Rondo back in rotation with the second unit
NEW YORK — Finally, some clarity for Rajon Rondo.
At least while the flu bug is making its way through the Bulls’ locker room.
Coach Fred Hoiberg said Thursday that Rondo, after being benched for 5 ½ games, will be the lead point guard with the second unit. Call it progress. “I talked to him about the lift and the spark that he gave us [ Tuesday against the Wizards] with the energy, the pace, the push that he had with that second unit,’’ Hoiberg said.
The Rondo saga has been the lead story the last two weeks since he was benched after a poor first half against the Pacers on Dec. 30.
Rondo says he wasn’t given a clear explanation for the demotion, and the Bulls provided only vague answers. Without Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic against the Wizards, however, Hoiberg had little choice but to go back to Rondo.
With Michael Carter- Williams still starting, the hope is Rondo will remain a better fit with the reserves. He got the call early on against the Knicks because of Carter- Williams’ foul trouble.
“Yeah, that’s something that we thought a lot about, getting him in there with that second group,’’ Hoiberg said.
Rondo has handled the situation well, especially considering his reputation of turning quickly on organizations and coaching staffs. If anything, Rondo seems as though he was misled about his role since signing with the Bulls.
“I judge people by what I see of them,’’ Wade said. “I can’t judge someone by what someone has said or written.
‘‘ What I knew of Rondo, playing against him, was that he’s a competitor. We had to go against each other in the Eastern Conference finals, and when I signed here, I knew he was a competitor, and I wanted to play with guys like that.
“Like I told you guys multiple times, he’s been unbelievable, a true professional, a great teammate. That’s all I can judge him off of.
“I like him. I didn’t like him when I wasn’t his teammate. That’s the biggest thing.’’
Not backing down
Rookie Denzel Valentine was well aware of Wizards star John Wall’s criticism. Wall didn’t like a dance Valentine did after making a three- pointer Tuesday in the Bulls’ 101- 99 loss.
Wall said Valentine “woke up a giant,’’ but Valentine had a different take.
“Why wasn’t he playing like that the whole night?’’ Valentine said. “He’s not literally a monster; he’s a human. He should be out there competing the whole game.
‘‘ I play how I play. I’m not going to stop how I play.’’
Outbreak
Mirotic and Butler stayed in Chicago, but the hope was that Butler would be able to work out Friday at the Advocate Center.
Valentine ( flu) was unavailable to play after leaving the arena early.
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