Bulls still uncertain at shooting guard

The Bulls have eight days, two preseason games and roughly five practices left to prepare for the season opener in Oklahoma City on Oct. 27.

Some things are fairly certain, such as Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah in the starting lineup.

If there were any thoughts of starting center Omer Asik in place of the injured Carlos Boozer, they were likely squelched Saturday when Asik picked up 3 fouls in his first four minutes against Orlando.

Forward Taj Gibson missed that game with a sore right heel, but he joined in Monday's three-hour practice at the Berto Center and figures to continue filling in for Boozer.

“We have an idea about the starting lineup, we feel pretty good about that, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “When we go to the bench, what combinations work best? We're still figuring that out right now.

When he spoke about the starting lineup, Thibodeau meant the four spots mentioned above. A decision still needs to be made about shooting guard.

Keith Bogans has started every game in the preseason but is averaging a relatively low 17.3 minutes per game. He has made a case to continue starting based on his strong defense and solid 3-point shooting (9-for-17).

Ronnie Brewer missed the first three exhibitions because of a sore hamstring and has looked rusty since joining the lineup. A career 52-percent shooter, Brewer has made just 2 of 15 shots in the preseason. He did get to the foul line six times and collected 2 steals against the Magic.

“We'll still make a determination there, Thibodeau said. “The only way Ronnie is going to get his timing down is by playing. So the more he plays, the better he'll get. I was encouraged by his play in the last game in terms of how he's moving. I don't think he's comfortable yet with the defense or the offense and I think that will come as he plays more.

This might be the toughest call before the season begins. Brewer was signed during the summer with the idea of starting at two guard, but Bogans could also be a good fit if he continues to shoot well from 3-point range.

“It's not only who's going to start, but it's going to be who fits better with what group, Thibodeau added. “I don't know if Ronnie will be better with the starters or he'll be better with the bench guys. I like the energy he brings. I like Keith's toughness.

“They're different Ronnie's more of a slasher, Keith's more of a spot-up 3-point shooter. Their strengths are different, but they're both good players.

Thibodeau has said he prefers Kyle Korver in a reserve role. After shooting the lights out early in the preseason, Korver has gone 2-for-11 in the last two games and admitted Monday he has been bothered by a cyst in his left foot.

Also in the mix at guard is C.J. Watson. He's not a candidate to start at two guard but should be a valuable reserve. He has been up and down in the preseason, leading the team in scoring at Orlando with 13 points but shooting just 37.5 percent overall.

“We'll be getting closer to our rotation, Thibodeau said. “We're not quite there yet. We'll be looking at some different guys, but the starters will be getting closer to their normal minutes (in the next two games).

The Bulls are back in action Wednesday at Toronto before finishing the preseason at home against Indiana on Friday.