Giddey Clears, Claxton Addresses Back Talk

By the Bulls Nightly Desk · Tuesday, September 29

Josh Giddey was cleared from the injury list on Sept. 28, and Nic Claxton pushed back on a back-issue narrative the same day, per the Chicago Sun-Times. Camp roster moves have slowed for now, with preseason set to open Oct. 7 against the Suns.

Bulls Nightly artwork — Illustration by Hoops Nightly.

Giddey off the list. Josh Giddey's injury status was updated to cleared on Sept. 28, taking him off the injury report entirely. No details on what had sidelined him were given, and it's one fewer name to track as camp rolls into preseason.

Claxton pushes back. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Nic Claxton addressed a back-issue narrative surrounding him, per Joe Cowley. Claxton arrived from Brooklyn this offseason to shore up a unit that finished 22nd in defensive rating last season.

Wilson hype, tempered. The Sun-Times also reported that the coaching staff is tempering expectations around rookie Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick in the 2026 draft. Wilson remains camp's headline arrival, though no timetable for his role has been set.

Another roundup, no specifics. Hoops Rumors grouped the Bulls into a Sept. 29 roundup titled Bulls Notes: Graham, Wilson, Claxton, Buzelis, without stating what actually involves Chicago beyond the names listed. It is at least the sixth such grouping this month carrying no specifics.

Swain, Collins timelines. Dailyn Swain, dealing with a wrist and arm issue, is targeting an Oct. 1 return. Zach Collins, working back from a right toe and leg issue, is aiming for Oct. 7. Both remain out as camp continues.

Preseason on the clock. Chicago opens its preseason slate Oct. 7 at home against the Suns, hosts the Grizzlies on Oct. 9, then travels to Denver on Oct. 11 (ESPN) and Milwaukee on Oct. 14. The regular-season opener is Oct. 21 at Toronto.

Jones' bench habit. Last season, Tre Jones scored 20 or more off the bench four times in five games, turning reserve minutes into a scoring habit that outpaced most starters. It's a number worth watching as Splitter sets his rotation this camp.

On deck Preseason opens Oct. 7 against the Suns, with three more preseason games — Grizzlies, at Nuggets, at Bucks — before the Oct. 21 opener at Toronto. The open question is how Splitter's rotation shakes out with Giddey cleared and Jones already producing off the bench.

Is Josh Giddey injured entering Bulls training camp?

No. Giddey's status was updated to cleared on Sept. 28, taking him off the injury report.

When do the Bulls play their first preseason game?

The Bulls open preseason Oct. 7 at home against the Suns, ahead of an Oct. 21 regular-season opener at Toronto.