The Chicago Bulls waited eight games to finally reap the benefits of their offseason trade for big man Nic Claxton. The 27-year-old looks the part of an ideal complement to franchise player Caleb Wilson and a source of defensive consistency who can help change the way Chicago plays.
What Claxton has shown in just two games as an active member of the Bulls is something even better than anticipated. With him, Chicago has a definitive strength to build around with a balanced interior trio of Claxton, Jalen Smith, and Wilson—once Wilson is healthy again.
Smith and Wilson held down the fort with Claxton out, with each playing at a high level for the Bulls. The lack of ideal interior depth was a tough flaw to overlook, however, as Chicago struggled to keep opponents out of the paint or create second chances.
Claxton has already answered the call in many of those respects, all the while offering value as a playmaker and screener who creates cohesion on offense.
Prior to Claxton's debut, the Bulls ranked No. 28 in the NBA with an offensive rating of 105.9 and No. 18 in points per game with an average of 111.6. In two games with him, they've scored 121 points against the Philadelphia 76ers and 119 against the San Antonio Spurs—both of which rank in the top 10 in defensive rating.
Claxton has played a direct role in Chicago's success, with the team posting its second-best offensive rating when he's been on the court.
Bulls finally have an identity with their bigs anchoring their efforts
In his Bulls debut, Claxton posted four points, four rebounds, four assists, one offensive board, and two blocks in 18 minutes. He was active on the boards, and involved in virtually everything on offense with his screening, handoffs, and accurate passes.
The next time out, Claxton upped the ante with 17 points, six rebounds, three offensive boards, one assist, and a block in 16 minutes. He shot 5-of-6 from the field and 7-of-9 at the free throw line.
Both games revealed how Claxton is able to make his mark along the interior against any caliber of opponent. He primarily played against reserves, but also held his own against the likes of Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama with his energy, skill, and athleticism.
Moving forward, Claxton combining his efforts with Smith and Wilson could give the Bulls a reliable formula for success as they build their efforts around their bigs.
Bulls can trust their bigs for production, energy on any night
Both with and without Claxton, both Smith and Wilson showcased the potential to be high-level contributors. Wilson led the charge with averages of 18.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.3 three-point field goals made, and 1.7 offensive boards per game.
Amidst of a sea of trepidation and inconsistency, Wilson has routinely asserted himself as a scorer and provided energy and intensity on defense.
Smith, meanwhile, has made the absolute most of his minutes. He's averaging 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 1.9 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.8 three-point field goals made in 24.0 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .533/.367/.750.
Those numbers translate to 19.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.3 offensive boards, 2.8 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 2.7 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. Suffice it to say, that's made the Bulls' interior dangerous.
With Claxton in the fold, the Bulls now have a strong rotation of bigs to rely on for meaningful production and minutes. They can rotate the three between the 4 and 5 positions, and give Chicago a reliable strength to fall back on when all else fails.
It may not be enough to turn things around in a hurry, but it can certainly help the Bulls create stability in the rotation and cultivate an identity that can lead to better results.
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