Chicago Bulls' center Carter says he'll learn from, compete against Lopez
One Chicago Bulls starting spot that could conceivably be up for grabs is center. The job will eventually go to rookie Wendell Carter Jr., but veteran Robin Lopez figures to begin the season as the starter.
"The competition was great today all across the board and Robin is really good for Wendell," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "He's a consummate pro and great vet to teach Wendell what it's all about to be a professional. Wendell is not backing down at all.
"He made some unbelievable plays at the rim defensively today, so I feel really good at that position going into the season."
The Bulls held their first practice of training camp Tuesday morning at the Advocate Center. Chosen with the No. 7 overall draft pick out of Duke, Carter is trying to build on a strong summer league performance.
"Coach said that spot is open so I'm coming into training camp thinking there are no defined starters," Carter said. "Just coming in and trying to prove myself every day.
"Just playing against (Lopez has helped). Learning how he plays defense, how he scores in the pick-and-roll, how he scores in the post without using too much effort, and how smart he is just all around."
Stack joins coaching staff:
At the end of Tuesday's practice, Karen Stack Umlauf was on the court helping players get individual work in. After serving as assistant to the GM for about three decades, Stack Umlauf has taken a new role this season as associate coach and director of team operations. She played in college at Northwestern.
"We love having Karen on board with us," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "She was awesome in the summer league. Anytime you give Karen a project, she gets it done in half the time that you want it, and she's a great positive voice. She's been around this organization for 30-plus years and been a part of six world championships.
"We feel really good about what she brings to our staff and she's been great with the guys as far as rebounding and skill development stuff and she's got projects that she's great with. So it's great to have Karen on our side."
Starters not set:
It doesn't seem like starting spots are up for grabs at Bulls camp, but coach Fred Hoiberg made a case that they are.
"Our mentality as a staff is you come in here and you make these guys compete for the position," he said. "I would say there's nothing set in stone at this time. You go into the season with an idea. But that can change based on how things go in camp and preseason."
Hoiberg said the plan is to have a formal scrimmage on Thursday and mix up the combinations.
"We've gone in with an idea the past couple years about what we think might happen and things have completely changed based on players outplaying other guys," he said. "I loved the competitiveness today."