Chicago Bulls' Valentine knows to play it safe with heat-checks
Bulls rookie Denzel Valentine made the most of his new opportunity Friday against Phoenix, hitting his first 5 shots from 3-point range.
Shot No. 6 was an airball and probably a bad idea. After the game, Valentine admitted his heat-check moments were a concern of Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.
"It was crazy. Coach used to get on me all the time about taking those shots," Valentine said. "As soon as I'd get hot at Michigan State, he'd be calling me to the side, 'All right, this is when you go crazy now.'
"I've just got to replay that back in my head when I get hot. I've still got to take good shots, play within myself."
It looked like 3-point shooting would turn out to be Valentine's main role with the Bulls once he played three games with the D-League's Windy City Bulls and hit 21 of 39 attempts from behind the arc.
With Doug McDermott traded to Oklahoma City, Valentine is expected to fill that spot in the rotation. He played a season-high 34 minutes against the Suns.
Valentine's passing skills were among the best in college basketball last season.
"Jimmy (Butler) and D-Wade are handling the ball and making plays. They're going to draw a lot of double-teams," he said. "I've just got to be ready to knock down those shots. I can still make plays, too. When I rebound, I can push it myself. Or when I hit a couple and they close out hard, I can drive and make plays as well."
Payne ready for new change:
Cameron Payne didn't dress for Friday's game, but when it ended, he talked about becoming the Bulls' presumed point guard of the present and future.
"I was happy (when he heard the news). I was just ready to get over here as quick as I can," Payne said. "I feel like I can pick up (the schemes) fast. They already said they're going to give it to me quick, so I'm ready to listen and take it as fast as I can."
Payne missed the first two months of the season with a foot injury. He had surgery to repair a stress fracture, then aggravated the issue early in training camp. He said Friday the foot feels 100 percent.
"At first, it was just a blemish, a little stress fracture, so they put the pin in," Payne said. "I guess I just hit it real hard. They said it was like one-in-a-million and it hit right underneath the screw. Now it's back like that never happened. I'm blessed, for sure."
Morrow plans jersey adjustment:
New Bulls guard Anthony Morrow wore No. 1 during Friday's game, although he didn't play. After the contest, he announced a change, out of respect for Derrick Rose, who wore No. 1 through last season.
"I'm getting it changed ASAP," Morrow wrote. "D-Rose is my guy; always respected him and what he means to the Chi. Again, I apologize to the fans. Love you all."
Before Saturday's game in Cleveland, Morrow told reporters he'll switch to No. 11. Not that it really matters, but Cameron Payne is No. 22, which was worn just last week by Taj Gibson.