Bulls’ lineup changes offer something to build on, even in another loss

The Bulls lost again Sunday, but for a team trying to develop young players, how they play has to count for something.

A 127-121 loss to the Sixers dropped Chicago to 1-8, its seventh straight defeat. Still, as Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic examines, a lineup adjustment and a returning center helped the Bulls look more like the team coach Tiago Splitter wants.

Isaac Okoro started with Norman Powell sidelined by back spasms. Nic Claxton made his season debut after recovering from a hamstring strain. Neither move fixed everything. Both offered something useful.

Lorenzi’s larger point centers on fit. Okoro defended, cut and finished opportunities without needing the offense built around him. That left more room for Chicago’s younger players to operate.

“Very simple game,” Josh Giddey said of Okoro. “You know what you’re gonna get from him.”

Giddey finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and 15 assists. Matas Buzelis found opportunities to attack, and Caleb Wilson received more chances in the post.

As Lorenzi notes, Powell’s shot selection has moved toward more pull-ups and fewer attempts near the basket this season. The question is how his scoring can support the rebuild without limiting opportunities for the players Chicago needs to develop.

Claxton supplied another missing element. In 18 restricted minutes, he recorded four points, four rebounds and two blocks while providing protection behind the perimeter defense.

His rebounding still needed work, something Claxton readily acknowledged.

There’s only so much encouragement to take from another defeat. But the Bulls need combinations that help their young players function together. Sunday gave Splitter a reason to keep exploring these.

More Hoops: Scottie Pippen ripped Michael Jordan over $10 million payday from ‘The Last Dance’