Bulls injury update from Coach Boylen: "Carter (tailbone) and Harrison (hamstring) did not practice (today) Friday. I held Valentine out (today), like I did with Otto and Thad Thursday. He will play Saturday."
The addition of Chris Fleming and Roy Rogers to the coaching staff has been beneficial with teaching and attention to detail stressed. The staff refuse to allow slippage as they look to build a solid foundation built on basketball fundamentals, skill and intelligence.
The Bulls signed free agent Simisola Shittu, 6-10 out of Vanderbilt.
A few thoughts.... Coby White has been impressive and is a well grounded 19 year old with a huge upside. The Bulls have depth at the point guard position with Tomas Satoransky and Kris Dunn. It remains very much up in the air who starts opening night in Charlotte. Thaddeus Young is as good as advertised. He is the consummate professional. Otto Porter Jr. is extremely gifted and will be huge in his first full season in a Bulls uniform.
Zach LaVine has All Star written all over him as does Lauri Markkanen. I expect both to have break out years and take their game to the next level. If the two players are on the Eastern Conference All Star team that tells me the Bulls are going to have a very good first half of the season. But again, one day at a time.
The Bulls gear up for home games Monday and Wednesday at the United Center.
NBA NEWS & NOTES:
In India, the Pacers edged the Kings in OT 132-131. T.J. Warren hit a game tying three ball to send the contest in to an extra period. Warren poured in 30 points drilling five treys. He was a terrific pickup from Phoenix. The question is can he stay healthy? Domantas Sabonis had a 21-12 game. I'm a huge Sabonis fan. He competes and gets after it on both ends. Buddy Hield scored 28 for the Kings. Sacramento has some really good pieces. Are they a playoff team?
Brooklyn 137, Franca (Brazil) 89. Taurean Prince scored a team-high 22 points.
Zion Williamson was officially measured at 6 feet 6 inches without shoes. Williamson and the Pelicans pay the United Center a visit Wednesday.
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