NEW YORK — Jalen “Stix” Smith has quietly emerged as one of the Chicago Bulls’ most reliable rotation pieces this season, proving that perseverance and adaptability can turn a bench player into a stabilizing force for a struggling team.

When the Bulls acquired Zach Collins just before last season’s trade deadline, expectations were high for a multi-big-man rotation. Coach Billy Donovan envisioned lineups where two players with size and versatility could challenge opposing frontcourts, especially against the league’s dominant bigs. But the plan never quite clicked last year, largely because of Smith’s struggles to adjust to the system.

It wasn’t for lack of effort. Smith embraced every opportunity to contribute, whether paired with Collins, Nikola Vucevic, or serving as the lone big on the court. But the results were inconsistent, and Donovan had to make difficult rotations decisions, limiting Smith’s minutes in favor of more dependable options. By the end of the 2024-25 season, Smith went from being a key rotational piece to a player who was in and out of the lineup, a scenario that surprised both fans and team executives.

“Lots of times when they threw me out there last year, I wasn’t being impactful,” Smith said. “I was getting targeted a lot by the defense. I wasn’t rebounding. I wasn’t really doing anything to help the team.”

That offseason became a turning point for Smith. Determined to reclaim his role, he committed to an intensive development program with the Bulls’ player-development coaches. He worked on rebounding, rim protection, positioning, and situational awareness on both ends of the court. Smith even experimented with multiple positions, practicing at power forward and center to become a more versatile asset.

“This year, my main goal coming in was to try and do whatever I can to stay on the court,” Smith said. “If I’ve gotta rebound, I’ve gotta rebound. If I’ve gotta block shots, I block shots. It’s about being ready at any point and time. We worked on a lot of different situations…to try and help the team win.”

The results are clear in his performance this season. Smith is averaging 18.7 minutes per game—the most he’s logged since the 2022-23 season with the Indiana Pacers. In that time, he’s contributing 9.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while ranking among the team leaders in charges drawn, a testament to his defensive awareness and willingness to sacrifice his body for the team.

But those statistics don’t tell the full story. While last season he posted a minus-36 in plus/minus, this year Smith leads the Bulls with a staggering plus-61, a figure unmatched by any teammate. Only Zach Collins (plus-18) and Coby White (plus-10) are in positive territory alongside him, illustrating just how impactful Smith has been on the floor beyond the stat sheet.

“He’s been great for us, honestly,” Vucevic said. “Playing [power forward and center], different situations, different positions. He’s done a great job protecting the paint, rebounding the ball, bringing us some physicality. I’ve enjoyed being out on the court with him. I think our two-big lineup helps us, and I think we have good chemistry.”

Smith’s success has broader implications for the Bulls’ roster and front office decisions. Chicago remains in a precarious position at 19-22, hovering in play-in territory with playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas could explore trades involving Vucevic, Collins, or other veterans to either free cap space or accumulate future assets. Smith’s emergence provides a safety net, showing the team they have a capable bridge player who can maintain performance regardless of roster changes.

“At the end of the day, it’s about how I stand out with the four other guys I’m playing with,” Smith said. “It’s doing what it takes to stay out there.”

This level of versatility and reliability makes Smith a valuable asset. In scenarios where Vucevic is traded or Collins departs via his expiring contract, Smith offers continuity for the Bulls. His ability to contribute in multiple positions, while sustaining both offensive and defensive production, provides the team with flexibility Donovan desperately needs in a season that has been anything but smooth.

Moreover, Smith’s journey reflects a broader theme for the Bulls: the importance of development and opportunity. Young or underutilized players can turn into difference-makers with consistent coaching, targeted training, and the willingness to adapt. Smith’s transformation from a player on the fringes of the rotation to a leading plus/minus contributor underscores the value of patience, preparation, and embracing any role.

As the Bulls navigate the remainder of the season, Smith’s presence offers both stability and potential. While the team faces tough decisions in trades and strategy, having a dependable, versatile big like Smith on the roster ensures that the Bulls can remain competitive, even amidst uncertainty.

In the end, Jalen “Stix” Smith’s story this season is about more than statistics. It’s a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the quiet impact a player can have when fully committed to improving himself and his team. Chicago may not be a playoff powerhouse this year, but with Smith anchoring key rotations, they have a player capable of making them better now—and in the seasons to come.