Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg declared an “open” competition for the starting point guard slot after tonight’s 32-point loss to the Thunder, tweets Nick Friedell of ESPN. Kris Dunn, who was acquired in an offseason trade with Minnesota, made his season debut after missing the first four games with a dislocated finger. Dunn fell on the finger, but Hoiberg said he was “fine” after the game.
Jerian Grant started his fifth straight game, but has been less than stellar as Chicago has compiled a 1-4 record. He was averaging 10.8 points and 7.3 assists coming into tonight, but was shooting 39.5% from the field and was just 1 of 10 from 3-point range. He missed all seven of his shots against OKC and finished with two points. Kay Felder, who was claimed off waivers earlier this month, is the third point guard.
There’s more news from Chicago:
- Cameron Payne could become another candidate for that starting spot when he returns from offseason foot surgery. The Bulls’ decision to pick up his option Friday indicates they still see him as part of the future, notes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Payne saw limited playing time after being acquired from the Thunder at February’s deadline. “The thing with Cam, obviously came in during the middle of the season,’’ Hoiberg said, “came at a tough time. The biggest thing we saw, especially in the playoff prep when he was playing the role of Isaiah Thomas, he really showed an ability to get downhill, spray the ball out.’’ The team doesn’t expect Payne back on the court before the start of 2018.
- Nikola Mirotic, who is still recovering from the damage caused by a punch from Bobby Portis, has been cleared for supervised activity at the team facility, but hasn’t started yet, tweets Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago. Hoiberg said it may happen tomorrow or Monday.
- David Nwaba, who won a roster spot after being claimed off waivers in July, is making a case for more playing time, writes K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. The second-year guard is impressing teammates with his commitment to defense. “David is one of the best shot contesters I’ve played against,” said Justin Holiday. “Remember when he blocked [Kyle] Korver‘s shot? How many do you see block Korver’s shot?”
Jerian Grant and Cameron Payne are absolute GARBAGE.
DUNN should be starting. No question.
Glad you’re not a reporter.
Just to point this out as someone that can analyze ball and not go rage about my opinions, the Bulls have like 5 backup point guards with Dunn not yet having the chance to show he can be. Payne will have the hardest shot at keeping a job but I think the rumor of his lack of dedication will be his downfall. And I’m a fan so hey other arm chair GMs…. It’s a rumor and always will be until I get to coach him or until someone comes out and says he’s a bad apple.
Rage about your opinions?? Who the hel l are you?? Lol.
I simply stated my opinion about who should be starting.
I’ve been watching ball since you were probably in diapers.
Dunn doesn’t need to prove anything Dunn was brought here to be the starter. Therefore, in a season where the Bulls have nothing to lose, make him the immediate starter.
Grant and Payne should be playing on a blacktop street court. They’re GARBAGE.
Hoiberg is complete garbage. Is he going to go a 2nd straight year playing dumb rotations? Obviously, they aren’t trying to win, but I think it hurts the development of the young guys when they’re put in bad positions to succeed
When you’re 5 games into the season and already tanking for draft position….
Tanking is when you purposely blow games. The Bulls’ roster is so bad, they lose no matter who plays.