Sports · Basketball · 3 hrs ago
Leonard Miller pushes for a bigger role in the Bulls’ rotation
Chicago Bulls forward Leonard Miller has made a strong case for more playing time with his preseason performances.
In four games, the 6-foot-10 Canadian has averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game.
He appears ahead of Noa Essengue and Patrick Williams in new head coach Tiago Splitter’s rotation.
Jalen Smith is expected to start at center, with Miller serving as his backup, while injuries have opened up larger roles for both players.
Splitter has said Smith may still get minutes after injured centers Nic Claxton and Zach Collins return, because his outside shooting can create space for teammates.
Essengue is competing for playing time after working to improve his physicality and effort.
Splitter and backup point guard Tre Jones are also counting on the second unit’s depth and energy as the Bulls prepare for the regular season.
Leonard Miller has impressed during the preseason and appears ahead of Noa Essengue and Patrick Williams in new Bulls coach Tiago Splitter’s rotation.
Across four preseason games, Miller has averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 19.4 minutes per game.
Miller had a larger role late last season after Chicago acquired him in the Ayo Dosunmu deal.
Injuries to several Bulls players have helped create larger-than-expected preseason roles for Miller and Jalen Smith.
Miller is in the final year of his rookie contract, which pays him $2.4 million this season.
- Who
- Leonard Miller, a forward for the Chicago Bulls.
- What
- He is pushing for a larger role in the Bulls’ rotation after an impressive preseason.
- When
- During the 2026 preseason.
- Where
- With the Chicago Bulls.
- Why
- His preseason play has been strong, while injuries have opened up opportunities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Miller became a regular in Billy Donovan’s rotation after Chicago acquired him in the Ayo Dosunmu deal.
Miller averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds across four preseason games.
Miller served as Jalen Smith’s primary backup in a lopsided win over Milwaukee.
- Preseason games
- 4
- Preseason scoring average
- 17.5 points per game
- Preseason playing time
- 19.4 minutes per game
- Rookie contract salary
- $2.4 million for the 2026/27 season
What people are saying
What I see from [Smith] is he’s a guy that can stretch the floor
I’m a competitor; I love to compete for everything, on the court, off the court, I love competing
I think our second unit can be really good