Dailyn Swain's Summer League performances haven't been the best so far, but Bulls fans shouldn't panic. Through his first three Summer League games, Swain has struggled offensively. He finished with seven points, four rebounds, and three assists in Chicago's 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Against the Utah Jazz, he scored four points while shooting 0-for-9 from the field in an 80-63 loss. Then, in yesterday's game against the Washington Wizards, Swain finished with just two points on 0-for-7 shooting, adding five rebounds and four assists.
Summer League is completely different from the NBA regular season. Every year, we see great NBA players struggle during the Summer League, while others dominate in July and never become consistent NBA contributors. That's why you can't judge a player's future based solely on a few Summer League games.
For rookies, Summer League is about getting their feet wet, adjusting to the speed of the game, and learning how to play against NBA-level competition. It's all part of the development process.
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) celebrates after a play against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn ImagesPeople have to consider the role Swain is being asked to play. Throughout Summer League, he's spent time handling the ball as the primary point guard, which isn't necessarily the role he'll have once the regular season begins. At times, he's looked hesitant and has been overthinking instead of just playing his game. You can tell he's second-guessing himself instead of reacting naturally.
Even head coach Tiago Splitter noticed it. "I think he's overthinking a little too much." Swain has all the physical tools and talent, but right now he's thinking instead of playing instinctively. That confidence will come with more reps.
We've seen this happen before. Last year's No. 1 overall pick, Cooper Flagg, also struggled during Summer League and had some rough moments early in the regular season when his team asked him to play point guard and serve as the primary ball handler. As the season went on, though, he became more comfortable, settled into his role, and finished the year playing some of his best basketball.
Once the regular season begins, I don't expect him to be the Bulls' primary ball handler with Josh Giddey running the offense. Instead, he'll be able to play more naturally off the ball while continuing to develop the rest of his game.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; The fifteenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Texas guard Dailyn Swain reacts after he was selected by the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesIf there's one area that deserves attention, it's his jump shot. That's the biggest skill he needs to improve if he wants to take the next step offensively. The encouraging part is that everything else is there. His size, athleticism, defensive potential, and ability to attack the basket are all reasons why the Bulls were excited to draft him.
Swain has the talent to become a really good NBA player. Right now, he needs to learn from these early struggles, find his rhythm, continue building his confidence, and keep working on his jump shot. If he does that, Bulls fans will look back on these Summer League games as just another step in his development, not a reason to doubt his future.
