Gordon, Hughes say it will work
Larry Hughes has made it clear that he doesn't believe playing next to LeBron James in Cleveland was a match made in heaven.
So what about sharing the Bulls' backcourt with Ben Gordon?
It's far too early to make any kind of definitive judgment on how Hughes and Gordon will work together. The Bulls have had three games and two practices since adding Hughes and forward Drew Gooden in last week's multi-team trade.
The Hughes-Gordon combination wasn't always an artistic success in Indiana on Wednesday, but it got the job done. With Kirk Hinrich benched for all but one minute of the second half, Hughes (29 points) and Gordon (15 points) rallied the Bulls from 11 points down in the third quarter to a 113-107 victory over the Pacers.
"It's a lot of fun," Gordon said of Wednesday's finishing lineup. "It takes a lot of pressure off you when you have three legitimate scorers out there -- me, Larry and Luol (Deng). It kind of makes it easier for all three of us to get our shots and get other guys shots."
Neither Hughes nor Gordon is a true point guard, but both can handle the ball well enough to survive at the position. As long as they don't need a reminder to pass the ball, the pairing should be able to work.
"I think we'll figure it out," Hughes said. "We've developed communication as far as working off the ball and on the ball. I know how well he shoots it, so anytime I can get him to knock down a couple in a row, then it's time to roll."
Coach Jim Boylan suggested the Bulls could make things tough on opponents by having Gordon and Hughes take turns initiating the offense.
"It keeps the defense on their toes and they can't fall into rhythm against us," Boylan said.
The Bulls have to like their chances of at least one of their guards heating up on a particular night, though Gordon hit just 5 of 16 shots against Indiana and scored 5 points when Hughes debuted with the Bulls in Houston on Sunday.
But Gordon doesn't think it will be a challenge learning how to play with the 6-foot-5 Hughes, now the oldest player on the roster at 29.
"I think it gives the defense more problems, because you have to honor each guy from an offensive standpoint, knowing that he can go off at any minute," Gordon said. "I think it's a lot easier for me."
There were certainly some issues in the Indiana game with Gordon holding the ball too long. Once, he nearly dribbled out the entire shot clock. Another time, he fancy-dribbled for a few seconds before launching a forced jumper, prompting Boylan to call a timeout.
"When BG wants to be a playmaker, he can be a playmaker," Boylan said. "He just has to get comfortable with that role. He has to keep it simple. Sometimes the easiest play is the best play. If we do that, then I have confidence in our guys."
Later in the game, Gordon was able to draw defenders with his dribble and twice found Deng cutting along the baseline. Gordon and Hughes tied for the team lead with 6 assists each, with Gordon twice finding Hughes for 3-point baskets in the third quarter.
"When I had it going, he wanted me to play off the ball," Hughes said. "So I think that communication is going to be key for our games. We both like to attack. I think that fits well with both our games."
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. Washington Wizards at the United Center, 7 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: Caron Butler is out indefinitely with a hip injury, and Gilbert Arenas hasn't played since Nov. 16, but the Wizards (27-30) still are holding the No. 6 playoff spot in the East. Washington won at New Orleans 95-92 on Monday behind a career-high 33 points from guard DeShawn Stevenson, who hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Series history: When the Bulls beat the Wizards 95-84 in Washington on Dec. 19, it was their final victory with Scott Skiles as head coach. The Wizards have lost six straight regular-season games at the United Center.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena, noon Sunday
-- Mike McGraw