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CHICAGO (AP) — 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.
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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 6-foot-9 Wilson and 6-7 Swain are known for their athleticism and finishing ability, and the 6-11 Claxton shot 57% 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.”
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Wilson made just seven 3-pointers in his only season at North Carolina, and Swain shot 37% (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…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-draft-provides-another-look-161621400.html
Author : JAY COHEN
Publish date : 2026-06-24 16:16:00
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