Point-guard shake-up is coming
MILWAUKEE — Bulls point guard Shaquille Harrison has averaged just under 19 minutes per game since becoming a regular in the rotation Nov. 10.
Ryan Arcidiacono has been picking up the heavy minutes as the starter, snagging just under 30.
Cameron Payne only had played about 7.3 minutes in the previous four games.
So someone’s feelings are about to get hurt when Kris Dunn (left knee) returns.
“I have no clue what’s going to happen,’’ Harrison said Wednesday. “Ultimately, that’s [coach Fred Hoiberg’s] decision, and whatever happens, happens. You just have to stay ready when your number is called. Like I said, you just never know in the NBA.’’ Since Dunn went down
Oct. 22, Hoiberg has been playing musical chairs. Payne got the first chance, then lost the starting job to Arcidiacono and fell behind Harrison, too.
Hoiberg said Dunn — as well as forward Bobby Portis (right knee) — continued non-contact workouts and even participated in the shootaround before the game against the Bucks. If they avoid setbacks, they’re scheduled to begin full-contact practices next week.
Hoiberg could have Dunn, his starter and arguably his best perimeter defender, back within two weeks.
“We look forward to Kris getting back, absolutely,’’ Harrison said. “You want to see all the guys back. Everybody worked hard this summer and to have these setbacks was tough. It’s going to be good to have everyone on the court, playing together. We need to see what we got at that point-guard spot.
“I think it’s a versatile group, and it will be nice to see everyone do what they do.’’
The problem is, “everyone’’ likely won’t get that opportunity.
Does Hoiberg simply bump each of the point guards down a spot when Dunn returns, making Payne the odd man out? Does Harrison jump Arcidiacono because of his ability to pick up opposing point guards full-court?
Hoiberg won’t say yet because it could be a much longer return time for Dunn if he suffers another setback.
Meanwhile, Harrison is just willing to let it all play out.
“You just never know with the NBA how you’re going to be used, how you’re going to be utilized, so I just try to come in with the right mindset, and wherever they put me is where they put me,’’ Harrison said. “I’m just going to try to make the biggest impact possible.’’
Valentine’s situation
Swingman Denzel Valentine had successful reconstructive surgery on his left ankle Tuesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and returned to Chicago to begin the rehab process.
He’s expected to miss the season as he recovers.
“Surgery went well for him,’’ Hoiberg said. “Everything went as planned. Now he starts the road to recovery.’’
Hoiberg said the plan is for Valentine to rehab in Chicago. Valentine said last week that he wanted to stay around his teammates as much as possible.