THE CENTRAL DIVISION IS CHICAGO’S PERFECT MEASURING STICK

The Chicago Bulls probably aren’t ready to finish ahead of Detroit or Cleveland — but that doesn’t make those games meaningless. In fact, those matchups may be the best way to measure whether this rebuild is actually moving forward.On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down why the Central Division could become Chicago’s perfect developmental measuring stick during the 2026-27 season.The current division outlook has Detroit and Cleveland ahead of Chicago, with the Bulls more realistically battling Milwaukee and Indiana in the standings. But Detroit and Cleveland represent something different: two examples of where Chicago hopes to eventually go. Detroit has developed a young core into a legitimate contender, while Cleveland represents the path of building internally before adding established star power.The real test won’t simply be wins and losses. Can the Bulls avoid immediately falling behind? Can Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson execute late in games? Can Chicago’s defense force elite opponents to adjust? And can Matas and Caleb create offense against the type of physical, playoff-level defenses they’ll eventually have to beat?Haize also lays out a practical measuring scale for Chicago’s eight combined games against Detroit and Cleveland. Going 3-5 with competitive losses would signal meaningful progress, while getting swept or repeatedly blown out would suggest Chicago remains significantly behind the division’s elite.Then the show turns toward one of the most important long-term roster questions facing Bryson Graham:Does Chicago’s next major investment need to be at center or shooting guard?Nic Claxton has roughly two seasons to prove he can become the long-term defensive anchor. At the same time, Dailyn Swain and Jaylin Sellers must show whether either can develop into the long-term backcourt partner Chicago needs alongside Josh Giddey.If Claxton improves the defense, develops chemistry with Giddey and remains playable across different matchups, shooting guard likely becomes the next priority. If Swain or Sellers emerges while Claxton disappoints, center jumps to the top of the list. And if both positions develop internally? Chicago gains the freedom to pursue the best player available or make a bigger star trade.🔥 Topics include:Why Detroit is the developmental blueprintWhat Cleveland tests about Chicago’s star ceilingGiddey vs Cade CunninghamMatas and Caleb against playoff-level defenseNic Claxton vs Jalen DurenChicago’s eight-game measuring stick against Detroit/ClevelandCan the Bulls finish third in the Central?Why the final matchups matter more than the firstIs Claxton Chicago’s long-term center?Can Dailyn Swain become the Bulls’ future shooting guard?Jaylin Sellers’ sixth-man and starting upsideWhy Swain’s three-point shot is his biggest swing skillCenter vs shooting guard as Chicago’s next premium investmentHow every roster decision changes what the Bulls need elsewhereListener reactions on Swain, Tre Jones and Rob Dillingham🎧 Tap in with Haize on Chicago Bulls Central for the full breakdown.Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/BullsCentralPodGet at us:Email: [email protected]:@BullsCentralPodPhone: ‪(773) 270-2799‬Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy