Bulls' coach Hoiberg praises Markkanen's footwork
There weren't many positives in the Bulls' season-opening loss at Toronto on Thursday, but coach Fred Hoiberg was upbeat about rookie Lauri Markkanen's debut. The 7-footer from Finland produced 17 points and 8 rebounds in a 117-110 loss.
"One thing I think Lauri has is underrated feet," Hoiberg said. "He cut off the baseline a couple times on drives. He's got a chance to be, I think, a really good defender. He's a rebounder, he's getting it at the top of his jump.
"That little stretch he had where he ran the floor, took off outside the 3-point line without taking a dribble (and) the next possession we stole it and he hit a 3 was pretty impressive. So we feel Lauri's got a very, very bright future."
Hoiberg said the Bulls will start the same way in Saturday's home opener against San Antonio, which means Markkanen will again start at power forward.
"Obviously strength is an issue," Hoiberg said. "(Toronto center Jonas) Valanciunas is one of the strongest guys in the league. We didn't win that battle enough. When he was 1 on 4 and ripped the ball away from our team, we've got to get better at that. But Lauri, as he continues to grow stronger, he's going to be a big-time basketball player."
Felder promoted:
The Bulls claimed point guard Kay Felder off waivers just a few days ago, but his performance in Toronto earned him a quick promotion. The 5-9 Felder finished with 6 points and 6 assists against the Raptors.
"Yeah Kay, he'll have a little bit bigger role tomorrow, obviously based on the flow of the game," coach Fred Hoiberg. "He will get our backup minutes tomorrow."
The Bulls used Ryan Arcidiacono as the first point guard off the bench in Toronto. The former Villanova star has a two-way contract and will spend most of this season with the Windy City Bulls.
Valentine sore:
Forward Denzel Valentine did not practice Friday because of a sore knee. Valentine played 26 minutes in the loss at Toronto, scoring 12 points, all on 3-pointers.
Kris Dunn, out with a dislocated left index finger, was back on the court taking shots Friday. Coach Fred Hoiberg said Dunn is still sore and didn't want to estimate when he'll be ready to play again.