Day two of the Bulls training camp as Coach Jim Boylen continues to teach and encourage his team as they are developing chemistry in preparation for Monday's pre season opener at the United Center against the Bucks:
"It was a tough practice (today). We started out today's practice going really hard. We had fatigue but we fought through. I think practicing fatigued is mentally good for us. Stay tuned, another step up the mountain." - Coach Boylen
Injury update from Coach Boylen: "Hutchison (hamstring) and Kornet (toe) did not practice. Gafford and Carter went full practice and got through it. They got better today, which is important."
Coach Boylen on Wendell Carter Jr.: "He's (Carter) our best pocket (in the lane) extra guy. He can catch the ball in the pocket and make a decision. That's usually not a skill for a young guy. He can rim protect. He can do the straight up at the rim. He'll adapt and he'll grow. I think people underestimate how smart he is. I think that's a really big thing. He knows what we're doing. He never asks ‘What are we doing there?' Or ‘How's that work?' He's an intelligent young guy. And I've said this before, he embraces contact and collision. If you can do that, man, you can do anything in this world."
Meantime the camp is featuring some competitive matchups and all eyes are focused on the point guard position. I'm glad I don't have to make a decision on this slot. Kris Dunn is bringing it as is Tomas Satoransky and Coby White.
Future Hall of Fame broadcaster Neil Funk announced his retirement following the 2019-20 season. Neil began his broadcasting career in the mid 1970s and will be completing his 29th season with the Bulls after stops in Philadelphia and Kansas City . I can speak for all of us with the Bulls organization who wish Neil and his family nothing but the best.
NBA NEWS & NOTES:
Head coach Doc Rivers said Kawhi Leonard did full contact when he was on the floor for "probably half the live stuff." "Kawhi practiced today," Rivers said at the University of Hawaii, where the Clippers are holding their training camp. "He was great." (ESPN)
Big things are expected of Kyle Kuzma and the Lakers as Puma apparel is on board with Kuzma's future stardom, signing Kuzma to a five-year contract worth more than 20 million dollars.
Former NBA Head Coach Stan Van Gundy has joined the stable of top flight NBA broadcasters/analysts by agreeing to terms with TNT.
Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls
Always a pleasure, Chuck Swirsky