Leonard Miller isn’t just fighting for rotation minutes anymore. Now the Chicago Bulls need to find out how much OFFENSE he can actually handle.
On today’s Chicago Bulls Central, Haize breaks down Miller’s huge performance against Denver, Josh Giddey’s extremely low shot volume and a new contract situation involving Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black that could eventually become relevant to Chicago.
Leonard Miller erupted for 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists in only 22 minutes, shooting 11-for-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from three in Chicago’s 133-128 loss to Denver. He has now scored 52 points through three preseason games, an average of 17.3 per game. Pasted text
The bigger question is no longer whether Miller has earned more minutes.
It’s whether Chicago should deliberately give him more offensive responsibility.
Can he attack closeouts?
Can he make short-roll decisions?
Can he create a useful possession when the ball is intentionally put in his hands?
Can his jumper hold up when defenses actually start respecting it?
Then we turn to Josh Giddey, who finished against Denver with seven points, eight assists and only one turnover, but attempted just three field goals in 24 minutes. He also went 4-for-4 from the line. Pasted text
Eight assists is good basketball.
But if Giddey becomes too predictable as a passer, defenses can stay attached to Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, Norman Powell and Chicago’s other scorers.
The goal isn’t forcing Josh to chase a shot total.
It’s making sure the defense believes he WILL punish the openings it gives him.
And finally, we discuss Anthony Black.
Recent reporting indicates Black and Orlando have not had meaningful extension talks, with an agreement before the October 19 deadline considered unlikely. That could put the 22-year-old guard on a path toward restricted free agency in 2027 if nothing changes. Chicago’s involvement is NOT reported. This is a Bulls roster-building discussion about whether Black belongs on Bryson Graham’s future scouting list. Pasted text
Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 64 games last season, giving Chicago plenty to evaluate if his availability ever becomes real. Pasted text
🔥 Today on Chicago Bulls Central:
- 😳 Leonard Miller’s 26-point explosion
- 🔥 Miller’s 52 points through three preseason games
- 🎯 His 4-for-6 night from three
- 🧠 What greater offensive responsibility should actually look like
- 👀 Miller beside Giddey, Caleb, Matas, Powell and Hield
- 📈 How Miller could affect future Bulls roster building
- 🤔 Josh Giddey taking only three shots
- 🎯 Why scoring pressure can make Giddey’s passing even better
- 🌟 How an aggressive Giddey could help Caleb and Matas
- 👀 Anthony Black’s contract situation in Orlando
- 🧩 Whether Black fits beside Giddey
- 💰 Restricted free agency complications
- 🔭 What Chicago should monitor throughout the season
💬 Which development matters most: giving Miller more offensive responsibility, getting Giddey to attack more, or putting Anthony Black on Chicago’s future target list?
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