Bulls' Brewer still getting back in sync after injury
One of coach Tom Thibodeau's goals for the Bulls' final two preseason games is to play the starters their regular minutes.
“I think that's the next step for us, he said. “Then we still have to settle on our rotation with the bench.
Whether Ronnie Brewer gets any of the increased playing time remains to be seen. Keith Bogans missed a portion of Tuesday's practice with a sore back, but Thibodeau indicated Bogans would start at shooting guard Wednesday in Toronto if he's able to play.
Brewer is playing catch-up after missing the first two weeks of training camp with a sore hamstring. In the three preseason games he has played, he's averaging just 4 points while shooting 15 percent from the field (2-for-15).
Two years ago in Utah, Brewer averaged 13.7 points and shot just over 50 percent from the field.
“Luckily, preseason stats don't carry over to the season, Brewer said at the Berto Center. “I've had some opportunities where I've missed some easy ones. But I know when I get my legs back under me, some of those easy shots, I'm going to get more lift on them and be able to knock those down. The shots in the paint that happen to miss, I'll be able to finish at the rim.
Brewer figured to be the starter at shooting guard when he signed as a free agent in July, literally a few hours after Orlando matched the Bulls' offer sheet to restricted free agent J.J. Redick. Brewer is tall (6-feet-7), athletic and has plenty of experience guarding some of the league's best defenders when he played for Utah.
But the time off at the start of camp has set him back. Brewer spent the month of September working out at the Berto Center, then tweaked his right hamstring four days before the first practice.
“It's hard to explain, he said. “I'm just trying to get my legs back under me. Whenever you're working so much, then you're resting and don't do anything, when you get back out there it's like you have to start from ground zero. I'm trying to get my explosiveness back and my quickness back.
“I'm getting there. The season's right around the corner and I'm working to get in better shape, working every day on my shot. Hopefully, I can improve these next couple of games.
During his first three games back, Brewer's playing time has been limited because he's coming off an injury. He's hoping to use the final two preseason contests to hone his skills since it's practically impossible to simulate game speed in practice.
“We don't want to be a team that starts slow, he said. “Me personally, I don't want to be a guy that starts the season off slowly and gradually gets to where I want to be during the season. I want to hit the ground running and be at full speed to help this team out when I step on the court.
After playing at Toronto, the Bulls will finish the preseason at home Friday against Indiana.