2019 NBA Summer League

Bulls.com

Summer League offered a preview of White and Gafford's play. Sam Smith reviews theirs and others' performance in Las Vegas.

See you in September. Or maybe early October.

With the conclusion of Summer League Saturday for the Bulls with a loss to the Orlando Magic and a 2-3 record, the next official gathering of Bulls players will be at the start of training camp for the 2019-20 season. The NBA season will begin a week later this year, Oct. 22, due in part to an NBA team in the FIBA World Cup in early September. So training camps will begin opening the last week of September and into the first week of October.

It will be a new look Bulls roster with veteran free agent forward Thaddeus Young and veteran guard Tomas Satoransky joining rookies Coby White and Daniel Gafford.

Starters seem assured at all but the point guard position with Zach LaVine expected at shooting guard, Otto Porter Jr. at small forward, Lauri Markkanen at power forward and Wendell Carter Jr. at center, the latter still targeted for the opening of training camp after recent surgery.

It's training wheels for the rookie draft choices, White and Gafford, who showed promise at times, though also demonstrating with expected inconsistency that patience will be required. Still, both were among the rare draft picks to play all five games, an encouraging indicator of their willingness and desire to compete, a sadly vanishing quality in the NBA these days, while so many lottery picks declined to play and risk injury or embarrassment.

Here's a look at the Bulls Summer League campers:

Coby White. 15 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

White led the Bulls in scoring and showed flashes of both offensive talent, aggression and leadership, though at 19 years old with one year of college he also showed he's not quite ready yet to step into a major NBA lead guard role. There are plenty of justifiable disclaimers of it being "only" Summer League, and "only" 19 and "only" after one year of college before which he wasn't even expected to be a one and done player. White shot poorly, three of 30 on threes and 34 percent overall, which he considered more an aberration. He is confident, which is good. He needs work on his shot as it comes off low and will get blocked in the NBA at that level because it's difficult to get as much space as he had in college. He also averaged nearly as many turnovers as assists in another welcome to pro ball. Yes, these guys are quicker and longer. He was a more willing and interested passer than advertised, though probably too much so since that had been listed as a weakness.

It was a positive that he was so anxious to respond to critics. One college comparison for White at North Carolina was former All-Star Gilbert Arenas. White is exceptionally fast in transition, though he doesn't seem to be an explosive finisher. His play also was somewhat reminiscent of volume-type big guard scorers like Rodney Stuckey and Tyreke Evans, whose toughness like White also enabled them to rebound well. White averaged a team most 16.6 field goal attempts per game. White is tall like those guards with a bold playing attitude toward scoring, which suggests that will eventually be his primary role.

Daniel Gafford. 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists.

No, he's not passing to you, not unlike fellow former Arkansas first rounder Bobby Porter. But for those Bulls who played the entire week in Las Vegas, Gafford was probably the most impressive overall and a surprise for a second round selection. One requirement to be successful in the NBA is to have at least one NBA skill that can translate. Gafford has that, not unlike Joakim Noah. It's the so called motor, the willingness to relentlessly run the court and finish. Though most observers usually identify skills like shooting, passing and ball handling, an active motor has enabled players to succeed beyond expectations. Gafford actually seems closer for now than White to being a regular contributor because of the way he runs the court and can finish. He's not nearly as potentially skilled at White, and Gafford doesn't shoot much, which will be some hindrance. But he sets strong screens and rolls with an intent to finish. He led the team shooting almost 70 percent primarily on dunks and layups and led the team in double/doubles with a 21/10 and 20/10. He was one of the surprise players in Las Vegas.

Chandler Hutchison. 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

The second year forward sat out one game as a precaution in his first action since missing the last 33 games of the 2018-19 season with a toe injury. Which was the biggest positive for Hutchison in averaging almost 30 minutes for four games. Hutchison shot poorly, just 29 percent overall and two of 10 on threes. Hutchison moved exceptionally well and in the open court continues to have a remarkable resemblance to a graceful and lithe Scottie Pippen. But the agile 6-7 forward still tends to pull up short and not finish with the same confidence at the rim. Though it was a few years before Pippen developed that confidence and ability to finish on the run. Michael Jordan often worked with Pippen, showing him how to take the contact and finish, which Pippen despite four years in college, like Hutchison, was unable to do his first few seasons in the NBA.

