On the whole, the 2K26 NBA Summer League has been kind to the Chicago Bulls.
Caleb Wilson has showed out consistently since his 35-point scorcher of a debut, looking aggressive and fluid on the offensive end of the court and flashing his potential as a two-way star of the future even against the league's other top draft picks. Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka, additionally, have flashed their individual skill-sets through their appearances in Las Vegas.
If there's any reason to be concerned, therefore, it crystallizes pretty clearly upon Dailyn Swain.
Swain has shown very little confidence in Summer League, posting single-digit scoring performances in each of his three appearances and seeming hesitant to get involved in the game offensively. For some, this is merely confirmation of the problems he had heading into the Draft.
While Swain's development is vital to the future of the Bulls' young core, though, it's not yet time to panic. Swain was always going to have a slow start to his NBA career— what matters is what he can show by the end of his rookie campaign.
It isn't time to panic yet on Dailyn Swain's poor Summer League performances
Of course, there's a reason Swain was selected at 15th overall. Although he had his inconsistencies during his time in college, he has an archetypal frame for an NBA wing and a clearly projectable role as a 3-and-D contributor. Across 36 games in his junior season at the University of Texas, Swain averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while knocking down 34.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
But the areas for development in his game were also clear. He's often been hesitant to shoot from the perimeter in halfcourt settings, often settling for a pass or drive to the basket, and he lacks the athleticism and explosiveness to truly gain separation against more capable defenders.
Those things have clearly showed themselves in Las Vegas. Swain has not only lacked confidence with the ball in his hands, but he's clearly in his head about his abilities as a perimeter shooter and at-rim finisher. Between his past two games, he's gone a grand total of 0-for-16 from the floor.
It's difficult to find a silver lining in these performances.
But Swain can't be measured by his Summer League appearances, or even how he looks when he finally gets his first NBA minutes. The Bulls' selection of Swain is a gamble on the ability of their new developmental program, led by head coach Tiago Splitter, to maximize his athletic traits and defensive upside. What's bothering Swain is clearly a mental barrier, and a large part of his rookie campaign will be devoted to overcoming that.
If Swain still looks this poor when we reach the home stretch of the regular season, then it might be time for concern. But for now, this is the natural outcome for a player that was always going to need time to acclimate.
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