Norman Powell will look to mentor Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey to become the vocal leaders that Chicago needs.
"Leadership" was one of the most common themes throughout the Chicago Bulls' Media Day on Monday.
The franchise is entering its next era, led by rising stars Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey. That trio has an average age of 22 years, but each of the players is already focusing on how they can emerge as a leader amidst Chicago's rebuild.
It's a quick transition for those who have not been forced to hold such a role in the past. Wilson was a high schooler just 16 months ago. Giddey and Buzelis are suddenly the second- and third-longest-tenured players on the team after Chicago traded away players like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Coby White over the past several years.
The team needs a leader, which is why head executive Bryson Graham signed Norman Powell this offseason. None of Wilson, Buzelis or Giddey has experience being a vocal leader — yet — and regardless of whether Powell is in Chicago for the long haul, the 33-year-old guard will undoubtedly play a major role in the Bulls' future.
"I'm excited for the challenge that's in front of us," Powell said during Monday's Media Day. "I'm excited for the opportunity. I'm excited to be that leader and help mold and shape these guys, not only just leading by example, but talking to them, learning more about who they are individually, asking certain questions just to see where they're at and what they want to get out of this season, and what they want to get out of their career."
In the nearly three months since he signed a two-year, $44 million free agent contract, Powell has already begun to rub off on the Bulls' young players, including Buzelis.
"He's been a great leader," Buzelis said. "I think one thing I'd really like to learn from him is the way he speaks and he brings everyone together. He's very vocal. I feel like I can do a way better job doing that. As a player, I haven't been as vocal as I should be."
Sep 28, 2026; Chicago, Ill., USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) poses during media day. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Giddey believes he needs to step into a leadership role as he enters year three in the Windy City.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder guard has been in a rebuild before. OKC went from the second-worst record in the Western Conference during Giddey's rookie season to the No. 1 seed in the West by his third year. He now feels confident that the Bulls' rebuild will be a quick turnaround as well, but recognizes the role he must play in it.
"As the point guard, you want to be a leader," Giddey said. "You want to be an extension of the coach on the court and you want to make sure guys are on the same page. I think it's my job to put guys in positions to be successful. That might look different on any given night."
A leap in play from Buzelis or Giddey would be monumental to the development of the Bulls' future. But the most significant factor in whether or not Chicago's rebuild is successful is whether Wilson ends up being a true superstar.
The 20-year-old rookie has not shied away from putting pressure on himself, both as a player and a leader. Vocal leadership isn't something that comes naturally to the No. 4 overall pick, but he still expects to make an immediate impact.
"I am going to go in there and try to lead by example," Wilson said. "I feel like, as a rookie, people respect actions more than they respect voice and words. I'll let my actions lead. I'll work really hard, and eventually, I'll blend in talking. But my whole goal is to let everybody know what the tone is from actually showing what I'm gonna do. That's how I've always led."
Wilson, Buzelis, Giddey and Powell will take the floor together for the first time on Wednesday, Oct. 7, when the Bulls take on the Phoenix Suns in their preseason opener.
