The duo of Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis will give the Chicago Bulls a fresh look up front this season — but don't forget about a few of the holdovers from last year, including 22-year-old Leonard Miller, who's already getting lost in the shuffle.
Wilson has rapidly changed the way the Bulls are talked about, and his partnership with Buzelis will shape the franchise's future. Adding center Nic Claxton was a shrewd, low-risk move that will also help reinforce the spine of the defense.
But Miller's size, distinct skill set and ability to play alongside any of Wilson, Buzelis or Claxton cannot be overlooked.
Leonard Miller's versatility is just what the Bulls need
Executive VP of basketball operations Bryson Graham gave his big man rotation a much-needed makeover. Miller's ability to play all three positions across the front line could be the skeleton key that unlocks the right combinations.
Wilson and Buzelis are the centerpieces. They each carry a unique combination of explosive athleticism, size and defensive versatility, which should make them interchangeable at the forward positions.
Miller has a much different skill set, but one that compliments that duo ideally.
Physically, he's similar to Wilson and Buzelis. But where those two are most comfortable playing on the perimeter, Miller is at his best near the rim. Where those two prefer to use their agility and on-ball skills to beat defenders off the dribble, Miller would rather work inside.
The Canadian big man got his first real taste of NBA action at the end of last season after the Bulls acquired him in the Ayo Dosunmu trade. In 23.1 minutes per game across 27 games (12 starts), he averaged 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 55.5 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from 3-point range.
But what truly makes Miller stand out is his elite motor on the glass. He uses his athleticism and 7-foot-2 wingspan to out-quick bigger players for rebounds and overpower smaller ones. Nearly a third of his boards came on the offensive end.
Coupled with his touch around the basket — he shot 67.6 percent on twos and 75.9 percent near the rim last year — his skill set is tailor-made to fit next to Wilson and Buzelis. Miller can carve out rebounds and crash the glass while the other two do their thing on the perimeter. He shot well enough from the corners last season to space the floor.
It's not a stretch to imagine Miller playing as a small-ball five with Buzelis and Wilson on the floor. He could also play beside Claxton and give Splitter two athletic interior presences, but with a bit of inside-outside flair.
Miller's complementary skill set is ideal for the Bulls' roster. They can't afford to let him waste away on the bench.
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