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Dwyane Wade giving up his starting spot ahead of Bulls game

Three games into the season, Dwyane Wade has volunteered to give up his starting spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue made the announcement on Monday. When the Bulls visit Cleveland on Tuesday, J.R. Smith is expected to be back in the starting lineup at shooting guard, while Wade comes off the bench.

“That's what professionals do,” Lue said, according to USA Today. “No ego. He saw it was best for the team for him to come off the bench. It was his call.”

In Cleveland's first three games, Wade averaged 5.7 points and shot 28 percent from the field, while playing 23.7 minutes per game. The Cavs (2-1) started with nice wins over Boston and Milwaukee, then lost badly to Orlando at home on Saturday.

“I'm trying to find it, man,” Wade said after the Orlando game, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “It's very different, different from I've ever played. Just trying to find my way, as we go on, see how I can be best for this team. Everything's happened so fast.”

During 14 years in the NBA, Wade has come off the bench just 11 times, most recently last season when he and Jimmy Butler were benched as punishment for criticizing Bulls teammates.

“I've always been a one or two option,” Wade said. “It's just a different game. You gotta kind of figure out your way.”

In theory, Wade will now be the No. 1 option on the second unit. His first chance at the new role will come Tuesday against the Bulls, who have won five straight against the Cavaliers.

The Bulls will not see former teammate Derrick Rose, who has been ruled out with a sprained ankle suffered last Friday in Milwaukee.

Dunn returns to practice:

Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said injured guard Kris Dunn would return to practice Monday and may be ready to see game action on Saturday against Oklahoma City.

Dunn suffered a dislocated left index finger in an Oct. 6 preseason game against Milwaukee. He was acquired by the Bulls on draft night from Minnesota in the Jimmy Butler trade.

“As of right now, he's full contact,” Hoiberg said before Monday's practice. “We'll see how his hand responds to game situations, most likely will not play tomorrow. Hopefully get him back maybe on Saturday.”

No change for Mirotic:

There wasn't much of an update on Nikola Mirotic's condition Monday. Coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed a report by the Daily Herald that Mirotic visited the Advocate Center on Friday a few hours after practice ended.

Hoiberg also said he thinks Mirotic is still in concussion protocol and no decision has been made regarding surgery. Mirotic suffered a concussion and facial fractures when punched by teammate Bobby Portis during practice last Tuesday.

“He's starting to feel a little bit better, still isn't ready to come in (to visit the team),” Hoiberg said. “He's still having some issues. But we'll just keep monitoring it, hopefully he keeps making progress.”

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