Canadian posted 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 19.4 minutes, shooting .651/.600/.714.
Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune notes that injuries to centers Nic Claxton, Zach Collins and forwards Isaac Okoro, Tobe Awaka have thrust Miller and Jalen Smith into bigger roles. Smith looks set to start the season at center, with Miller serving as his chief reserve in Wednesday’s dominant win over Milwaukee.
Miller enters the last year of his rookie deal, earning $2.4 million this season. Smith’s contract also expires, slated for $9.4 million in 2026/27 before he hits free agency next summer.
More Bulls details follow:
- Cowley reports Splitter saying Smith will still see minutes once Nic Claxton (hamstring) and Zach Collins (quad) return. The 26‑year‑old, now in his seventh year, excels at floor spacing; he’s hit 36.7% from three over the last three seasons, forcing defenses to treat him as a shooter and opening lanes for teammates. “What I see from [Smith] is he can stretch the floor,” Splitter remarked. “Having a five that can create space is huge; we’ll leverage that advantage.”
- Splitters sidelined Essengue in Summer League after a shoulder‑plagued rookie year, citing insufficient physicality and hustle. The French forward sharpened those traits in preseason, earning Splitter’s approval, Cowley notes. The 2025 lottery pick embraces the fight for minutes. “I’m a competitor; I love to battle on and off the court,” Essengue declared. “I was a first‑round pick, [Williams] was No. 4 in 2020, Lenny is in his final contract year, so we’re all playing for something.”
- Splitters and backup guard Tre Jones feel Chicago’s depth is a strength heading into the campaign, Cowley writes. “Our second unit can be truly strong,” Jones asserted. “To excel as a team, the bench must meet that bar. Its energy will be vital. We share the ball, care less about who scores and more about collective success. Defense fuels us; our length and athleticism should translate into stops and fast‑break chances.”