Coming Up Short in Carolina

The Bulls should take no stock in the Charlotte Hornets going undefeated in the preseason so far.  They've done that themselves in recent years and it didn't mean a thing.  So forget that Monday's game was a 94-86 loss.  Like all other exhibitions, this was about getting a feel for the roster.

Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 18 points, but he still seems like he's biding his time.  He hasn't been too loud on the court, so that should mean he's saving his biggest energy for when the real games begin..  If he's as serious about being a leader as he says in recent interviews, he'll make it known in time.  He's moving forward, not back, as evidenced by no rearview mirror in his car.

The bigs really shined as a group.  Pau Gasol sat this one out to rest, but Joakim Noah achieved a double-double with 12 points (eight coming on free throws) and 13 rebounds.  Taj Gibson was one board short of joining Noah, but still led the bench with 14 points in 17 minutes.  Nikola Mirotic knocked down three treys for 13 points and was also one rebound shy of a double-double.

Bobby Portis was efficient, pouring in 12 points in 19 minutes and coming up two boards shy of his own double-double.  This rookie has probably made the most noise of anyone else during the exhibition schedule.  Whether that can continue when the competition increases its intensity next week remains to be seen.  Until then, we can soak up the promise he's shown.

Fred Hoiberg continues to gain a better idea of his team's potential.  The bigs are well-rounded both ways and the smaller players have been unleashing a good round of scoring, although the latter part seems to momentarily be on the down low, yet effective.  They seem competitive most of the time and even when they lose, no one can say they've looked uninterested.  And if Derrick Rose's recent comments about enthusiasm in Hoiberg's system are any indication, this season will be fun.

It seems inexplicable to have a back-to-back in the preseason, but that's what the Bulls have.  The second part is Tuesday at home against the Indiana Pacers.  Not being with the team in Charlotte, Gasol should play barring a health setback or simply opting to watch again.  Regardless, we have to hope playing on consecutive nights in games that don't count won't have long-term ramifications on the season.