CHICAGO — Bryson Graham took over the Chicago Bulls when he was hired as executive vice president of basketball operations in May.
At his introductory news conference, he referenced the acronym SLAP — size, length, athleticism, physicality.
That vision is beginning to come into focus.
Chicago selected Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round of Graham’s first draft with his new team on Tuesday night. It was part of a busy stretch for the Bulls, who reportedly acquired Nic Claxton as part of a three-team trade on Monday night. Tiago Splitter was hired as coach last week.
The six-foot-nine Wilson and six-foot-seven Swain are known for their athleticism and finishing ability, and the six-foot-11 Claxton shot 57 per cent from the field while averaging 11.7 points for Brooklyn last season. The three additions — along with Splitter’s arrival — provide the strongest indication yet of how the Bulls might look under Graham.
“We’re definitely not where we want to be, but we’re establishing an identity,” Graham said. “I think that’s really important for this organization, especially where we’re at right now. Both Caleb and Dailyn, they fit the bill. We’re not addressing every skill yet. A lot of people might (ask), ‘Where is the shooting at?’ and things of that nature. I’m not typically worried about that right now.”
Wilson made just seven three-pointers in his only season at North Carolina, and Swain shot 37 per cent (26-for-71) from deep during his junior year at Texas. But Graham said he thinks both players can improve their shooting skills.
What Wilson and Swain bring right now is defensive versatility — an important upgrade for Chicago after it allowed 121.5 points per game last season, ranking 28th overall in the NBA. The rebuilding Bulls also have two more picks in the second round of the draft on Wednesday night.
“The fastest way to find playing time and opportunity is on the defensive side of the ball,” Graham said. “So as Dailyn comes in and as Caleb comes in, I’m looking for them to be tone-setters on that side of the floor and be pillars for this organization going forward.”
Wilson, quite possibly the most athletic player in the draft, was the No. 4 pick after he averaged 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds in 24 games with the Tar Heels. His season was cut short by left-hand and right-thumb injuries, but he said he feels great right now.
“My fit on the team is going to be, I’m just going to go hard, man, honestly,” said Wilson, who turns 20 on July 18. “I’m going to make it happen. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do it and more.”
Swain, taken at No. 15, played for Xavier for two seasons before transferring to Texas. He averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season with the Longhorns. He also led the team with 59 steals.
Swain prides himself in being what he called “a connective player.” Asked what that means from a defensive perspective, he focused on being able to disrupt the opposing offence.
“You know, get them out of rhythm, read plays before they happen,” Swain said, “get in the passing lanes and, you know, maybe help out a teammate. … Just anything to help out on defence.”
Chicago finished with a 31-51 record last season while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Graham has described the Bulls as being “at the ground floor,” so the development of Wilson and Swain will be a major factor in the direction and timeline for the team’s future.
Swain, for one, seemed excited about beginning his NBA career alongside Wilson.
“He is an electric player. Every time you watch him, he has a highlight,” said Swain, who turns 21 on July 15. “I’ve just seen like a five-minute video of all his dunks from this season. It was the longest thing I’ve watched. … I think we’re going to be great together.”
