NEW YORK _ Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said one idea on the table for allocation of Zach LaVine's initial 20-minute limits is to have stints featuring LaVine "with the ball in his hands."
That would mean point guard with the second unit.
Ultimately, LaVine will start and play the majority of his minutes alongside Kris Dunn. And both guards plus Hoiberg have said the ability to play off each other was seamless last season with the Timberwolves.
"They're two fast-paced guards who are both attack players," Hoiberg said. "If Zach rebounds, he's certainly capable of getting the ball down the floor in a hurry and getting us in an offense. And Zach's overall speed fits with Kris."
Since he got hired, Hoiberg has been exhorting his lead guard to "throw ahead" to start attacking before the defense gets set. He said Dunn has done it the best.
LaVine marveled at Dunn's growth from his reserve role last season.
"I've seen him have so much more confidence than he had last year," LaVine said. "He's back to (being) that dude everybody loved coming out of the draft. His swagger is back. He's talking. It's good to see that.
"I'm glad I'm going to be able to play with my boy again."
