Oct. 31--Rookies can play inconsistently. But one thing that has been consistent has been Tom Thibodeau's praise of Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic.
"Our rookies have done a good job from the moment they've gotten here," Thibodeau said after practice Thursday.
Mirotic had five points and seven rebounds in his 15-minute NBA debut against the Knicks.
"I wasn't nervous, just very excited," Mirotic said. "It was a great feeling to play in New York. I think I did a good job, especially rebounding. They want that from me and I need to improve. I need to play my basketball. If I'm open, shoot my ball. If not, pass."
McDermott scored 12 points, and his five reboundscontinued his prowess in that area.
"I think I'm really quick to the boards," McDermott said. "I'm not the most athletic guy but I've always had a good knack for timing and knowing where the ball will be."
Deadline day: Friday will be busy for Jimmy Butler, who played 4-on-4 after Thursday's light practice. He hasn't ruled himself out of Friday's game with his sprained left thumb. Following that decision, the deadline for a contract extension to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent looms at 10:59 p.m.
Sources said negotiations continue but the sides were roughly $2.5 million apart annually as of Thursday.
Bombs away: After his 13-point, six-assist Bulls debut, Aaron Brooks looks ready to join the line of reserve point guard helpers behind C.J. Watson, John Lucas III, Nate Robinson and D.J. Augustin.
"The first half I had a couple of driving lanes that I took advantage of," Brooks said. "The second half, I helped open up our shooters. The second unit, our job is to increase the lead or keep it steady."
Layups: Thibodeau coached Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving this summer with USA Basketball. "To characterize him as a young guy is not fair," Thibodeau said. "He's a superstar." ... If Butler sits, Mike Dunleavy moves from guarding Carmelo Anthony to LeBron James. "Mike is a great pro," Thibodeau said. "He has great discipline. He prepares himself well." Dunleavy failed to score and missed all five shots, but Thibodeau called Wednesday's effort "a great game."
