Nic Claxton’s first media day as a member of the Chicago Bulls came with plenty of questions.

How does he feel physically? What does he think about reuniting with Tiago Splitter? And perhaps most importantly, how does he feel about leaving Brooklyn after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Nets?

Claxton’s answers should leave Bulls fans feeling pretty good.

The biggest question surrounding Claxton entering the season is his health.

Back issues have bothered the 27-year-old over the past few seasons, raising some concern about what version of Claxton the Bulls would be getting. When asked about his back during media day, however, Claxton quickly shut down those concerns.

He says he’s good to go.

That’s significant for a Bulls team betting on Claxton rediscovering the form that once made him one of the NBA’s most intriguing defensive centers. Chicago doesn’t need Claxton to become a completely different player. They need him healthy enough to get back to being the active, switchable defender and rim-runner who made such a big impact earlier in his career.

Claxton also spoke about his relationship with new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter.

The two previously crossed paths in Brooklyn when Splitter was an assistant with the Nets. Claxton said he’s proud of how far Splitter has come since then and now gets the opportunity to play for him as a head coach.

That familiarity could prove important.

Claxton is entering a completely new environment for the first time in his NBA career. Having a head coach who already knows him, his personality and what he can bring to a team should make that transition much easier.

More than anything, Claxton sounded genuinely excited about the change of scenery.

He admitted that uncomfortable situations tend to bring out the best in him. After seven seasons in Brooklyn, moving to a new city, organization and locker room certainly qualifies.

And he seems happy that challenge is coming in the form of joining the Chicago Bulls.

Claxton repeatedly emphasized wanting to get back to being himself and having fun playing basketball. That might be exactly what he needs after spending the last few seasons on a struggling Nets team.

He also sees an opportunity to have fun by pushing the Bulls’ younger players and helping them develop.

That mentality makes Claxton an interesting fit for where Chicago is right now. The Bulls aren't just asking him to protect the rim and finish lobs. They're bringing in a veteran who still has something to prove himself while being surrounded by a young core trying to establish itself.

A healthy and rejuvenated Claxton could be a major addition.

And after hearing him speak at media day, he certainly sounds ready for the fresh start.