Bulls Notes: Point Guards, Hutchison, Young, Valentine
The Bulls are hoping an intense competition for playing time at point guard will be beneficial once the season begins, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. New addition Tomas Satoransky came into camp ready to challenge Kris Dunn for the starter’s job, but first-round pick Coby White will also be in the mix for minutes, along with Ryan Arcidiacono and Shaquille Harrison.
“The guard play has been fun to watch and competitive,” coach Jim Boylen said. “Respectful, but very competitive. I think it has really added to the spirit of our team, of making each other better, or growing as a group, building a team. It’s been great for us.”
“I think going against each other is just going to make us better,” Dunn added. “Everybody on the team is talented. The point guard position is talented. I think it’s just overall going to make us better.”
There’s more from Chicago:
- Amid a variety of training camp injuries, Chandler Hutchison‘s strained hamstring continues to be the greatest concern, Cowley adds in the same piece. Boylen said earlier this week that Hutchison may not be ready for opening night. Before he can be activated, Hutchison has to pass the team’s fitness test and then prove he can compete in practice. “A hamstring is a difficult injury,” Boylen said. “It’s a trust thing. You’ve got to trust that you can get back into your stance. You’ve got to trust you can extend. And I don’t think he’s there yet. It’s going to be a while.”
- The Bulls have been importing veterans since the trade deadline in February, Cowley observes in a separate story. Free agent addition Thaddeus Young has been sharing his experience with younger players and stressing the importance of preparation. “A lot of people always say that once you get in between these lines it starts, but it doesn’t start in between the lines,’’ he said. “It starts in the locker room … building that camaraderie, building that brotherhood with one another and then it translates out to the court.”
- Denzel Valentine is eager for a new season after missing all of 2018/19 after ankle surgery, relays Sam Smith of Bulls.com. Valentine was a part-time starter two years ago and wants to make a strong impression heading into restricted free agency next summer.
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