Sept. 29--Here are three observations from Monday's media day as Fred Hoiberg begins his first day of practices as Bulls coach.
Hoiberg won't commit to a lineup and likes his roster's flexibility
Eventually, all coaches like to settle into a regular starting five and rotation. But Hoiberg said he will use training camp to finalize his decision on the starters, including trying different lineups in the exhibitions.
Starting Nikola Mirotic, perhaps over Joakim Noah, had been discussed internally even before Mike Dunleavy's back surgery. It's clear Hoiberg views the Bulls' roster as one that gives him plenty of offensive options.
"Who's your best driving team with your playmakers and floor spacers? What are some lineups where you can get the ball inside and try to punish teams? And that's the great thing about this roster; there's a lot of flexibility with it," Hoiberg said. "You can put guys in a lot of positions with a lot of versatility."
Joakim Noah is confident his health issues are behind him
The former All-NBA center and 2014 Defensive Player of the Year spent much of his offseason training at the acclaimed P3 Sports Science academy in Santa Barbara, Calif. So much of Noah's game is predicated on his activity and liveliness and he sounded optimistic that the left knee troubles that slowed him last season are in the past.
"Last year was very tough for me, just not being able to move the way I wanted to on the court, to be able to play the way I wanted to play," Noah said. "I'm excited to be back in Chicago and show my teammates I can be there for them."
Jimmy Butler is serious about his game expanding -- again
Hoiberg has made clear he wants to push the tempo and he certainly sounds like a coach who will be equal opportunity about ball-handling. While some are questioning how Butler and Derrick Rose will co-exist, both players are confident their talents will mesh well in Hoiberg's attack. At least in Butler's mind, this even involves him playing some point guard if needed.
"Why not? I think that's another challenge, something I have to get better at anyway," Butler said of playing the position. "The only way to get better at it is to go out and do it, attempt it. I have confidence that I can do whatever my team needs me to do. I think (Hoiberg) thinks I'm joking around a little bit, but I don't know. Maybe sometime in the season that may be called for. If not, I'll just keep dreaming."
