Bulls Lineup Change: One Longtime Voice Wants Two Starters Bumpe

Longtime Chicago Bulls writer Sam Smith has proposed moving starters Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis to the second unit following the team's 1-6 start to the season. Smith suggests inserting Tre Jones and Nic Claxton into a starting five alongside Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson, and Jalen Smith. According to the article, Smith argues that the current starting lineup was chosen on reputation rather than merit, with Buzelis struggling to adapt and Giddey lacking defensive cover.

The current starting group has been outscored by 14.3 points per 100 possessions, with Giddey averaging a career-low 9.1 points on 36.9% shooting. Smith's proposed change relies on Claxton returning from a hamstring strain and Jalen Smith recovering from a recent fall. In addition, Smith suggests using rookie Wilson as a playmaking point forward, though head coach Tiago Splitter has not signaled any immediate plans to alter the lineup.