Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen announced Wednesday that one of the most closely watched storylines of training camp has been resolved, as Tomas Satoransky will be the team’s starting point guard on opening night against the Charlotte Hornets.
Satoransky, whom the Bulls acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Wizards earlier this summer, beat out Kris Dunn for the starting point guard position, Boylen announced on Wednesday. Dunn will come off the bench, as will 2019 first round draft pick Coby White.
“I’ve been happy with both of them. I think this is what’s best for our team, and I think it will be great for both of them individually,” Boylen said. “(Kris) has embraced it, and we had a good conversation about it. He’s all about winning, and I’m really proud of him.”
In 210 career NBA games, Satoransky has averaged 6.6 points and 3.7 assists per game, but has never averaged more than 27.1 minutes per game. He will get a chance to prove his NBA mettle with the Bulls, but Dunn will be used extensively in both a back-up role and in a defensive stopper role, Boylen said.
The Bulls, who will open their season on Oct. 23 against the Hornets, will have Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr., and Otto Porter Jr. as their starters along with Satoransky, Boylen confirmed Wednesday.
The Bulls have one preseason game remaining, as they will take on the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night at the United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
