The veteran sharpshooter highlights how Chicago's explosive young duo creates lethal spacing, punishing defenders with aggressive rim pressure that unlocks open looks for the entire Bulls offense.
Buddy Hield has only had one day of training camp in Chicago, but his description of Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis should have Bulls fans excited.
“Violent drivers.”
Those two words say a lot about what Chicago’s young duo could bring to Tiago Splitter’s offense.
Getting downhill and attacking the rim consistently is one of the most valuable skills in modern basketball. It puts enormous pressure on a defense, and Wilson and Buzelis have the size, athleticism and physicality to make it a major part of their games.
Sep 28, 2026; Chiacgo, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson (8) poses during media day. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesThe first benefit is obvious: free throws.
When players consistently attack the rim, defenders are forced to make difficult decisions. Either give up a clean look at the basket or risk committing a foul. Once those fouls start piling up, defenders become less aggressive, especially if they are trying to stay on the floor.
For Wilson and Buzelis, that could create easier scoring opportunities as games progress.
But rim pressure isn't just about the player with the ball.
Hield saw that firsthand playing alongside former Bull Jimmy Butler in Golden State. Butler has been one of the NBA's premier physical drivers, using his strength and contact balance to punish smaller defenders and force help.
When that help comes, shooters get open.
That's where players like Hield and Norman Powell could feast. If Wilson and Buzelis consistently force defenses to collapse into the paint, Chicago's shooters should have plenty of opportunities waiting on the perimeter.
Sep 28, 2026; Chiacgo, Il, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) poses during media day. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn ImagesIt's also worth looking at the players who have recently found success in Chicago.
DeMar DeRozan was elite at getting to the free-throw line during his Bulls tenure. Coby White took another step when he realized how difficult he was to contain going downhill, culminating in a stretch where he averaged around 28 points per game late in his final full season in Chicago.
Josh Giddey experienced something similar. As his aggression increased, so did his efficiency. Instead of settling for difficult shots, Giddey began using his size to get into the paint, absorb contact and earn trips to the line.
Look around the rest of the league and the pattern continues. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is perhaps the best example. Elite offensive players don't simply make difficult shots. They constantly put defenses in uncomfortable positions.
That's what makes Hield's description so exciting.
Wilson and Buzelis have a chance to become a special duo, and the more pressure they put on the rim, the more dangerous Chicago's entire offense becomes.
It's especially intriguing with Wilson's passing ability. If defenses collapse, he has the vision to find the open man. If they don't, he can attack the basket himself.
Bulls fans should be paying close attention to how aggressively Wilson and Buzelis attack the paint in Splitter's new offense.
If “violent drivers” becomes their identity, Chicago could have something special brewing.
