DUNN’S DEAL
Point guard needs to cut down on turnovers to supplant Grant as starter
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg still is looking for a point guard. And not just any point guard but point guard. A player who understands the game plan, can run with pace, can communicate on both ends of the floor, can make the simple pass and can be dynamic.
Hoiberg is in his third season with the Bulls, and his search is ongoing.
It wasn’t Derrick Rose, who was unprepared from game to game and forgetful of the game plan. It wasn’t the handful of point guards Hoiberg went through last season, at least until Rajon Rondo showed flashes before a hand injury ended the Bulls’ playoff run against the Celtics.
So where does Hoiberg stand with the position today? He can hope more experience will lead to better things from Jerian Grant, or he can turn to second- year man Kris Dunn, who is eager to fill the role.
‘‘ Of course, I want that job,’’ Dunn said. ‘‘ But I just want to play, man. Last year [ with the Timberwolves], I didn’t get to play too much. Just to be on the floor is a great thing for me.’’
What would be great for Hoiberg is if Dunn could stop turning the ball over. That’s what’s holding his progress back. That’s why Grant continues to start.
Grant is safe, as evidenced by the 6.3 assists and 1.4 turnovers he is averaging. He is less dynamic and has a lower ceiling, but he doesn’t hurt the offense.
Dunn, meanwhile, has off- thecharts athleticism and in- your- face defensive ability, but he is averaging 3.4 assists and 3.4 turnovers. That has to be cleaned up, and Dunn knows it.
‘‘ That’s what I’m working on right now,’’ Dunn said. ‘‘ It’s a hard adjustment but an adjustment that can be fixed over due time. That’s what I’m really focusing on. Starting [ last week], I’m really starting to focus on trying to not turn the ball over.’’
What Dunn has to realize is that he isn’t in college anymore. At Providence, he was the show. Defenses focused on throwing everything at him, so the passing lanes to his teammates were clearer. There was less resistance.
‘‘ In the NBA, there’s too many talented guys,’’ Dunn said. ‘‘ In college, the plays were a lot easier to make. There wasn’t too much help needed. In college, everyone was focused on me, so I got the easy look for my guys. The NBA is different, and that’s something I’m working on.’’
Thework is starting to show, with Dunn coming off a one- turnover game Saturday against the Spurs.
Still, Hoiberg likes what he has seen from Grant.
‘‘ Jerian has been solid,’’ Hoiberg said. ‘‘ You look at his assisttoturnover numbers, and they’re really good — as good as any point guard in the league.’’
The good news for Dunn is that the Bulls’ blowout loss to the Spurs again had Hoiberg insisting that starting spots were ‘‘ up for grabs.’’ But Dunn said he rather would finish than start because closing out games would mean he had earned Hoiberg’s trust.
‘‘ Yeah, it’s more important to close,’’ Dunn said. ‘‘ And I don’t care where you put me — the one, the two— I just feel like I should be out there because of how competitive I am and how hard I go.’’