No more Summer Dunn
LAS VEGAS — Kris Dunn and Summer League just don’t seem to get along.
After a concussion limited his rookie Summer League experience to one game last season with the Timberwolves, the Bulls announced before their game Monday against the Hawks, a 75- 55 loss, that Dunn left the team for “family reasons’’ and would not return to Vegas.
He played in only one game again.
The good news for the Bulls was a three- day minicamp last week gave them a look at their newly acquired point guard, and they had a chance to see him compete against Mavericks standout Dennis Smith Jr. on Saturday.
Dunn showed a physicality against the Mavs and an inyourface style that even included some verbal warfare.
“That’s just been me my whole life,’’ Dunn said. “I like to play with tension; I like to play with aggression. I think it’s because I played football, that contact. That’s what I try to give them.’’
Twice in the Bulls’ 91- 75 loss, officials had to warn Dunn and Smith to tone down the trash- talking and bumping, and it isn’t only Smith whom Dunn has verbally engaged.
Teammates in practice and even courtside fans have been targets.
“[ Dunn is] someone who’s going to be out there, be a dog, and someone that’s going to compete every day,’’ teammate Denzel Valentine said. “So I like him a lot.’’ Coach Fred Hoiberg has no reason to name a starting point guard at this point, but Dunn has to be the favorite.
Cameron Payne has displayed no feel for the game since being acquired at the February trade deadline.
Jerian Grant had the starting job for a bit, only to lose it last season. If Dunn can gain some consistency with his jumper, it’s his job to lose.
“All my life I’ve been getting to the hole,’’ Dunn said. “I didn’t have to shoot in high school; I didn’t have to shoot in college. But in the NBA, people are gonna realize that. They’ll be ready for the drive.
“I’m trying to work on my jump shot with the Bulls organization.’’
NOTE: Paul Zipser missed the game against the Hawks with a sprained left ankle and is considered day- today. The Bulls play the Wizards on Tuesday.