The Chicago Bulls begin their 2026 Summer League journey on July 10, when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Summer League gives the Bulls' coaches, front office and fans a chance to evaluate not only their draft picks, but also determine how undrafted free agents fit into the organization's future development plans. While the focus will understandably be on rookies Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, here are three under-the-radar storylines to watch during the Bulls' Summer League games.

Tiago Splitter's First Game As Head Coach

In a surprising move, Tiago Splitter has decided to coach the Bulls' first Summer League game. The decision stands out because many head coaches around the NBA hand Summer League duties over to their assistants. Instead, Splitter will be on the sidelines himself, a sign of how committed he is to establishing a culture and setting the tone as he begins his tenure with the Bulls.

Splitter coaching game one could provide an early glimpse into what Bulls fans can expect this season. While the Summer League roster is vastly different from the regular-season group, several key prospects, including Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue, are expected to suit up. The way Splitter deploys those players may offer insight into their future roles. Wilson's positioning and responsibilities on both ends of the floor will be worth monitoring, while Swain could receive opportunities as a primary ball handler after thriving in that role at Texas. Fans may not get definitive answers, but they should get an early look at how Splitter envisions utilizing some of the franchise's most important young pieces.

Beyond the individual players, Summer League could also provide clues about the style of basketball the Bulls want to play. Defensive coverages, pace of play and half-court offensive principles are all areas worth watching. Whether the Bulls switch screens, fight through them, push the tempo or emphasize a more structured offense, the Summer League squad should offer an early preview of Splitter's philosophy. Fans paying close attention may get their first look at the identity the Bulls hope to establish when the regular season tips off in October.

Noa Essengue's Progression

Noa Essengue played well at the G League level and during Summer League last year, but his development was cut short by a season-ending shoulder injury. After being selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, expectations were high for Essengue entering his rookie season. Unfortunately, he never really got the opportunity to showcase what he could do at the NBA level.

Now, Essengue has a chance to be one of the leaders of a Summer League squad where he already has some experience. Playing alongside Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, he should receive plenty of opportunities both on and off the ball while showing the strides he has made during the offseason.

A few key areas of improvement to watch for will be his ball-handling in the halfcourt, his shooting and his screening. While Essengue was capable of pushing the ball in transition, he often looked uncomfortable handling in the halfcourt when defenses tightened up. If his handle has improved, it could unlock more ways for him to be utilized within the offense.

His jump shot is another area worth monitoring. While his shooting mechanics looked functional in the G League, his lone three-point attempt at the NBA level famously hit the backboard. The shot itself is not broken, but he will need to become a more confident perimeter shooter if he wants to earn consistent rotation minutes.

Lastly, Essengue becoming a quality screener could open up a number of possibilities for the Bulls' offense. Under Billy Donovan, most of the team's pick-and-roll actions were initiated by centers screening for guards. If forwards like Essengue and Wilson can become reliable screeners, Chicago would have far more lineup flexibility. The Bulls could run inverted pick-and-rolls with wings handling the ball, use Wilson and Essengue as interchangeable screeners in Spain pick-and-roll actions, or create more movement-heavy sets that feature multiple rolling threats on the floor at the same time. Having players with their size and athleticism setting screens would make the offense less predictable and create additional opportunities for cutters and shooters.

Figuring out where Noa Essengue fits into this new rebuilding Bulls roster appears to be a priority for the organization's new regime, and Summer League presents the perfect opportunity to continue that evaluation.

The Jaylin Sellers Showcase

Bryson Graham and the Bulls elected not to use either of the team's second-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, but they almost immediately signed undrafted rookies Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka to two-way contracts for the 2026-27 season. While both players should receive plenty of opportunities to showcase themselves, the Bulls' current roster construction and positional needs leave the door wide open for Sellers to make an early statement.

The Chicago Bulls recently signed 2025 All-Star shooting guard Norman Powell to a two-year deal to fill the need for a starting two-guard with elite shooting ability. Even with that addition, the Bulls still need more shooting and more depth at the position. While Isaac Okoro remains on the roster, he left much to be desired offensively last season, particularly as a three-point shooter. Dailyn Swain could see minutes at shooting guard, but his size and versatility may have him playing more as a forward in certain lineups. The Bulls need another high-upside option at the two-guard spot, and Sellers fits that mold well.

Sellers averaged 18.3 points per game at Providence last season while shooting 43% from three-point range. At 6-foot-5, he brings the size teams look for on the wing and has already proven he can score from all three levels. His shooting ability immediately stands out, but his willingness to attack closeouts and create offense for himself makes him more than just a spot-up threat.

Summer League will provide Sellers with a chance to prove that his scoring can translate against NBA-level athletes. With Wilson, Swain and Essengue likely drawing much of the attention from opposing defenses, Sellars should find plenty of opportunities to showcase his shooting and off-ball movement. If he can consistently knock down open shots and hold his own defensively, he could quickly become one of the more intriguing players on Chicago's Summer League roster.

Summer League is often the first glimpse at the future of an NBA franchise, and this year's event is no different for Chicago. Whether it's Splitter establishing his identity as a head coach, Essengue showing growth after an injury-shortened season or Sellers making a case for a larger role, these storylines could have an impact that extends well beyond Las Vegas.