In a recent game against the Boston Celtics, rookie Caleb Wilson showed energy and determination by aggressively reaching for the ball and securing an offensive rebound. Despite a tough 125-111 loss, the Chicago Bulls displayed the potential impact of consistent rebounding on game momentum. Although the Bulls struggled with an early double-digit deficit, their persistence in pursuing second-chance opportunities allowed them to win the second half.
Bulls coach Tiago Splitter emphasizes the importance of rebounding as part of the team’s core strategy. The young team ranks 10th in the league for total rebounds, averaging 45.8 per game. They have improved, with 3.8 more offensive boards through six games compared to last season. However, their pace-driven playing style means they are still in the bottom third for rebounding percentages, securing only 65.6% of defensive rebounds.
Splitter acknowledges the challenge of meeting his high expectations, but sees potential in players like Tobe Awaka, who demonstrates relentless effort in securing rebounds. Wings like Leonard Miller and Caleb Wilson are encouraged to use their size and positioning advantageously. Guards have faced greater difficulties. For example, Josh Giddey’s rebounding numbers have dropped, averaging three fewer rebounds per game.
Giddey attributes this decline to a new rotation system that gives him 5.8 fewer minutes per game. Even when adjusted for time, Giddey averages two fewer rebounds per 36 minutes. The change in strategy demands guards to box out more regularly, a shift from Giddey’s previous approach of directly pursuing rebounds.
“It sounds so simple but it’s not as simple as it looks,” said Giddey. “We’ve got to do a better job, everyone committing to crashing.”
This adaptation requires adjustments for backcourt players not used to frequent box-out tasks. Veteran Norman Powell insists on proactive solutions without excuses, noting that players must find their opponents and engage physically rather than watching the ball.
The return of center Nic Claxton, recovering from a hamstring injury, may help but is not an immediate fix. Claxton is known for rim protection but not for efficiency in rebounding, with only 6.9 rebounds per game last season. Immediate improvements in rebounding rely on effort and attention to fundamentals.
“The timeline needs to be next game,” Powell stated. “Effort and attention to detail and competitiveness—the little things that we can control, that is right now.”
The Bulls acknowledge that while other aspects of the game like shooting and playmaking evolve over time, effort-based habits like rebounding should be addressed immediately.
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