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Dunleavy may have hit setback

Mike Dunleavy has a date with the doctor Monday after experiencing soreness in his back, Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said Sunday.

Dunleavy had back surgery just before the start of training camp, and there's never been a firm timetable for his return to game action.

Dunleavy picked up his activity during the past two weeks but has not yet participated in practice.

"Mike is going to see a doctor again (Monday) and then we should have a better update after that," Hoiberg said after practice at the Advocate Center. "He had a little bit of soreness. But we'll have more on that (Monday)."

There was better news on backup point guard Aaron Brooks, who has been sidelined with a left-hamstring injury since Nov. 18.

He shot around after practice and moved well, but it sounds as if Hoiberg is not counting on having Brooks available Monday against San Antonio.

"Aaron did a little bit in the half-court, but once we got going up and down, he sat out," Hoiberg said.

Kirk Hinrich suffered a hip pointer late in Friday's loss at Indiana. He did not practice Sunday and is considered questionable for Monday's game.

Hoiberg nearly a Spur:

Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg revealed Sunday that he tried to return from heart surgery and play for San Antonio.

Hoiberg needed surgery in 2005 to correct an enlarged aortic root. The condition effectively ended his playing career.

"I talked to (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) about possibly playing for that team," Hoiberg said. "Their doctors just weren't comfortable with clearing me.

"But I did have some dialogue with Pop at that time. Would've been a fun team to play for, that's for sure."

Duncan still delivering:

Here's Fred Hoiberg on San Antonio's Tim Duncan, still going strong at 39 and in his 19th NBA season.

"I marvel at anybody who is still playing when I was playing," Hoiberg said. "He's Mr. Fundamental. He's got great footwork. He makes the right plays. He's a great passer. And he can still score on the block with anybody."

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