Deng's struggles continue in loss
ORLANDO, Fla. -The regular season started well for Bulls forward Luol Deng. In the first half of the opener against Milwaukee, he hit 5 of 7 shots for 15 points.
Since then, though, the fifth-year forward seems to be a lost soul in a confused offense. During just less than 26 minutes of action in Monday night's 96-93 loss, Deng scored 1 point and went 0-for-8 from the field.
"If I knew (how to solve the problem), I would do it," an upbeat Deng said in the locker room. "Obviously I'm struggling out there, trying to find a rhythm.
"I've got to look at tape and try to get better, because I feel great out there. It's not like I'm hurt or anything. I just don't know. The way the offense is right now, I've just got to find a way to be effective."
Deng is hardly the only Bulls player struggling with a new offensive plan. Everyone on the roster has had extended rough patches.
But Deng obviously was looking forward to a big season after signing a $71 million contract over the summer. In the 31/2 games since his quick start against the Bucks, Deng is shooting 24.3 percent and averaging 7.4 points per game.
"(The offense) definitely an adjustment," he added. "I'm going to the corner a lot when we're playing the top pick and roll. I've just got to find a way to be creative and try to be effective from there.
"Maybe we'll do some stuff in the post. We'll talk about it, figure something out."
Hughes takes court: Larry Hughes, out since Oct. 22 with a dislocated right shoulder, shot around before Monday's game.
"I did my usual pregame workout as if I was going to play," he said. "I had no problems shooting. It's a little sore."
He's awaiting the arrival of a shoulder brace. If it is available when the Bulls return from Cleveland on Thursday, he might participate in the next team practice.
Bull horns: Golfer Tiger Woods was in attendance, sitting courtside across from the Bulls' bench. - Second-year center Joakim Noah has played just 12 minutes in the past two games. - After shooting at least 30 free throws in each of the first three games, the Bulls were 12-for-18 at the line Monday.