As the Chicago Bulls head into another extremely tough week of play , they at least know some help is on the way.

For the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury during training camp, Nic Claxton was able to practice with the team in full. The big man was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a multi-team trade this offseason, essentially acting as a primary free-agent signing for Bryson Graham's new front office. All things considered, it was a somewhat surprising grab by the Bulls, but one that was likely made with interior defense in mind.

The roster that Graham inherited lacked any true rim protection. To be clear, Claxton struggled to look like the same elite defender over the last couple of years, but his past production is hard to ignore. The Bulls likely believe that a change of scenery can help him take a step back in the right direction.

With that in mind, it has been widely assumed that Claxton will serve as this team's starting center when healthy.…