McDermott will miss start of Bulls' circus road trip
Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg casually dropped a bombshell Monday when discussing the team's annual circus road trip, which tips off Tuesday night in Portland.
"From what I understand it's the last year of the circus trip," Hoiberg said following practice. When reporters reacted with shock, Hoiberg laughed and added, "I don't know, was I not supposed to say anything?"
The Bulls did not immediately confirm the news, but Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz has talked in the past about ending the long November road trip, which coincides with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moving into the United Center for the Thanksgiving holiday.
If true, it would be quite a change. There has been a late November road trip built into the Bulls' schedule every year since 1973.
Whether or not this year's circus trip is a farewell tour, the Bulls' depth will be tested. Hoiberg said Doug McDermott would not fly with the team to Portland after suffering a possible concussion Saturday.
McDermott hit the floor hard after a flagrant foul by Washington's Markieff Morris and is in concussion protocol for the second time this season. McDermott missed the Nov. 2 game at Boston with a concussion.
McDermott presumably will join the Bulls at some point on this trip, but Hoiberg thinks it's doubtful McDermott will play in the second stop Thursday at Utah.
"I was texting with him yesterday," Hoiberg said. "He obviously took a heck of a fall and banged his head on the floor. He's still a little groggy and hopefully we'll get him back soon.
"This is the prime example of keeping yourself ready and being ready when your name's called and going out and making a contribution and helping the team win."
The opportunity for extra playing time should fall on three players in particular. Hoiberg suggested guard Jerian Grant could see the floor against the Trail Blazers and high-scoring guards Damien Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
Against Utah, Hoiberg may try using rookie Paul Zipser against Jazz forward Gordon Hayward.
This also should be a good chance for rookie first-round pick Denzel Valentine to get into the rotation. Valentine, who missed most of the preseason with an ankle injury, has played just 33 minutes this season.
Hoiberg said he had a talk with all the young players about staying ready.
The Bulls (6-4) have done reasonably well so far, but it's too soon to tell where they're headed. Seven of the 10 teams they've played had losing records as of Monday morning, so the trip west should be challenging.
After Portland and Utah, the Bulls will face the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers on consecutive days this weekend, then Denver and Philadelphia.
"There's been a lot of ups and a lot of downs," Hoiberg said. "It's a matter of trying to be a more consistent basketball team. I think we took strides in the right direction defensively in these last two.
"Offensively, I thought we were great early. Our pace was terrific, we were getting the ball up (the floor), we were really sharing it. We took a step back in the middle.
"Hopefully we're back on the right track from an offensive standpoint. We need to continue to move better, move the ball side to side and get the defense shifted. Again, that's going to take some time with this group."
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Scouting report
Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center, 9 p.m. Tuesday
TV: WGN
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Outlook: The Blazers are off to a 7-4 start, with 3 of the losses to Golden State and the L.A. Clippers. Guards Damien Lillard (30.7 ppg) and C.J. McCollum (22.1 ppg) still do most of the scoring. SF Mo Harkless (11.7) is the only other player averaging in double figures. Free-agent addition Evan Turner is struggling at 6.7 ppg and shooting 36.7 percent from the field. Portland ranks fourth in scoring at 108.7 points but 28th in points allowed 111.1. The Blazers are last in rebound differential and 29th in free throws allowed. The Bulls won at Portland last season 93-88 behind 22 points from Jimmy Butler.
Next: Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena, 9:30 p.m. Thursday
- Mike McGraw