Adam Mokoka. 9.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

The 20-year-old French shooting guard arrives after playing four years playing in Europe. He'll be a so called two-way player for the Bulls and Windy City of the G-league. He was generally the summer team's most reliable three-point shooter, though just 33 percent and 44 percent overall. He doesn't shoot as much off the dribble, but he was good when squared up on the catch. Plus, he is an active defender with good size.

Shaquille Harrison. 14 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 steals in one game.

The Bulls had to release Harrison after the first game for salary cap reasons with the signings and trades from the free agency period. Though Harrison was the catalyst in the best game the Bulls played in Summer League, the 20-point opening game win over the Lakers. Harrison with pestering defense and four first quarter steals initiated a transition game that gave the Bulls 28 fast break points and 14 steals. It's unclear if the Bulls will have a roster spot for Harrison this season.

Justin Simon. 6.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists.

There's usually a surprise player on the Summer League roster, and this time it was the St. Johns shooting guard. He shot 52 percent, though more so from his defense with steals and fast breaks. He demonstrated an ability to help a team as likely a G-league prospect for now.

Mychal Mulder. 8.8 points 3.4 rebounds and 0.6 assists.

The Windy City Bulls G-league guard was a prolific three-point shooter at eight for 24 overall and making a trio of three pointers in two of the five games.

Walt Lemon Jr. 4.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists.

The Chicago product was released for contract reasons along with Harrison, though he returned to finish the week for the Bulls. He penetrated well, which is his speciality, but did not shoot well at 33 percent.

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A review of the Bulls at Summer League

Sam Smith

Bulls struggle in third game of Vegas Summer League after falling behind early to the Pelicans &amp; never catching up.

Bulls Summer League coach Nate Loenser late Monday night said the team needs a break after a frantic few days in Las Vegas that followed a mini-camp week of two-a-day workouts and scrimmages back in Chicago.

"We've been going hard," said Loenser. "We'll be off tomorrow."

Which kind of would make it two days in a row after the summer Bulls sort of showed up Monday, but didn't hang around for long in a 109-72 loss to the Zion-less New Orleans Pelicans. "New Orleans played very well and had lot of things going," Loenser observed.

Like being over the top of the Bulls figuratively and literally when in the second quarter 6-4 Bulls guard Mychal Mulder slid over on a side pick and roll, which was the right move if the wrong instinct, to get in front of rookie center Jaxson Hayes. In something of a metaphor for the game, Hayes jumped over Mulder, who was in position outside the circle. Though it turns out, and the Bulls did try to appeal, it doesn't count as contact if you jump over a defender.

Hayes dunked, which he did repeatedly on the way to 28 points as the Pelicans led by a dozen points after the first quarter, by 22 at halftime and then into the 30s in the fourth quarter as Williamson with his sore knee watched from the end of the bench.

The Bulls also had some support as veterans Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, Denzel Valentine, Cristiano Felicio and Ryan Arcidiacono watched the game from the front row along with new Bull Thaddeus Young.

The latter who did have some encouraging things to say about rookie Coby White, who led the Bulls with 25 points and made a pair of threes after missing his first 13 this week. White shot eight of 19 overall and two of eight on threes with seven of eight from the free throw line, but with five turnovers.

White didn't play particularly well, though showed his natural scoring prowess with 25 points on an erratic night. He's averaging 19 points, among the Summer League leaders, though with 11 assists and 15 turnovers.

"He's a point guard that's very aggressive," Young said. "Sometimes he picks his dribble up a little bit, but just from watching a couple of games I think he's going to be very, very good in this league. He's young, he's still got a lot to learn. But I can tell he's one of those kids who is very smart, very bright and he's going to be able to learn fast. I am just looking forward to playing with him. I watched him at Carolina pretty much the whole season. I am a basketball junkie. I watch all the games, I watch all the guys. I know guys are coming in each and every year to take my job, so I pay attention. I think he has a very high ceiling and a high motor and he wants to win each and every day; you can see that."

The only other Bull to score in double figures was two-way G-league player Adam Mokoka from France with 11 points and two of three on three pointers. He quietly has been perhaps the most efficient Bull. He's averaging nine points and five rebounds on 50 percent shooting with aggressive defense, or however much of that one can do trailing by 25.

Chandler Hutchison made his return after sitting out a game for precautionary reasons and struggled mightily on two of 13 shooting with perhaps a half dozen of his shots blocked on drives. Daniel Gafford fouled out with six points, eight rebounds and six blocks. Walt Lemon Jr. cleared waivers and returned to the team but was scoreless against the Pelicans leaping front line. There has been no decision on the also waived Shaquille Harrison, who is considering his options.

