CHICAGO _ After a one-game absence to illness, Fred Hoiberg returned to coach the Bulls' third straight victory, a 118-114 decision over the Hornets on Tuesday night at the United Center.
Not that there's any question because he has checked the boxes management wanted and has two years remaining on his deal, but Kris Dunn said it's important for Hoiberg to return next season as well.
"He was one of the main guys who helped me get my swagger back. He was one of the main guys who helped this team get into that run where we had that winning streak," Dunn said. "He always stays positive throughout, no matter what the situation was, to the injuries to all the negative talk to the tanking talk to anything. He allowed this group to stay sane with that. He's definitely important."
Sure, there are four games remaining following a night in which the Bulls again harmed their draft lottery positioning, falling into a tie for eighth with the Knicks. Lauri Markkanen continued his late-season scoring efficiency with 24 points in 24 minutes and five 3-pointers for the second straight game. Sean Kilpatrick scored 19 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter in an amazing show.
But with Denzel Valentine landing on the season-ending shelf with Dunn, Zach LaVine, Antonio Blakeney and Paul Zipser, the focus already is shifting to an important offseason and next season's roles.
Along those lines, Valentine emphatically stated his belief in his ability to be a full-time starter next season.
"I feel like I should have a bigger role next year. I definitely should be a starter coming in," Valentine said. "I think I can be a consistent player at this level, be somebody they can rely on, somebody who defends, makes shots, makes plays for others, plays the game the right way and is a competitor. So I definitely think I'm a starter in this league."
On a night Hoiberg hinted that Robin Lopez could be resting the remainder of the season, Dunn, too, reflected on his second season that featured three significant injuries _ open finger dislocation, concussion and teeth displacement, turf toe _ but strong statistical averages of 13.4 points, six assists and two steals.
"My swagger. Getting that back," Dunn said, when asked his most significant achievement. "I didn't have it in Minnesota. I'm glad to have it back. I know my game. I know what I need to work on in the offseason.
"I have to thank the organization, the coaching staff and my teammates for (getting my swagger back). They gave me the confidence and helped me bring the swag. I have to always play basketball that way since I was little and into high school and college. I played with confidence and tried to get the respect out of people and this league."
Dunn also showed leadership, particularly in showing a closer's mentality when he and the Bulls had it rolling in December.
"I think I built the relationships with the coaching staff and teammates that everything I do, I try to play hard, work hard. Off the court, I try to do everything with a positive manner," Dunn said. "I got respect out of the team. I think they know because I'm a point guard, I'm going to try to be a leader. Next year, I'm going to try to get us on to the right path. I know I need my guys, and they want me to try to lead. So I'm going to definitely take on the challenge and accept it."
