CHICAGO — Chicago officially revealed their 21-player Bulls training camp roster ahead of Monday’s media day at the Advocate Center. While roster expansions during the preseason are standard across the league, lead executive Bryson Graham and new head coach Tiago Splitter enter practices with a deliberate plan for their final openings. With 14 standard contracts already locked in for opening night, Chicago leaves exactly one standard roster spot and one two-way contract slot open. That remaining opening creates a direct competition among non-guaranteed invitees fighting to secure their place before the October 7 preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns.
Bryson Graham maintains roster flexibility while trimming camp numbers
The Bulls front office previously created operating room by waiving rookie guard Wooga Poplar off his Exhibit 10 contract, directing him toward the Windy City Bulls. That move allowed Chicago to bring 14 guaranteed standard contracts alongside two-way rookies Jaylin Sellers and Tobe Awaka into practice.
Leaving that 15th standard roster spot open gives Splitter an evaluation period during two-a-day practice sessions. Rather than handing out guaranteed money early, Chicago forces every fringe player to show defensive discipline, fast-break effort, and adaptability to earn a permanent spot on the active roster.
Orlando Robinson and Brandon Boston Jr. lead the Bulls training camp roster fight
Among the remaining non-guaranteed invitees, Orlando Robinson and Brandon Boston Jr. bring the most proven NBA experience to the Advocate Center floor.
Robinson, a physical 6-foot-10 center who previously played for the Miami Heat, offers strong rebounding and paint protection behind Nic Claxton and Jalen Smith. Meanwhile, Boston arrives after winning a Turkish Super League title with Fenerbahçe following four NBA seasons with the Clippers and Pelicans. He gives Chicago an aggressive, self-sufficient scorer who can create his own shot off the bench.
If either player performs well during camp scrimmages, they hold a strong chance of convincing Tiago Splitter to convert their contract and fill that 15th standard slot before opening night.
Five fringe players fighting for one remaining two-way contract
While standard roster spots carry cap implications, the remaining two-way contract presents an equally important path for young talent. Two-way deals allow players to spend time developing with the Windy City Bulls while remaining active for up to 50 NBA games.
Robinson, Boston, undrafted LSU power forward Marquel Sutton, and guard Peter Suder are all competing for that single two-way opening. Houston Mallette was cut after being signed just days prior to make way to the G-league affiliate. Sutton brings athletic rim-running capabilities, while Suder provides three-point shooting. Who claims that final slot will depend on who demonstrates consistent defensive effort during practice drills in camp.
What to watch as Chicago Bulls media day arrives
With media day taking place Monday, September 28, and official practices beginning Tuesday, September 29, the clock is ticking for everyone on non-guaranteed deals. How Splitter distributes minutes across five preseason exhibition games will signal who earned the trust of the new coaching staff.
Core pieces on the Bulls training camp roster like Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Josh Giddey will establish the primary offensive schemes. However, the energy brought by Robinson and Boston during scrimmages will set the physical tone for the entire Bulls season. Based on the needs of the roster, I won’t be surprised if Robinson gets the last spot just because the team needs bodies in the middle. Backup big Zach Collins is notoriously injury prone.
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