Chicago Bulls head West in delicate state
The circus is no more, but the Bulls will relive their 40-year tradition of leaving town during Thanksgiving week. This trip is only three games long, with stops in Golden State, Portland and Sacramento, beginning Wednesday.
For Lauri Markkanen, it makes no difference, because he says there is no Thanksgiving in his native Finland.
"I've already got my Christmas decorations up," he said Tuesday at the Advocate Center. "I guess there's a thing called Thanksgiving, so probably have dinner (as a team) or something."
Markkanen was on target with that thought. Coach Jim Boylen confirmed there will be a team dinner Thursday in Portland.
"We'll have a trip to Nike, which everybody does when they go to Portland," Boylen said. "Christmas (shopping) type of thing for people. We'll have a Thanksgiving meal as a family, as a team. Those are important things."
In theory, extended road trips can be good for team morale, since it gives everyone a chance to be together instead of scattering to their homes. But they can also lose every game, which the Bulls have done plenty of times over the years.
"I think it's kind of that road dog mentality - you against the world a little bit," Boylen said. "I think it will be good for our team to get away and be together. We've got a few things planned as a team. We've got three big games, they're spread out pretty good. So hopefully we can have some time together but also play good basketball."
Bulls teeter on edge:
While the Bulls might get a chance to bond, they're also in danger of letting frustration get the best of them.
This team began the season with higher expectations than 6-12, but they're lacking a veteran presence and there's no telling when Otto Porter might return from a foot sprain.
"We're disappointed that Otto's hurt, I know he's disappointed that he's hurt," coach Jim Boylen said. "We can't worry about it. We can't cry about it, we've got to move on and play. Hutch (Chandler Hutchison) is working his way back. We've had some guys step up in big moments and play well off the bench - (Daniel) Gafford and Hutchison and (Denzel) Valentine.
"That's exciting stuff. Next man up and next man be ready."
Bull horns:
Kris Dunn ranks among the league leaders in steals, even though Jim Boylen says he prefers sound positional defense to steals. "It's what I do. I take pride in my defense," Dunn said. "I try to stay fundamentally sound, at the same time trust my instincts and go on my instincts. I know I can cause turnovers for this team and allow us to get easy points." The Bulls lead the league in creating turnovers. ...
Center Luke Kornet practiced Tuesday for the first time since having nasal surgery on Nov. 18. He's listed as questionable to play against Golden State. ... Guard Ryan Arcidiacono skipped practice due to a sore elbow suffered in the Miami game but is probable for Wednesday.