New Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg and first round draft pick Bobby Portis threw out ceremonial first pitches before Monday night's White Sox game, and the rookie needed some help from John Danks to avoid bouncing it in to home plate.
Portis doesn't have a future on the mound, but he will get to show off his basketball skills next week in Las Vegas as the Bulls begin their Summer League slate. Portis, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Arkansas, with the Bulls nabbing him at No. 22 in last month's NBA Draft.
[RELATED: Bobby Portis a 'unanimous selection' for Bulls' front office]
Hoiberg, who has met personally with every player except Pau Gasol - he'll travel to Spain this month to meet with his All-Star center - said his group is ready to improve on last year's 50-win regular season and second-round playoff exit via LeBron James and the Cavs.
"Guys have been great. They've really been good. They've been receptive, excited to get the season started," Hoiberg told reporters after tossing his pitch to Danks. "They're still kind of in that recovery mode, getting their bodies back after an 82-game schedule but they're excited about next year and I'm excited to start working with them."
Hoiberg also semi-addressed a question as to whether the Bulls may look to move any pieces this offseason to free up cap space or playing time in the frontcourt.
"With such a competitive roster a year ago, we're looking forward to hopefully having that same roster going into next season going into training camp," he said.
NBA
Kirk Hinrich picked up his player option, and the team agreed to deals to retain Mike Dunleavy and Jimmy Butler. Aaron Brooks also agreed to a one-year deal. Teams can officially sign free agents beginning July 9.