The Bulls fell behind quickly to start the game when White had a pair of turnovers and Hutchison added one, five turnovers in the first four minutes. While Hayes was all over taking lobs for dunks and racing for weak side blocks. It didn't improve much. The Bulls next play Wednesday against Charlotte before the elimination tournament games begin. The Bulls are 1-2. Each team will play at least five total games and up to seven.

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Bulls Fall to Pelicans In Summer League

It may be something of a White knuckle ride for the Bulls with their exciting young point guard. Though perhaps someday it could be the United Center that becomes the White house.

"I'm still trying to become a better decision maker on the court," rookie Coby White was saying Sunday evening after the Bulls 82-75 Summer League loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. "I'm trying to become a better point guard. So it's all about the learning curve; continue to learn and get better and learn from everything.

"I feel like I played solid," said White, who had 15 points on seven of 16 shooting. "Could have been better, but solid. Been here and there with it. I think my off the ball defense is what I really need to work on. It's different from college, so just trying to get adjusted to it. I thought today when I did a nice move when I went to the lane it was crowded down there and I saw somebody cutting, so I tried to dump it off and instead it got deflected. Just using my instincts."

Which is likely to take White, the Bulls and fans for the basketball thrill ride of ups and downs, shivers and shudders, oohs and aahs. Like when the Thomas &amp; Mack Center crowd on the UNLV campus gasped about White's double crossover and blow by drive into the lane. Only to try a no look pass that became a turnover, one of White's seven along with five assists and zero for four on three point shooting, making White zero for 11 in the Bulls 1-1 start.

"I was shooting it the same as I was in college," said White. "I just can't get anything to fall right now. But we've got to move on. We've got another game tomorrow."

That's Monday when Chandler Hutchison will return after sitting out Sunday's game in what Summer League coach Nate Loenser said merely was precautionary with Hutchison's first action since January on Friday.

Shaquille Harrison and Walt Lemon Jr. were not with the team after being released with the signing of Thaddeus Young. There are salary cap complications with the Bulls acquisitions, which Sunday included Washington guard Tomas Satoransky. It's possible those players could return to the Summer League team after clearing waivers. The Bulls had no comment. Wisconsin forward Ethan Happ also was supposed to be with the team, but was hurt before arriving in Las Vegas and dropped from the roster.

Thus the Bulls basically started four guards and second round draft pick Daniel Gafford.

Windy City veteran Mychal Mulder led the Bulls with 18 points and three of six three pointers as the long distance shooting moved at least from horrible to manageable. Gafford after his stunning start with 21 points and 10 rebounds Friday when the Bulls were able to play in transition had a modest eight points and eight rebounds in the slower game.

"Our emphasis has been transition and we didn't do as good a job of running and getting opportunities in transition and we weren't as crisp," Loenser observed. "You also have to look at we had guys who played heavy minutes on Friday night and it's a lot in 48 hours and you are dealing with younger guys. It's harder to make the adjustments on the fly and that is part of the experience."

After recording 28 fast break points and 14 steals in the opener with Harrison getting five, the Bulls Sunday had six steals and eight fast break points. Playing in a more controlled half court setting, Gafford wasn't able to convert on the lobs and putbacks he delivered in the Game 1 victory.

"I think it's great for the guys because not only did they experience the good things that happened Friday night, but now we have some things to clean up on film and these guys are receptive and want to get better," Loenser added.

While the Cavaliers led most of the way after a 9-0 start, the young and restless Bulls responded to each deficit often enough to create 10 lead changes. The Cavs playing without top draft pick Darius Garland led 21-19 after one quarter and 40-36 at halftime. They opened up a quick 12-point lead to start the third quarter with a jackpot of threes. But the Bulls shot back to a brief lead in the fourth quarter before the Cavs' pressure on White resulted in a few more turnovers and Cleveland witnessing the win. Both teams are 1-1.

The Bulls Monday play the New Orleans Pelicans at 6:30 p.m. Central time without Zion Williamson, who left with a knee ouchie.

So credit White as one of the few top lottery draft picks not only continuing to play in the summer tournament, but playing extensively with more than 30 minutes (of the 40) in each of the first two games.

