Hoiberg says Lauvergne will stay in Chicago Bulls rotation
Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg gave newcomer Joffrey Lauvergne extended minutes, 29 to be exact, on Wednesday in Orlando and suggested the 6-foot-11 power forward will stay in the rotation.
"I like Lauvergne," Hoiberg said Thursday at the Advocate Center. "You can tell he just knows how to play basketball. He hit a 3 for us. He rebounded well.
"He's a guy who we will keep in the rotation. I liked what I saw for his first opportunity for extended minutes."
Nikola Mirotic did not play against the Magic, but Hoiberg suggested the move wasn't about anything Mirotic did wrong. The Bulls acquired Lauvergne in the Oklahoma City trade with the idea he might stick around long term.
"What Joffrey has shown in practice is he's a guy who knows how to play," Hoiberg said. "He competed and moved his feet well at the four spot against quicker, more athletic guys in (Aaron) Gordon and Jeff Green.
"He used his smarts and anticipation to cut off the driver. And he's a big, physical body out there who knows how to play."
Lauvergne, 25, is a native of France and was a second-round pick in 2013 by Memphis. He saw action with both Denver and Oklahoma City before joining the Bulls.
Wade set to return:
After two games off with a thigh injury, the Bulls expect Dwyane Wade to be available when they host Houston on Friday at the United Center.
"Dwyane participated in a full practice," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "Guys got up and down a little bit after we went through some clean up things.
"We put a little of our game plan in against Houston, but the big thing was seeing Dwyane get up and down the floor. And he responded well. I anticipate he'll be available."
Grant likes role:
Jerian Grant was asked Thursday about the Bulls splitting the point guard minutes three ways, between him, Rajon Rondo and Cameron Payne.
"It's tough. You want some consistency, and we're starting to get there," Grant said. "We have a pretty solid rotation right now, so we'll see what we can do."
Grant has been the Bulls' best 3-point shooter lately, hitting 60 percent since the all-star break.
"I'm starting to find my role. The last 10-15 games I've been in there, knowing my position has made it a lot easier. I think everybody wants the ball in their hands a little bit more.
"But I'm fine with my position. I'm knocking down shots, those guys (Butler, Wade and Rondo) are finding me, and when the ball does come into my hands I'm able to make plays for my teammates."