Deng ready for next step
BULLS | Looking to get rhythm back after staying healthy in preseason
The primary goal for Luol Deng in the preseason was proving he was healthy after missing essentially six months with a stress fracture of the lower right leg.
Mission accomplished on that front. The 6-9 forward played in all eight preseason games and participated in every practice, including the two-a-day sessions the first week of training camp.
(Tom Cruze/Sun-Times)
Now the mission for Deng is regaining his offensive rhythm. He averaged 10.8 points on 38.3 percent shooting in the preseason. He'll need to raise both figures once the regular season begins.
''My rhythm is coming back,'' he said. ''It's not fully there. I was out for a long time, and I couldn't do much with the ball all summer and I wasn't on my feet.
''It's starting to feel better, though. From the first preseason game to now, I think my cutting, running the floor, playing defense, I just feel a lot better, a lot more comfortable doing it.''
On coach Vinny Del Negro's list of things to worry about entering the regular-season opener Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center, Deng's production probably doesn't make the first page.
''His conditioning is better, and as he becomes more comfortable with everything, he'll continue to improve in a lot of areas,'' Del Negro said. ''His effort's been good, he hasn't missed a practice, he's played hard and I think Luol will be fine.''
Deng's minutes were limited in the preseason (he averaged 27.3 minutes), but he said he's ready and able to play more.
''I was able to go through every practice, go through two-a-days and practice pretty hard,'' he said. ''I think I'm healthy enough. I'm ready for it, whatever is asked of me.''
What will be asked of him this season remains to be seen. Some fans will demand big numbers to justify his $71 million contract, but Deng said he doesn't feel any pressure to put up big offensive numbers.
''I really don't,'' he said. ''I mean, I really have to use my versatility. I've got to really focus defensively, rebounding and also scoring.
''It's not going to be one of those things where I have to get 20-something points or 30 points. Some nights will be like that, but, most importantly, coming out there and chipping in and defending all different positions.''
That's precisely what Del Negro wants to hear. The coach never mentioned scoring when asked what he primarily wants to see from Deng.
''Be consistent with his effort at both ends of the court,'' Del Negro said. ''Be a leader. Lead by example, but also by communicating with the younger players. I don't think that'll be a problem.''