The Chicago Bulls needed a veteran voice to wake up their young core, and Norman Powell is delivering just that. On Tuesday, after training camp practice, the 33-year-old guard laid out a simple plan for Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson. He told them to stop thinking and start shooting. This is exactly what a rebuilding team needs right now.
A Clear Message for the Young Stars
Buzelis and Wilson are the future of this franchise, but they are too cautious. Buzelis turns 22 this season while Wilson is just 20, according to Yahoo Sports. They are talented, but talent means nothing without confidence. Powell knows this because he has been there. He is entering his 12th NBA season after playing for five different teams. His path took him from the G League to an NBA championship ring. Now he wants the kids to play free.
Powell stated directly to the reporters, “I’m telling them to shoot the ball.” He explained that if he sees them passing up good looks during drills, he steps in. “If I’m not in the game or I’m watching from the sideline in a certain drill, and they’re passing up shots, just the reinforcement to give them the confidence to attack or to take the open shot and to play their game,” he added. This isn’t just friendly advice. It is a demand for aggression.
Why Aggression Wins Games
The Bulls have a new head coach in Tiago Splitter who wants more intensity on defense. But offense requires a different kind of boldness. Powell believes the team’s style matches the strengths of these young players perfectly. “I think our playing style and how we want to play suits what their strengths are,” Powell noted. He sees a system built for them to shine. The only missing piece is the fear of making a mistake.
Powerful players like Powell do not let teammates hide. He has been a proven 20-plus points per game scorer who hits threes at a high rate. He knows how to make shots when the pressure is high. His team-friendly deal pays him $21.5 million this season with a team option for next year. He has no reason to hold back his knowledge. He wants them to succeed because their success helps the whole roster.
“And I like it. I like them being aggressive,” Powell stated. That simple line says everything. The Bulls do not need passive players who wait for the perfect moment. They need guys who take the shot and live with the result. Lead executive Bryson Graham believes Powell can relate to everyone on the team. That connection is key. The veteran is not just a player; he is a teacher.
The Test Starts Now
The regular season is right around the corner. Buzelis is entering his third year, and Wilson was the No. 4 overall pick this summer. The time for development is over. The time for production is here. Powell’s message is clear: shoot the ball. If the young stars listen, the Bulls could surprise people.
