It's been a while since the Chicago Bulls have had this much positive buzz heading into a season. And it's a season where the team isn't putting any pressure on themselves to make the playoffs. Instead, the Bulls are excited to build around 2026 first-round pick Caleb Wilson and new head coach Tiago Splitter.

"He looks," one team source told ESPN about drafting Wilson, "like we got a dude."

Expectations are high for Wilson, but he shares in them himself.

"I expect to have Rookie of the Year, honestly," Wilson said. "I'm going to work hard. I'm going to do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play."

Part of Wilson's expectation are built on playing for Splitter, who coached his new team in their first two Summer League games. Wilson already appreciates Splitter's approach.

"He's really detailed," Wilson said. "He knows what he wants you to do and he's pretty serious. Most coaches, you have coaches that are joking around and stuff like that. Tiago's pretty serious and he knows what he wants.

"I'd rather have someone who's serious and straightforward with me, so I know what I can do better."

As for Splitter, he's focused on connecting with his new players and building a system that fits them.

"You have to adapt your system to the players you have," Splitter said.

"Yes, I have a vision. I have a certain way I want to play, but you also have to explore what they do best. That's what we're going to do here."