Naz Mitrou-Long, who played at Iowa State and in the G-league, led the Cavaliers with 21 points and eight assists with three of three on long shots. Though White was easily the most exciting and entertaining player in the game, one perhaps who might give his coach pause at times. But also someone with a flair for the game that can be dazzling.

Coby White talks with BullsTV after Bulls vs. Cavs

White doesn't look like he's anywhere near ready to start for an NBA team given his casual attitude with the ball. But his speed and imagination have the kind of appeal that perhaps stimulate you to think ahead to the daring he could display in an ambitious offensive setting.

"I could have played better. I feel I could have gotten to the basket a lot more," White said. "The coaching staff told me I can get downhill on these guys. I feel like I didn't get enough paint touches today. Hopefully tomorrow we come out with a lot more energy and come out with a victory. It's (turnovers) just the fact I always play fast and always play up tempo. I just made some poor decisions."

So many of those decisions appear to be both spontaneous with a purpose, like a young magician with some new tricks.

Though the Bulls got behind quickly, they immediately rallied into a tie at 14 with some remarkable sleight of ball handling by White. One a drive from the right wing he did a double crossover with a switch hand and a Dirk Nowitzki off-the-wrong leg fallback jumper for a score. That followed a quick pullup jumper as his mid range shot looked sure. Then came what would have been the play of the game with dribbles between the legs, crossovers and change of speed and direction before firing off a pass that perhaps should have been a shot.

There's always the disclaimer about this only being Summer League for anything special. Though White's quickness should transcend orientation.

He seems to shoot better off the dribble than with a catch and is stronger with his right hand, which is no surprise at 19. He scored several times out of timeouts just on quick drives, though he only got to the free throw line one time in drawing less contact. Still, he was able to finish drives several times despite the bump.

Two-way player Adam Mokoka started and had three steals, though he isn't a particularly engaged offensive player. St. Johns' Justin Simon had a powerful driving baseline slam and Mulder a reverse slam dunk during one of the rare fast breaks. Without especially Harrison, it wasn't as energetic an effort and perhaps suffered from some lethargy from the track meet opener and forced day off Saturday because of the arena structural inspection following the earthquake.

Though White, one of just three lottery picks playing in Las Vegas, is doing his part to keep the vacationing audiences demanding an encore with his nightly show.

"When you're in the zone and between the lines, I really feel like all the outside noise is irrelevant," White said. "I'm just out there hooping. I'm out there playing basketball."

And putting on a show. The kid is worth watching for both the oohs and oops.

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Bulls fall to Cavs, 82-75, in Vegas

childukich

With a year in the league under his belt, Chandler Hutchison has gained confidence is ready to meaningfully contribute to the Bulls in Year 2.

Chandler Hutchison knows it’s always taken him somewhat longer. But he knows he’s always gotten to the finish line. And he believes that time is coming with the Bulls.

“I learned a lot just from watching even when I was out,” Hutchison was saying Saturday morning after finally getting back on the court after a broken toe last January.  “Having that year, people don’t realize what that can do for you confidence wise. A lot of the times I feel I was kind of bright eyed and maybe not ready for the moment I was kind of just thrown into right away. But just having a year and being around the guys and earning their confidence and trust and just working on my game endlessly this summer. Just going to be a completely different place mentally and physically too out on the court.”

Hutchison is on a precautionary minutes limit with the Bulls Summer League team, which returns to play Sunday 6:30 p.m. Central on ESPN against Cleveland. The  Pelicans also announced Zion Williamson will miss the rest of Summer League and thus not play against the Bulls Monday. The Bulls were supposed to practice on an off day Saturday. But that was cancelled as the UNLV arenas were examined for potential structural damage after the Friday night earthquake that canceled the later games.

The arena was deemed sound. Like Hutchison’s health and, he predicts, his game.

The Bulls Friday had just completed their 96-76 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers with rookies Daniel Gafford and Coby White impressing. More quietly, which is his way, the 6-7 forward excelled in the second half to finish with 15 points and the team’s only three pointer in a gruesome one of 20 long distance shooting.

“I was glad Hutch got to play,” said Bulls coach Jim Boylen. “He had a little bit of a nagging hamstring, but he looked 100 percent and he played well. He made a three and drove the ball, things we've been talking about where he can be a multiple dimensional guy. He handled it in transition as part of our multi-handler system.”

