The Chicago Bulls will have to wait a little longer to see Nic Claxton make his preseason debut.

Claxton suffered a hamstring injury during training camp and will be reevaluated in two weeks, effectively ruling him out for the preseason and putting his status for the beginning of the regular season in question.

It is an unfortunate setback for a player expected to be Chicago's starting center, but it also creates an opportunity for the rest of the Bulls' frontcourt.

Jalen Smith should be the most obvious candidate to step into Claxton's role.

Smith has already spent two seasons in Chicago and gives the Bulls a completely different look at center. Rather than providing the rim-running and defensive versatility Claxton brings, Smith can stretch opposing big men away from the basket and open driving lanes for players like Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson.

Whether Smith ultimately starts or comes off the bench, Claxton's absence should mean a significant increase in his preseason workload.

Zach Collins would normally be another obvious option, but his own health remains a question.

Collins entered training camp dealing with a soft-tissue injury, meaning Chicago may need to be cautious with his workload as well. If healthy, Collins gives Tiago Splitter another experienced option who can provide size, physicality and floor spacing at the five.

After resigning Collins this offseason, the Bulls are hoping to get an extended look at what he can do when healthy, and now could be a good opportunity to get reps with the young core with Claxton out.

But perhaps the most interesting name to watch is Tobe Awaka.

The undrafted rookie impressed during Summer League, averaging 6.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and a block in just 21.2 minutes per game while shooting an absurd 77.8 percent from the field.

Those numbers only tell part of the story.

Awaka's calling card has always been his rebounding and motor. He finished his final college season at Arizona averaging 9.1 rebounds in only 20.8 minutes per game and was a force on the glass.

At just 6-foot-8, Awaka is undersized for an NBA center, but his 250-pound frame and relentless activity allow him to play bigger than his measurements suggest.

Claxton's injury could now give the two-way rookie a legitimate opportunity to prove those skills translate.

Smith and Collins are established NBA players, so neither needs the preseason quite like Awaka does. For an undrafted rookie trying to force his way into Splitter's rotation, these next two weeks could be huge.

Chicago certainly wants Claxton back as quickly as possible.

Until then, his absence could provide the opportunity Awaka needs to make himself impossible to ignore.