Bulls hope Mexico trip can help build team unity
The Bulls are taking their show to new places. They left Tuesday afternoon for Mexico City, where they'll play Orlando on Thursday night.
This will be the first time the Bulls have played a regular season game outside the U.S. or Canada. They've played preseason games in London and Rio de Janeiro in the past decade, and they went to Paris during the championship years.
"We're excited. I've been to Mexico City maybe three times," coach Jim Boylen said. "I was there with the Rockets, I was there with the Spurs and I think one more time. But I love going to Mexico City. I did Basketball Without Borders (an NBA-sponsored camp) there.
"Where we're staying is awesome. This is going to be a great trip for us. I think when you get your team on the road, in an environment like this, it's nothing but positives. It's a great city."
Zach LaVine played a game in Mexico City during his rookie season in Minnesota in 2014. The Timberwolves lost to Houston and LaVine finished with 8 points and 9 assists, so that must have been when they were experimenting with him at point guard.
"I look forward to going back," LaVine said. "I think it's as great trip. I think it's a good trip for the team to go out there and be together."
The Bulls will be on the road for a week, with stops in San Antonio and Oklahoma City on the way home.
Coach, player talk:
New coach Jim Boylen and leading scorer Zach LaVine obviously have an important relationship and they've tried to get to know each other better.
"Yeah, yeah, for sure. We had some meetings, just learning to get to learn and trust each other, and talk," LaVine said. "You've got to start somewhere, and we've definitely been doing that."
Boylen was asked Tuesday what he's learned about LaVine.
"What I've learned is he has a big heart," Boylen said. "He wants to be great. He wants to lead. He wants to take ownership. He wants to make plays at the end of the game. He wants to make his teammates better. And I have to help him do that."
LaVine made it sound like the relationship has potential.
"I can see his emotion and actually how much he cares, and that's something we both have in common," LaVine said. "We both want what's best for the team."
Taking the lead:
Here's more from Jim Boylen on why the Bulls are instituting a leadership committee among the players.
"To me, that's what this level is all about. Ownership of the team. Strong leadership. Care factor. Commitment," he said. "Those are not just words. Those are real things and actionable words.
"I want the leadership group because they will have input on what we do and how we operate. It doesn't mean that I'm not the head coach and they're the players. But they're going to be respected as men at this level."