Nic Claxton has one big goal as he looks to take the Chicago Bulls to new heights

The NBA season is right around the corner, and anticipation is high for the Chicago Bulls.

With new faces, a potential young superstar, and a brand-new coach, fans are excited about this new era of Chicago basketball.

Yesterday, the Bulls hosted their annual media day. Players, coaches, and executives were asked questions about the upcoming season and the goals that the franchise has going forward. The rebuild is in full swing, but with a roster full of solid talent, winning games shouldn’t be as shocking as it has been in years past.

One big move the Bulls made this offseason was trading for 27-year-old center Nic Claxton. He was part of a three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Claxton brings elite rim protection and has been a force on the glass since entering the league in 2019. During the 2022-23 season, he finished ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, where he averaged 2.5 blocks per game.

Nic Claxton paint protection (2025-26) pic.twitter.com/OxNnUweQ79

— Bulls Chronicles (@BullsTalkOnly) August 3, 2026

When you combine his athleticism and youth, as well as his elite defense, Claxton is a perfect fit for this current Bulls roster.

During media day, he was asked about his goals for the upcoming season.

“I just want to impact winning in every way. Help this organization reach heights it hasn’t been to in a long time. Push the younger guys, help them figure out the league, and just grow, have fun, and be myself.”

Claxton isn’t a major offensive threat, as most of his points come from putbacks and lobs. His highest points per game is 12.5, which he achieved during his monster 2022-23 season. Some could say this is the opposite of the Nikola Vucevic trade,  prioritizing defense over offense.

If Nic Claxton can stay healthy, look for the Chicago Bulls to improve defensively

Since he came into the league in 2019, Claxton has been a part of the Brooklyn Nets.

He’s only appeared in 20 playoff games, all at the beginning of his career. Needless to say, the Nets weren’t very competitive during his tenure. Claxton is used to being a part of a rebuilding process, but you can tell it took a toll on him.

“I mean, obviously yeah. Especially last year. You prepare to be the best version of yourself every single night. And sometimes if your minutes are cut or the organization has a different agenda, it can affect you.”

Claxton continued, “At the end of the day, I’ve got to be a professional. And be the best version of myself. I had a great time in Brooklyn, and I’m excited to be where my feet are here in Chicago.”

Even though the Bulls continue to reiterate the fact that they’re rebuilding, this roster proves otherwise. Even with the Eastern Conference being tougher than it has been, the Bulls have talent and a promising young coach.

Claxton was also asked about his back, as it’s been a problem for him in the past. “A couple of years ago it really bothered me. But last year it wasn’t a problem. It’s not a problem now. I figured out my body and what I need to do to stay on top of it. I’m good to go.”

The Bulls will begin preseason play in just a few weeks, as we’ll get our first look at Claxton in a Chicago uniform.

More: Chicago Bulls executive praises Caleb Wilson’s work ethic during media day

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bulls-nic-claxton-leadership-role-nba/