Jalen Smith steps into starting role for Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls center Jalen Smith has taken on a prominent starting role early in the 2026-27 NBA season. With teammate Nic Claxton sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Smith has stepped up to anchor the team's frontcourt during the opening stretch of games.

During Wednesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors, Smith recorded 15 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot. He shot 5-of-10 from the field and connected on 5-of-6 free throws in 19 minutes of action.

Although the Bulls suffered a lopsided 135-92 loss to Toronto, Smith stood out as the only starter to connect on at least 50 percent of his field-goal attempts. He also tied for the game-high with four offensive rebounds, anchoring the team inside despite sitting out the entire fourth quarter due to the large deficit.

Smith established himself as a reliable contributor during the second half of the 2025-26 season, when he averaged a career-high 21 minutes per contest. In that limited role, he posted averages of 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 1.5 three-pointers while shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc to help space the floor for Chicago.

Prior to the start of the current campaign, Smith was ticketed for a reserve role behind Claxton, who suffered his hamstring injury during the preseason. With Claxton expected to miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season, Smith is slated to maintain his starting position and provide essential frontcourt stability.

Fantasy basketball analysts have highlighted Smith as a strong waiver wire target and a recommended addition for managers while awaiting Claxton's recovery. His efficiency and rebounding capabilities make him a valuable option in various league formats as he continues to log heavy minutes in the starting lineup.