Deng makes NBA’s all-defensive team

Bulls forward Luol Deng was named to the NBA’s all-defensive second team, which was released Wednesday. This is Deng’s first appearance on the all-defensive squad, which is chosen by the league’s coaches.

Center Joakim Noah, who made second team all-defense last year, missed the cut by three votes this time. Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer each received a single second-team vote.

The Bulls haven’t had a player make the all-defensive first team since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1998. That was Jordan’s ninth first team appearance and Pippen’s seventh.

The 2012 all-defensive first team included Miami’s LeBron James, the top vote-getter; Oklahoma City center Serge Ibaka, Orlando center Dwight Howard, Clippers guard Chris Paul and Memphis guard Tony Allen.

Joining Deng on the second team are New York’s Tyson Chandler, Boston’s Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, along with Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala and Noah were next among others receiving votes. Deng collected 6 first-team votes.

Team USA opens with France:

The U.S. men’s Olympic team will begin play in London against France and Bulls center Joakim Noah — barring further injury, of course. The opener is set for July 29 at 8:30 a.m. Central time.

Team USA will also play Tunisia on July 31 and Argentina on Aug. 6. Two other games, set for Aug. 2 and 4, are against opponents that will be determined by late Olympic qualifying in June. The top four teams in each group move on to the quarterfinal round. The gold medal game is set for Aug. 12.