<img src="https://iustitia.bg/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/bulls-would-love-see-versatile-big-jalen-smith-continue.jpg" alt="Bulls big Jalen Smith continues to show how his versatility can help everyone around him, especially the young forwards.
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MILWAUKEE — Jalen Smith is headed for a nice payday.
Whether it’s with the Bulls or another team this upcoming offseason is yet to be determined, but the seven-year veteran is being set up to grab a bag next summer.
At least Bulls coach Tiago Splitter hopes that’s the case because that would mean his plan for how to use Smith during the 2026-27 season was executed to perfection.
Splitter detailed the Smith factor in the Bulls’ 125-104 victory Wednesday against the Bucks, discussing the shortage of centers the team has been dealing with this preseason and how Smith could be the answer to address that deficiency even when Nic Claxton (hamstring) and Zach Collins (quad) return.
“What I see from [Smith] is he’s a guy that can stretch the floor,” Splitter said. “Having a five that can stretch the floor and create space is tremendous, so you’ve got to try to use that as an advantage, and we go from there.”
Case in point: The first half against the Bucks. The Bulls outscored Milwaukee 62-39, and Smith was a big reason why. Playing center — despite being built like a stretch four — Smith led the Bulls with 11 points on 3-for-3 shooting from three-point range, grabbed five rebounds and blocked a shot. He finished with 15 points in just over 20 minutes.
But the numbers aren’t even the biggest benefit Smith provides.
Because he shot 37.3% from three-point range last season and 42.4% from long range in 2023-24, the scouting report says he’s a deep threat. That’s what Splitter wants. With athletic forwards Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Lenny Miller, Splitter wants opposing centers pulled out to challenge Smith. That’s just clearing the runway for the air show.
There aren’t many opposing teams with forwards as springy as the Bulls have, so Buzelis and Wilson have a chance to play downhill and attack the rim.
“They look at me as a spacer,” Smith said after the game. “So being able to hit open shots, create more space, create more lobs for Josh [Giddey], Norm [Powell], Matas, Caleb, they like getting downhill. And, obviously, being an offensive-rebound threat, that creates more kick-outs for them. Teams are so spaced out for me with their fives, no one is protecting the paint. It’s the best of both worlds for me here.”
Against Milwaukee, Smith also was involved in a lot of high pick-and-roll/pick-and-pop plays with Giddey, especially to start the second half.
Even with a healthy Claxton and Collins, three centers are almost a must because of how much Splitter wants to run.
Continuing to push Wilson’s development is also a must, but one that Splitter admitted doesn’t need much pushing. Wilson had 10 points after a slow start.
The prized rookie continues to be one of the hardest workers on the roster, often the first one in the facility in the morning and the last one out at night.
And while he has been playing with more consistency since the preseason opener, the scary news for the opposition is the NBA game already is slowing down for him.
For a rookie to be talking like that after less than a handful of preseason games says a lot. Splitter believes his work ethic and film study also speak volumes.
“There’s a lot of teaching, especially with young guys,” Splitter said. “Caleb is a smart kid; he’s picking it up quick. Yeah, he’s learning, and he’s eager to understand what we’re doing and to learn.”
Bulls would love to see versatile big Jalen Smith continue spacing out 2026
IUSTITIA.BG – Investigations 2009-2026 2026-10-15 04:43:03
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