Episode #2387
Can The Bulls’ Defense SAVE Their Shooting Problem? Tiago Splitter’s Biggest Test
The Chicago Bulls may have a real shooting problem heading into the 2026-27 NBA season — but can a great defense cover it up? On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down how good the Bulls’ defense needs to be if Chicago is going to overcome its lack of consistent three-point shooting. With a roster built around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Tre Jones, Jalen Smith, Zach Collins, and Rob Dillingham, the Bulls have talent — but spacing remains one of the biggest concerns. The guys discuss why Chicago may not just need a good defense, but a top-10 defense to have a real chance at being competitive. If the Bulls are going to struggle with shooting, Tiago Splitter’s team must defend, rebound, force turnovers, run in transition, and create easy offense from stops. Haize and Pat also look at how Nic Claxton can anchor the defense, how Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson can create chaos with their length and athleticism, and whether Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams can become reliable defensive weapons in Splitter’s system. But the bigger question remains: can defense carry a team far enough in today’s NBA if the shooting is below average? Topics Include: How good does the Bulls defense need to be? Can Chicago overcome a lack of three-point shooting? Why a top-10 defense may be the minimum expectation Nic Claxton’s role as the defensive anchor Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson as defensive playmakers Can Isaac Okoro become Tiago Splitter’s stopper? How defense can create easier offense for Josh Giddey Bulls transition offense and points off turnovers Can Chicago win ugly in the modern NBA? Tiago Splitter’s biggest year-one challenge The Bulls do not have to become an elite shooting team overnight, but if they are going to beat expectations, their defense has to become their identity. A top-10 defense gives Chicago a path. A top-5 defense gives the Bulls a chance to shock people. Anything less could make the shooting concerns impossible to ignore. ️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down whether the Bulls’ defense can save their shooting problem and what Tiago Splitter must build in year one. Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