Hutchison appeared not only thicker and stronger, but with a more relaxed confidence than a year ago as a 22-year-old rookie, a four-year college player who was the 22nd overall pick in the draft.

The four-year college player is the exception in the first round of the NBA draft these days. Often the belief lately is the older players don’t have the capacity to develop as much.

Not so, necessarily, for Hutchison. The gangly high schooler didn’t play the big AAU circuit and only emerged as a high school junior. Then at remote Boise State, Hutchison often deferred his first two seasons before emerging as a 20-point scorer and near 40 percent three-point shooter as a senior.

The pattern repeated with the Bulls last season as Hutchison deferred and got lost in the coaching shuffle change, only beginning to emerge as he suffered the injury in late January. Healing was slow, but Hutchison returned to full-time activity and a spot with the Summer League Bulls.

Though the Bulls are making additions from free agency, Boylen also said the team is relying on Hutchison to make that jump with the Bulls that he always made previously.

“I want to see Hutch play through contact,” Boylen said before a Saturday team meeting. “I want to see him make good decisions in transition. I want him to try and become the best defender he could become. We need a stopper. We need a guy that can be a lock down defender. We have very difficult matchups just in our division alone, let alone the league. And I want him to grow into a two-way player and what it means to be a Bull, and he’s trying.

“He showed some flashes [Friday night] of who he could be,” Boylen said. “He made a three, he drove it, he finished in transition, he handled it in transition. If we can get a team of multi-ball handlers and decision makers that have a wide variety of skills then we’re going to have a good team. That’s what the good teams have. They have three or four guys that do it all. I’m not saying he’s there yet. I don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him. But he’s working to get there. He lives in the gym, he’s a yes sir, no sir guy, which fits real good with me. He gives me a hard time about being a Midwestern guy and I give him a hard time being a California kid. You know I went to school uphill, in a blizzard, both ways. Yeah, barefoot. He went to school with flip-flops and shorts on and sunglasses. So we’re a little different, but I love him and thankful he’s here.’’

The Bulls are going to need the development of their rookies from last season and this season with the summer free agency additions. They’re not exactly the supporting cast. But at the same time, Boylen agrees the timed team building moves the Bulls are making this summer to fill out the roster place the burden, in some respects, on Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen.

Not everyone can buy a star. Often you grow one, like the Golden State Warriors did with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, like the San Antonio Spurs did with Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

“I think with the pieces we will talk about when we can [all the free agent signings], we have honored where we think Zach and Lauri can go,” said Boylen. “We’ve cleared a way for them to become what we hope they can be.

“We believe in them,” Boylen added. “It’s a statement of belief. I think we’ve made a commitment to this roster to build out. I use that kind of saying that they’ve got to take their crown and they’ve got to run with it. They’ve got to wear it, they’ve got to own it, and they’ve got to do it. We think they can. I know they can. They’ve done it. What we want them to do is do it more consistently. They’ve both had great moments in a Bulls uniform, a great month, a great streak of games. But now we’ve got to do it for 82. That’s my challenge, their challenge, and we’re going to do it together.”

Hutchison averaged just 5.2 points per game last season in about 20 minutes and shot 28 percent on threes. But in four of his seven games before his season ending injury, he scored in double figures with his first double/double in his last game.

Now he’s back and ready to play a crucial part in this next Bulls act.

“I feel like anything really is a step in the right direction, being able to play on the court,” Hutchison said. “It’s been like five months; even to say that is crazy. Just wanted to run up and down. Kind of get used to the flow of being in the game and under a whistle. Just wanted to play, let the game come to me, not do too much, test my wind, see how the foot is feeling and go from there.

“I felt good,” Hutchison acknowledged. “Got a little tired in the beginning; obviously, that comes from not playing in a game, live scrimmage like that in a long time. Once I kind of got up and down that first, second quarter; second half felt great. It is (fully healed).

“I am on a minutes restriction, so it’s kind of hard for me to put a real goal out there because I know that here and there I am going to be tight based on how many minutes I play (in Las Vegas),” Hutchison noted. “But I just want to with the minutes I am out there lead the guys, help Coby, help Dan in a system I am familiar with for a year to just get used to it and have them keep playing their game.

“Every level in my career I have (eventually) been that guy,” Hutchison said. “This is obviously the highest level in the world. The expectations I have on myself, that’s all you can ask for to have someone to have the same expectations. I am going to do what I can to work toward that and be that person.”

