Chicago Bulls' Boylen eager to try out NBA's new coach's challenge
A new addition to the NBA is the coach's challenge to trigger an instant-replay review.
It's similar to what's used in the NFL, without the red flags. In the NBA, coaches get just one per game, regardless of whether it's successful or not. To initiate a challenge, coaches must call time out and twirl a finger in the air.
Looking through the coach's challenge guidelines, one part stands out - a coach can't challenge a no-call. So if he thinks his guy gets hammered on a shot attempt, nothing can be done.
A coach can challenge a foul on his own team at any time. On a foul call, the review will be made by the officiating crew chief at courtside. Out of bounds or goaltending calls will be handled by the league's replay center. In the last two minutes of regulation or overtime, out of bounds or goaltending calls can only be initiated by the referees.
Before Monday's preseason opener, Bulls coach Jim Boylen talked about trying to develop a strategy for when to use the challenge.
"We pulled every challenge (so far in the preseason) and watched them this morning," Boylen said. "I have to be honest with you, I'm learning it. I'm learning if it's a play maybe you think isn't right and is close to where you would take a timeout or maybe you need a timeout, does that skew it? Is it dangerous to lose one in the first half?"
Boylen mentioned a Hornets-Celtics game Sunday where he said both teams used their challenge in the final minute. Another scenario Boylen acknowledged is using the challenge if a key player is hit with a third foul in the first half.
Teams might get a few seconds to think it over, but this is not expected to be like baseball, where managers are given time to check the replay first and then decide whether to challenge.
"I'd like to use it. I'd like to get some experience at it," Boylen said. "You're always concerned about the timeout. You better be sure. Your angles better be good. It's going to be interesting."
Picking starters:
The Bulls started Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Cristiano Felicio in the preseason opener.
Asked before the game why he chose that group, coach Jim Boylen said, "Kris Dunn's had a terrific September. And Cris Felicio's had a great last couple days. It felt right to me."
Injury update:
Bulls center Luke Kornet did not play Monday, but Jim Boylen said Kornet is feeling better after suffering from turf toe and should be ready to go full speed at Tuesday's practice.
Boylen is not sure when Wendell Carter Jr. will return from a bruised tailbone. Shaq Harrison and Chandler Hutchison also skipped the preseason opener with hamstring issues.
Milwaukee left MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, Ersan Ilyasova and former Bull Kyle Korver on the sideline Monday night.