Chicago Bulls: Satoransky winning the PG battle, White still the future

Four games into the preseason and the Bulls are still figuring out their point guard rotation between Kris Dunn, recent pickup Tomas Satoransky, and seventh overall draft pick Coby White. While all three have started and came off the bench, it’s become a two-man race.

The NBA’s five preseason games usually don’t matter, but for the Chicago Bulls, it gives them a two-week window to decide who the starting point guard will be. The Bulls’ final preseason game is Thursday vs. the Atlanta Hawks then they prepare for the first regular-season game in Charlotte against the Hornets (10/23). Head Coach Jim Boylen has been outspoken about the last piece to his starting lineup. After the Bulls’ fourth-quarter meltdown to the Pelicans, we have a better idea of who will be the point guard.

"“Every day, there is more clarity on what you like, what you don’t like, who fits, who doesn’t fit. Not only in that (lead guard) position but other situations,” Boylen said. “We can’t play everybody. From Day One, I said we’re going to have to share and become a team where sacrifice is involved. That day is coming not just for that lead guard position but other ones too.”"

Tomas Satoransky was acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Wizards. Chicago gave him a three-year, $30 million contract extension, which at that point in time, was a clear indicator that he will replace Kris Dunn. Sato has put up positive numbers in his two games, starting the second preseason game against New Orleans and getting the third preseason game versus the Pacers off. After the Bulls’ first three games he’s +10 in Real-Plus Minus (RPM) compared to Dunn’s -17 and Coby White’s -22.

"‘‘I think the ball was popping,’’’ Boylen said of the movement with Satoransky on the floor. ‘‘It’s something we’ve been talking about.’’"

Sato posted 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes versus the Pelicans. At 6-foot-7, he has the ability to play the 1-2-3 positions on the floor and becomes a mismatch for smaller point guards. He also gives Zach LaVine and Otto Porter Jr. assistance as a wing defender.

While Boylen hasn’t yet named a starter for the regular season, we can assume it’s going to be Satoransky pending a meltdown over the next week. What does that mean for Coby White?

White impressed in the Las Vegas Summer League and certainly is showing flashes of what could be during the preseason. When he was drafted seventh overall, he was pegged by many as the starting point guard without playing a competitive NBA game; perhaps that’s because we know his talent level projects as an immediate starter. White’s RPM after the first two games was -14 and after three it’s -22. That’s third-worst on the Bulls trailing only Adam Mokoka (-27) Denzel Valentine’s -29.

White’s defensive issues can also be a problem considering LaVine isn’t known as a great defender. Against the Bucks, LaVine posted a -12 RPM while Dunn was -6 and White was -8. The Bulls can’t have two guards that can’t play defense on the floor at the same time making Sato’s all-around ability a strong case to be the starting point guard. White is best suited as a combo guard off the bench. He provides instant scoring, fastbreak chances, and willingness to take perimeter shots.

Against the Pacers, he scored a game-high 24 points and team-high eight rebounds with no turnovers or assists. On 10-of-22 shooting he was the obvious primary scorer and along with Thaddeus Young could be a 1-2 punch primarily as pick and roll threats off the bench. What does that mean for Kris Dunn if White is the backup PG/SG?

Dunn, along with White, has looked lost at times on defense. Unlike White who is facing NBA players for the first time, Dunn doesn’t have any excuses for poor play on defense. Entering his third season in Chicago and first-full year under Boylen, Dunn should know the system and be more communicative then White and Sato. Whether he is or not, he was apart of the meltdown against the Pelicans in the fourth quarter.

It is the preseason, but that competitiveness goes a long way – regular season or not. Dunn seems best suited in this rotation as a 15-18 minute backup PG with White or LaVine as his SG. He’s a very coachable player, but the line between him taking the next step as a player or getting traded is very slim.

"“I want to see [Dunn] play efficient basketball,’’ Boylen said. “I want to see his decisions be solid. I want him to be the most dominant defensive player on the floor. And I want him to accept coaching, which he’s been great at. And I want that to keep going.’’"

Us too, Jim.

Against the Bucks, offensively he had 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 24 minutes compared to two points on 1-of-5 shooting in 23 minutes against the Pelicans. Dunn got the start against the Pacers and had an all-around odd game. Eight points, seven turnovers, six steals, five rebounds and a -4 RPM in the 18-point loss. His -4 RPM was the lowest among the starters versus Indiana, but his seven turnovers outweigh all distancing himself farther down the depth chart behind Sato and White.

Dunn one week to prove to this coaching staff he’s a starter, but so far Satoransky is leading the pack with White’s future looking bright.