Given that coach Jim Boylen reiterated at Monday's morning shootaround that he'll experiment with different lineups during the preseason, Kris Dunn drawing the start at point guard against the Bucks doesn't matter as much as this:
The fourth-year point guard continues to demonstrate how much better a place he is in mentally than last season.
"That’s what I took the summer for, to assess. Allow me to clear my mind to be a better player for this team and also a better teammate," Dunn said while standing under the giant new scoreboard at the United Center. "I know it’s a talented group. And I want to be a part of that."
Dunn will start alongside Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Cristiano Felicio, while Wendell Carter Jr. will sit with his bruised tailbone. Boylen said Porter will only play first-half minutes, and Shaq Harrison, Chandler Hutchison and Luke Kornet will also sit with their respective nagging injuries. Boylen did add that both Hutchison (sore hamstring) and Kornet (turf toe) are scheduled to practice Tuesday.
As for Dunn, the drafting of Coby White, the sign-and-trade acquisition of Tomas Satoransky and the re-signing of Ryan Arcidiacono made for a crowded point guard picture. At one point this summer, the Bulls shopped Dunn, with the blessing of Dunn's camp. When no trade materialized, Dunn reported for voluntary September workouts and impressed coaches and executives with his play and work ethic.
Dunn has played well with Markkanen in the past. It's when he, LaVine and Markkanen have played together where issues have developed. Dunn has openly talked about his struggles playing off-the-ball last season in Boylen's multi-ballhandler system.
But for now, at least, Dunn's tune has changed.
NBA
"I’m just getting out and running, use my speed to my advantage," Dunn said. "When somebody else brings it up, I’m going to fill my lane. If I’m open, take my shot. If I’m not, just get the spacing right and allow someone else to create."
Dunn said he saw improved chemistry between the three players in those September workouts.
"All of us can get downhill and make plays for others," Dunn said. "So it’s going to be a fun season."
What is Boylen looking for from Dunn on Monday?
"I want to see him play efficient basketball," Boylen said. "I want to see his decisions be solid. I want him to be the most dominant defensive player on the floor. And I want him to accept coaching, which he’s been great at. And I want that to keep going."
Boylen also wants to Dunn to play with confidence when he doesn't have the ball.
"I’d like him to 'point-five it,' which is shoot it, drive it or pass it in point-5 seconds," Boylen said. "I do not want the ball to stick."
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