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Chandler Hutchison is ready to contribute in Year 2

OK, first things first. I was not at the Thomas and Mack Arena when an earthquake measured at 7.1 hit the Las Vegas/California region. I was returning to a hotel on the "strip" riding in an Uber and didn't realize what was going on until my son, T.C., who is in LV with the Trailblazers, informed me of of the developing story. The NBA and the T&amp;M officials did the right thing postponing the game.

The Bulls opening play against the Lakers set the tone as first-round pick Coby White tossed a perfectly timed lob pass at the rim to second-round pick Daniel Gafford who slammed it home. White, "The Blur" is a terror on the open floor. He made some gorgeous passes and could have easily doubled his assists total of three. White finished with 17 points. Gafford was all tenacity, all energy. His motor is off the charts. He never takes a possession off and gets after it. Gafford recorded a 21-10 game with 4 blocks. Chandler Hutchison, who suffered a season ending right foot injury in January, was outstanding with 15 points. Shaq Harrison with a line of 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Let's face it, Shaq just plays one way and I so admire him for it! The Bulls won despite going 1-20 from three point range.

Up next for the Bulls is Cleveland Sunday night.

Zion Williamson has the "IT" factor. He's really good, freakish athletically and has a wonderful smile and demeanor on/off the court. He is tough. He is driven. He plays to the crowd. The bar is pretty high for Williamson but I think this young man has incredible star power and attendance power. In a taxi or restaurant or hotel lobby, Williamson has become the talk of the NBA. Trust me, LeBron James will want to guard Williamson the first time the Lakers match up with with the Pels. James is not about to give up his throne as the "must see" performer in the NBA.

Dwight Howard's days as an NBA player may be coming to an end. ESPN reports Howard's stay with the Wizards was a brief one. He played only nine games last season before being sidelined with a back injury. ESPN says Howard has been traded by Washington to Memphis, who in turn will buy him out.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls

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Chuck's Daily Check In - 07.06.19

Bulls came out of the gate running to get their first win in Summer League play.

First the ground shook in the Thomas &amp; Mack Center Friday during the opening day of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League.

Only much later was there a 7.1 magnitude earthquake centered in California halfway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The rattling experienced earlier was from the shock waves after Bulls rookies Coby White and Daniel Gafford opened the Bulls 96-76 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers by combining on a pick and roll lob dunk for the hustling Gafford, who led the Bulls with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in his pro debut.

"Most definitely (we complement one another). It's always good to have a guard who knows how to throw the ball up as high as you want them to," said Gafford, who also was nine of 10 shooting (mostly dunking). "I always told him, ‘Just throw it up, I'll go get it.' That's what he did. That was our game plan throughout.

"My athleticism is crazy even to me because sometimes I do stuff that can surprise myself," Gafford said. "Just being able to jump like I can and do the things that I want to do with my athleticism is big for me. I can get (Coby) open and he can knock it down. I can get myself open when it comes to screens and stuff. He's quick. So wherever he's going, he's going to get there fast."

It was an incredibly fast start for the Bulls rookies in perhaps the best combined debut of Bulls draft choices since Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant altered the team's arc in 1987.

White didn't shoot well, six of 18 and zero for seven on threes. But in 31 confident minutes he had 17 points and a team most seven free throws. He also played off the ball as well with the hustling Shaquille Harrison, who ignited a strong defensive effort cum transition with four first quarter steals among his five and 14 points overall. Chandler Hutchison making his return after a January broken toe had 15 points. Two-way G-league player Adam Mokoka ran his way into 10 points and eight rebounds while Walt Lemon Jr. led with five assists, several of the Magic Johnson jaw dropping kind.

GAME RECAP: Bulls defeat the Lakers, 96-76

Though in some respects all of that was eclipsed shortly after the Bulls players left the arena as Zion Williamson made his debut against former teammate RJ. Barrett. Early in the fourth quarter following a Williamson knee bruise that benched him after halftime, most everyone went scrambling for cover when the earthquake rattled the arena. The giant overhead scoreboard swayed as players and courtside fans felt the floor swaying. The game was stopped and eventually postponed as fans and players departed the arena after about 30 minutes of nervous glances.

Though if there was disappointment about an abrupt ending for both Zion and the schedule, there had to be at least restrained jubilation for the Bulls to see both their rookies, especially second rounder Gafford, with so few gaffes and so much confidence and maturity.

