Bulls Found TWO Unexpected Weapons?! š„ Swain & Awaka SHOCK In Preseason Opener
22m | Oct 8, 2026The Chicago Bullsā first preseason game gave us much more than a win. It may have changed how we look at Dailyn Swain, Tobe Awaka and several players fighting for rotation minutes.
On todayās Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down the biggest developments from Chicagoās preseason opener against Phoenix.
First, Dailyn Swain.
With Tre Jones unavailable, Swain received real ball-handling responsibility and responded with 10 points, six assists, two steals and three turnovers in 21:53 while going 3-for-3 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.Ā Ā Pasted text
The question now is bigger than whether Swain can provide bench scoring.
Can he become another trustworthy decision-maker?
We break down why Chicago should continue testing him as a secondary creator, how he could work alongside Tre Jones, and what his playmaking could mean for shooters like Buddy Hield and Jordan Hawkins.Ā Ā Pasted text
Then we get into Tobe Awaka.
Awaka exploded for 14 points, 11 rebounds and six offensive boards in just 21:21, shooting 6-for-8 from the field. The issue? Six fouls.Ā Ā Pasted text
His rebounding gives Chicago an identifiable NBA skill that does not require plays to be called for him. But can he stay on the floor long enough to make that skill matter?
We also debut a full Bulls Stock Report after Game 1:
š Jalen Smith
š Leonard Miller
š Norman Powell
š Patrick Williamsā opportunity
š Josh Giddeyās scoring aggression
āļø Matas Buzelis & Caleb Wilson
āļø Noa Essengue
Jalen Smith finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and two made threes, while Leonard Miller scored 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting in only 14:26 with two steals and zero turnovers.Ā Ā Pasted text
And before we get out of here, we look ahead to Memphis.
Chicago committed 24 turnovers against Phoenix, making ball security the first thing I need to see improve in Game 2.Ā Ā Pasted text
š„ Today on Chicago Bulls Central:
- š Dailyn Swainās unexpected playmaking role
- š§ Why six assists matter more than the raw total
- šŖ Tobe Awakaās elite rebounding activity
- šØ Why Awakaās six fouls cannot be ignored
- š Leonard Miller forcing his way into the rotation conversation
- šÆ Jalen Smithās spacing value
- š„ Norman Powellās efficient offensive role
- š¬ What Patrick Williamsā substitution pattern could mean
- š§ Why Josh Giddey needs more scoring aggression
- š Matas & Calebās homework after Game 1
- šØ Chicagoās 24-turnover problem
- šÆ Three things that MUST improve against Memphis
š¬ Who changed your opinion the most after Chicagoās preseason opener?
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