The Chicago Bulls will begin the highly anticipated preseason on Wednesday, October 7, at home against the Phoenix Suns. However, they will be without one of their new players.

On Monday, coach Tiago Splitter announced that center Nic Claxton will miss 2 weeks with a hamstring injury, per K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Sports Network. During that absence, he will be reevaluated.

The Bulls acquired Claxton in July after he played for the Brooklyn Nets. Moreover, Claxton was brought in to upgrade their interior defense, standing at 6 feet 11. Additionally, he adds rim protection and consistent interior scoring. During the 2022-23 season, Claxton led the NBA in field goal percentage at 70.5%.

Last year, he averaged 11.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 57.1% from the field.

Article Continues Below

The Bulls didn't see his absence coming, especially as they rebuild into a new organization. This rebuilding stage will feature a mix of youth (Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis) and veteran experience (Norman Powell, Josh Giddey).

As a result, the starting 5 for Wednesday will have one more slot to fill. The other four are expected to be Wilson, Giddey, Buzelis, and Powell. Jalen Smith will likely take over in the paint for now.

Smith is an interchangeable center/forward who has been with the Bulls since 2024. Last year, Smith played in 53 games, averaging 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He also shot 48.3% from the field and can space the floor, attack the rim, and protect the rim.

If all goes well, Claxton could return right when the regular season begins on October 21 against the Toronto Raptors.