“I’m thrilled to step in as a veteran leader and mold these players,” Powell said. “It’s not just about setting an example; I’ll talk with them, understand each personality, ask pointed questions to gauge where they stand and what they aim for this season and beyond.”
Lorenzi points out that Powell, who joined as a free agent after a stint in Miami, brings more than a seasoned résumé. Fresh off his inaugural All‑Star campaign, he’s likely Chicago’s premier perimeter shooter. Expect him to finish games beside the youngsters shaping the franchise’s future. In my view, Powell could be the missing spark the Bulls need.
“Norm’s been in the league almost half my life,” lottery pick Caleb Wilson remarked. “So if I want to stick around, I need to learn from him. That’s why I’ll be asking his advice.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- Matas Buzelis said he’ll enjoy “more freedom” this year, though he hesitated to detail it, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun‑Times. Cowley notes Buzelis felt he over‑shot threes last season, but the new coaching staff may grant him more latitude beyond the arc. “I love good threes,” head coach Tiago Splitter commented. “If he forces them it’s not ideal. He can still hit mid‑range; sometimes it’s the wrong shot for the play, but you’ve got to be smart. He’s overthinking a bit—just play basketball.”
- Buzelis and Wilson have already forged a tight bond, yet that doesn’t dull their competitiveness in scrimmages, Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune reports. Buzelis explained that idle play won’t help them improve. “He feels like my brother, bro,” Buzelis added. “It’s like having a twin. We talk alike. Watching his interviews reminded me of my own voice and mindset. He’s confident, and sometimes you just click instantly.”
- Noa Essengue rebounded from a shaky Summer League showing and has impressed Splitter in camp, according to Elias Schuster of SI. The second‑year big man arrived with a new mindset after criticism for lacking aggression in Las Vegas. “After Summer League, I spoke extensively with Tiago and executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham,” Essengue said. “They told me to play my game, free on both ends… I just have to elevate my performance.” Can Essengue evolve into Chicago’s new interior anchor?