Josh Giddey Says Bulls Can Compete! But Are Noa & Swain Already Under Pressure?

Josh Giddey believes the Chicago Bulls can compete in the Eastern Conference — but should Bulls fans buy into that confidence yet? 👀🐂

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Josh Giddey’s belief that the Bulls can compete in the East and what that says about the mindset inside the locker room. Chicago has a rebuilt roster featuring Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Patrick Williams, Rob Dillingham, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, and Zach Collins, but the big question remains: is this team ready to win more games now, or is this still mainly a development season?

The guys also discuss Bulls players meeting for an unofficial minicamp in Miami and why that matters before training camp. Early chemistry, offseason buy-in, player-led workouts, and young-core development could be huge for a team trying to build a new identity under Tiago Splitter and Bryson Graham.

Plus, Haize and Pat tackle a tougher conversation: can Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain avoid becoming failed draft picks? Both young players have intriguing tools, size, athleticism, defensive upside, and long-term potential — but Bulls fans also know potential alone is not enough. What do Noa and Swain need to show this season to prove they are real parts of Chicago’s future?

Topics Include:

Josh Giddey believing the Bulls can compete in the East

Should Bulls fans believe Giddey’s confidence?

Bulls players holding an unofficial minicamp in Miami

Why offseason chemistry matters for Chicago

Tiago Splitter’s impact on the Bulls’ new culture

Can Noa Essengue avoid the failed draft pick label?

Can Dailyn Swain prove he belongs long-term?