"He was a monster at the rim, running the floor," White said of Gafford. "When he says he runs the floor like a deer, he really runs the floor like a deer. I think we're playing great off each other. Finding him off the rolls, stuff like that. But as rookies, we're still learning and finding our way. We've got a long way to go. But Daniel's going to be a great player. I think Gaff was a steal for sure. You see how tall he is, how good a player he is, how athletic he is, how hard he plays and what type of motor he has. So if it carries over to the league, we'll be able to do a lot of things."

It was an impressive start for the duo, though we also know that Summer League success (or failure) doesn't necessarily follow logically or continuously.

Gafford, the second round pick, actually showed more of an NBA-ready game than White. Which despite their draft gap—White selected No. 7 and Gafford No. 38—should not be that surprising since point guard is the more complicated position and Gafford stayed a second year at the U. of Arkansas to sharpen his game.

"I thought I played solid, I made some good reads," said White. "Couldn't make a three to save my life, but I played solid. We got our first win, so that's all that matters. I was nervous before the game. I was nervous in warmups. And my first few shots, I was settling down a little bit. Once I was in a rhythm, it was good. The best thing I did was just playmaking. Getting into the paint, drive-and-kicks, making the right reads. I just need to continue to work on that. The shots are going to fall for sure. I was able to get to the rim a good amount. I learn easy, so everything is in a good place.

"I think people questioned my playmaking ability coming into the league, and that's something that I've worked on a lot and got a lot better," White added.

As advertised, White is exceptionally fast, often getting the ball into a transition game even after made baskets and dead ball turnovers. He has a funky push to his shot that seems a bit awkward. And while he is quick, he doesn't always follow the words of John Wooden to not also hurry.

White doesn't appear particularly explosive, so he often was unable to finish drives against NBA size. That will also require more of the learning and study he realizes is required. He met with reporters outside the locker room wearing ice packs on his ankle and knee, though he said he was cleared to play the next game Sunday.

"I've still got a ways to go," White acknowledged.

The Bulls got going fast, 29-14 after a first quarter that featured nine Bulls steals and 15 first quarter Bulls fast break points and 28 for the game.

LeBron James was in the building to watch (scout) the junior Lakers. It would be a bad day all around as there didn't appear to be anyone on the Lakers' Summer League roster who could matriculate at Lakers/LeBron U. And Kawhi Leonard apparently agreed to shun LeBron and join the rival Clippers.

But it was a good day for the Bulls, who led virtually all game.

"I loved how both of those rookies set the tone with the first play of the game," said assistant Nate Loenser, who is coaching the Summer League team. "I thought it was great they were able to connect and make that (lob) play. I thought that took the edge off everybody and we just competed."

It became a first quarter track meet with Gafford Bolting up and down the court like a Jamaican sprinter.

"They asked me to bring energy, go grab rebounds, set a lot of screens and get a lot of dunks," said Gafford. "Sometimes I get gassed. But that comes with the game, so you gotta push through it. That shows a lot of toughness when you can push through mental and physical fatigue. That's one of the things I really want to be big on."

Gafford kept rolling in for dunks, Lemon supplying the assists in place of White. The Lakers made 12 threes to one for the Bulls (on 20 attempts; ouch), and stayed relatively close with their shooting.

Harrison doesn't have a deal with the Bulls yet. But it will be difficult to let him go with the kind of transition game the Bulls want to play. Several times he just ripped the ball away from opponents and started breaks he often finished. Gafford also seemed to fit seamlessly into that Clint Capela style of taking off running after blocks or turnovers.

That sort of high octane play the Bulls have envisioned enabled them to lead 50-40 at halftime. Since Summer League game are 40 minutes, it's rare when teams score 100 points even with less defense. The Lakers made a move early in the third quarter and led briefly by one. But Mokoka had an impressive offensive rebound slam dunk, White went all the way for a score after a block, Hutchison had a sweet post up score, Gafford ran out and scored on a Hutchison assist on the fast break and Gafford cleaned up at the rim after a miss. The Bulls led 70-63 after three and then broke it open down the stretch with a couple of more Gafford dunks, Hutchison making the team's only three and White with a fancy full court isolation drive and finish.

"Push the ball, play at a higher pace than we did last year," said White. "Anybody from one through four can push the ball, whether it's Shaq, Hutch, Walt, myself. Just get out and run is my main focus. I feel good with contact. I don't want to pretend I like contact, but it draws fouls and stuff like that. I got to the line a little bit today. I got to the paint and made some nice reads but created my own shots, also. We made a positive impact. Like I said, we still have a long way to go."

