The Chicago Bulls are searching. They're searching for a renewed sense of purpose now that they have a whole new thing. That backdrop gives Leonard Miller space to flourish.

The 6-foot-10 forward is in the throes of his first full season in Chicago. Last February, Miller was part of a 3-way trade that sent him to Chicago from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Timberwolves received Ayo Dosunmu.

From the moment he laced them up in the Windy City, Miller surprised many. After going undrafted and getting limited playing time in Minnesota, Miller showcased uncanny quickness, strength, and sharp shooting. Altogether, he averaged 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 27 appearances. Miller started in 12 games and shot 55.1% from the field.

Later in the season, Miller was superb during a six-game stretch in April, averaging 17.0 points and 7.8 rebounds. He made such an impression that Stacey King called him the secret weapon.

During the offseason, the Bulls exercised a $2.4 million player option to keep Miller. He is playing the final year of his rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. The team is also evaluating Miller's future based on his performance.

In the preseason, Miller demonstrated his worthiness, averaging 16.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in five appearances.

For Miller, this is a stepping stone to something he's waited his whole life for.

“I came in my last group I was in Minnesota,” Miller said to ClutchPoints. “I wasn't getting those experiences; I was still working.”

He was waiting in the wings the whole time.

“I was still staying ready for whatever came my way professionally,” he said.

That being said, Miller has more work to do.

Leonard Miller's first season with the Bulls is a work in progress

Lately, Miller's regular season has been a struggle. He is averaging 7.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4% from the field.

He has played in 8 games coming off the bench. Miller didn't play against the Philadelphia 76ers last Sunday, per Edward Perovic of Heavy.com. Instead, head coach Tiago Splitter chose Patrick Williams, who finished with 7 points in 25 minutes.

So far, Miller has played 141 minutes, and Williams has 44.

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Meanwhile, the Bulls are 1-8 to start the season and on a seven-game losing streak. Despite the lows, Miller is focusing on the achievable highs.

“Things are going not the best,” Miller said. “We all get that struggling isn't good, but you can only control what you can control, and when you come in here and work every day, you can eventually get things rolling. I'm ready for whenever game situation is come ahead.”

Looking ahead, Miller is setting his sights on the team's promised land: winning a championship. While that isn't in the foreseeable future, it is still the ultimate goal for anyone. As an individual, he is prioritizing getting better day by day.

“A ring will be great and individually help my team,” Miller said. “I feel like I just wanna do that”.

The Bulls will face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday at 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST at the United Center.