NEWSLETTER
The Bulls have a starting point guard … well for tonight.
Kris Dunn spoke with the media earlier today, letting reporters know that Head Coach Jim Boylen plans to start him in tonight’s first preseason contest against Milwaukee.
“We’ve got a lot of different players who can go out there and do different things. Coach said he’s going to start me tonight, but mix it up for other preseason games. I’m here to do whatever I can do for the team. Whatever Coach needs me to do I’ll do.” – Kris Dunn pic.twitter.com/CH8Uh6rzWp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 7, 2019
Before you freak out about not seeing Tomas Satoransky in the starting lineup, make sure you read the full quote. As Boylen has mentioned previously, he plans to test out numerous starting groups throughout the preseason, so Sato’s time will come.
Moreover, while it’s not crazy to link Dunn’s start tonight with the Bulls (continued?) plans to showcase him as a potential trade chip this fall; I don’t actually think that’s what’s going on here. This is probably more of an “audition,” start than anything else, and it also makes sense for the team to favor experience in the first preseason game of the year (Coby White and Tomas Satoransky are both new to the team). Plus, White and Satoransky will likely be expected to play off the ball more tonight, saving their legs a bit, which helps further explain the choice.
To that end, you should still root for Dunn to kill it tonight and throughout the preseason. If he does well and happens to stick around, the Bulls have a solid piece to work in and out of lineups. Likewise, if his early-preseason performance spurs a suitor into action, all the better. Options are a good thing and by starting Dunn tonight, the Bulls are positioning themselves to have more of them.
Here’s the rest of the lineup, by the way:
“Dunn, LaVine, Porter, Markkanen and Felicio will start tonight.” Coach Boylen pic.twitter.com/6zU7tPfLnn
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 7, 2019
Did you cartoonishly rub your eyes? Yes, that is Cristiano Felicio starting at center for tonight’s game.
It appears Wendell Carter Jr. is still working his way back from the tailbone injury he suffered during Training Camp, and with free-agent signee Luke Kornet also still battling turf toe, Felicio is getting his number called.
While the Bulls have rookie Daniel Gafford at their disposal, Felicio’s experience won out. Although, with the center position undermanned, we’ll have to keep an eye on how Boylen decides to rotate players throughout the game. Chances are – with only two centers active – we’ll see Lauri Markkanen clock minutes under the hoop at some point (and the same goes for Thaddeus Young).
Shaquille Harrison and Chandler Hutchison will also both be sidelined for this game, so you can probably expect even more playing time for the likes of White, Denzel Valentine, and Ryan Arcidiacono. We also might even get a greater glimpse at two-way guard Adam Mokoka. Ooh, la la.
When you take into account the injuries, plus the fact that Markkanen and Zach LaVine will most likely not be playing the entire game, the Bulls will be leaning heavily on some positionless basketball.
After all, look how many lineups they have on the chalkboard:
Boylen said the coaching staff has 11 lineups they'd like to look at this preseason. "This team has versatility. What I’m hoping for is durability and availability," Boylen said.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 7, 2019
Hey, it’s the preseason, let’s get weird!
Michael Cerami contributed to this post.