Perhaps the Bulls are not trembling with excitement quite yet. It wouldn't be a fault if they did. But there is seismic activity in the Eastern Conference with Leonard shifting West and the defending champion Toronto Raptors showing cracks. It's a good time for the Bulls to be fortifying their structure.

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Fast start carries Bulls to victory over the Lakers, 96-76

Head Coach Jim Boylen is excited to establish his system during Summer League play

There comes Zach whizzing out of the backcourt, Otto and Lauri filling the lanes, Wendell the trailer spotting up high. The ball snaps to the wing, the into the deep corner, baseline skip pass, corner pass to the wing, shot. Three!

The informal dress rehearsal for that presumptive Bulls design begins Friday in Las Vegas when the Bulls open Summer League play against the Los Angeles Lakers 6:30 p.m Central on ESPN.

Zach and Lauri and Otto and the guys won't be there. But top draft pick Coby White and second rounder Daniel Gafford will be there along with the likes of holdover guard Shaquille Harrison and newly signed two-way guard Adam Mokoka from France.

Sure, the Bulls would like to get a first look at point guard White and rim runner Gafford during the next step up in competition. But it's also an opportunity for a preliminary glimpse at the style of play coach Jim Boylen plans to implement this season.

"I don't want to put too many expectations on them," Boylen said Thursday after a week long mini-camp for the rookies and free agents. "I'd like them to just get a comfort level with our staff, with what we are trying to do. Compete and play hard and help us to continue to establish our multi-ball handler system, our ability to drive the ball and get middle.

"We'd like to push the ball with the summer team with Coby dictating the break," Boylen said. "We'd like high outlets. We'd like guys running hard to the corners. We just want to be better at what we do while incorporating them."

While the Summer League games are something of a semi formal for the NBA's debuting dribbling debutantes, for the Bulls and Boylen facing his first full training camp as Bulls head coach it also will be something of a test run for the system of play the Bulls want to incorporate with their new, developing roster. Assistant Nate Loenser will coach the Summer League team.

"I also use Summer League for experimentation, the things I want to do and want to try," said Boylen. "One thing we haven't tried before, which the analytics say is something to do, is the corner crash, meaning we will send a guy to the boards we haven't sent before. We'll take a look at that this summer.

"But the main thing is I want to teach our guys to read and react and play," said Boylen in channeling the best of Phil Jackson.

When Jackson took over as Bulls coach in 1989, he began incorporating the triple post, triangle offense. Though Boylen is not talking about using the triangle, the offense that was shaped by Hall of Fame coach Tex Winter features a read and reach philosophy. Jackson, of course, made references and comparisons to tai chi, the Chinese martial art that features defensive movements.

Boylen's concept of a read and react ideology, similar to Jackson's philosophy, is to limit the set plays so the defense cannot prepare for the play or action. In theory, that should give the offense more time for a shot or movement. Even with veterans like the Bulls had in the late 1980's, it took awhile to master. Boylen isn't looking so much for an instant system as much as encouraging players to react to their instincts in a coordinated manner.

"I want a recognition system instead of an execution system," Boylen said. "I want guys to read and react, like the old Bulls. That's what we are building here. So the practice plans are prepared to do that.

"When you take over halfway through the year like I did, you are just trying to survive," Boylen noted about his shaky debut last December "We stripped it down, threw the ball to the post and drove the ball. That's all we did. Now we're going to start learning how to play the way we want going forward and what we want to do within that."

For the next week or so, it will start with White, who is one of the highest 2019 draft picks expected to play in Las Vegas. The Bulls are scheduled to face New Orleans and No. 1 pick Zion Williamson in their third preliminary game, 8:30 p.m. Central Monday on NBA-TV. Point guards Ja Morant and Darius Garland are not expected to participate after surgeries, making White the highest drafted rookie point guard for the Summer League games.

The Bulls got a sneak peak this week during scrimmages. Now they get the opportunity to see White against professional competition.

"Coby is really a willing passer," Boylen said about his observation from this week's sessions. "We want him to be aggressive. He needs to improve his decisions, when to shoot, when to pass, his pass timing and quality. But he really is a willing passer. And he is really, really fast."

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Bulls look to establish their offensive plans early at Summer League

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GAME RECAP: Bulls 96, Lakers 76

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