FIVE KEYS TO WATCH AS TRAINING CAMP OPENS
Camp’s a crucial time as Bulls start working through trust issues
The juice was no longer worth the squeeze when it came to Derrick Rose. Between his eyerollworthy statements to reporters, his inability to stay out of the training room and the fact that privately, more and more people in the Bulls organization felt Rose was putting his own brand before the team, a break- up was unavoidable. He’s New York’s problem now, traded to the Knicks in the offseason.
So that means a quiet, distraction- free training camp starting Monday, right?
That would be nice. But while core players have moved on, lingering problems exist, starting with trust between players, coaches and general manager Gar Forman.
Five keys for the start of camp:
1. Coming home
Though it might be five years too late, Dwyane Wade, 34, is finally playing for the team he grew up idolizing. All eyes will be on his knees and how much they have left. More important, can Wade be a factor in April?
The veteran was masterful in the Miami Heat’s playoff series loss to the Toronto Raptors last May, turning back the clock and averaging 23.9 points and 5.9 rebounds. He even hit 50 percent from threepoint range. Is that the guy who will turn up in crunch time this season?
He doesn’t need to dazzle in camp, but staying healthy would help those in the front office sleep better at night.
2. Butler’s burden
Jimmy Butler was handed the keys to the team early last season. Gone now are Rose and Joakim Noah, who opposed the Butler take- over. But the expectations remain.
Butler has to deliver this team — his team — to the postseason and make a run if he wants to be taken seriously as a superstar. This camp is where it starts.
3. What’s the plan, Fred?
When Rajon Rondo and Wade signed in the offseason, coach Fred Hoiberg’s offensive playbook went out the window. Now, entering his second season as coach, he has the task of adjusting to the new personnel and getting everyone to buy in.
4. Shooters needed
A lot of hype surrounded the additions of Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic a few years back, and neither has lived up to it. They’re not busts yet, but the Bulls lack consistent outside shooters in the projected starting lineup, and McDermott and Mirotic will need to step up on both sides.
5. Don’t sleep on the rook
First- round draft pick Denzel Valentine showed in Summer League that he has an old- school mentality, unlike most NBA rookies. Training camp will be huge for him, and don’t be surprised if he’s a factor coming off the bench once the games start meaning something.
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