Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets: Game Outlook
Oct 15, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bulls kickoff the final week of preseason action with an exhibition against the Charlotte Hornets.
As the preseason winds down, the Chicago Bulls veterans have seen less and less playing time.
In fact, Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Taj Gibson, and Jimmy Butler all got the night off Saturday against the Bucks.
However, as the vets get some rest, some of the younger guys have gotten some valuable playing time. Guys like Paul Zipser and Isaiah Canaan have been able to showcase what they bring to the table.
Oh yeah, and Cristiano Felicio has finally been getting some playing time before the fourth quarter.
On Monday night, the Bulls take on the Charlotte Hornets and there are still some questions to be answered with this team.
Specifically, two position battles are yet to be decided. Who is going to be the starting power forward? Who is going to be the primary backup point guard?
Those are the two storylines to really pay attention to as the preseason comes to an end this week. A solid performance from any of the candidates in these last couple games could be enough to push them over the top.
There’s still plenty of sorting out to do, but here’s a closer look into the two position battles.
Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fist quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Starting Power Forward
Fred Hoiberg told the media that starting power forward was “an open competition“, and that it has been.
In the minds of many, Nikola Mirotic came into preseason as the favorite to grab the final starting spot. The reason being because the Bulls need some sort of shooting in their starting lineup.
Even with that in mind, Taj Gibson started the first preseason game. Not only that, but he has pretty clearly outperformed Mirotic throughout the preseason.
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Fred Hoiberg knows what he is going to get from Taj Gibson: He is going to outwork his opponent on a nightly basis and provide a positive impact on the defensive end.
Gibson has nothing to prove, as evident by Hoiberg giving him rest against Milwaukee. Gibson is obviously the better player, but Mirotic’s shooting is important for spacing the floor.
The starting power forward is more about whether or not Nikola Mirotic proves he is ready for that role. He started off preseason looking lost, but since then he has gotten somewhat back on track.
Even so, he has yet to create any sort of separation between himself and Gibson. A solid last week of preseason could land Mirotic the job.
Oct 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Spencer Dinwiddie (25) dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Backup Point Guard
The backup point guard battle is far more confusing than the starting power forward for the Bulls. Fred Hoiberg has to decide between a host of candidates: Jerian Grant, Spencer Dinwiddie, Denzel Valentine, Isaiah Canaan, and the newly acquired Michael Carter-Williams.
Jerian Grant was a main piece in the Derrick Rose trade, but he has really struggled throughout the preseason.
Spencer Dinwiddie has had some impressive moments over the past couple weeks. That of course has been headlined by his 19-point performance against Indiana. Dinwiddie has done himself a ton of favors in the preseason.
Denzel Valentine looked comfortable running the point in his brief stint in the preseason opener against Milwaukee. However, after injuring his ankle he hasn’t been able to build upon what was a promising start.
Isaiah Canaan is another guy who has done himself some favors during the preseason. Although, there are questions as to whether or not he is a legit point guard.
Acquiring Michael Carter-Williams throws a monkey wrench into the whole situation. He is the most experienced of the bunch, but he hasn’t had much success since winning Rookie of the Year as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Fred Hoiberg has a ton to sort through and there isn’t a clear cut answer by any means.
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