Chicago Bulls Expect Mike Dunleavy to Come off Bench

Apr 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) passes the ball as Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (31) defends during game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Miami won 88-77. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Certainly by no stretch is it earth shattering news, but the Chicago Bulls are expecting Mike Dunleavy to come off of the bench this season behind both Luol Deng and Jimmy Butler.

There was never much chance for Dunleavy to supplant Deng, however, there were hints he could take Butler’s role but that doesn’t appear to be the case according to the Chicago Tribune:

"Dunleavy’s role will be simple. Come off the bench to spell fellow Duke product Luol Deng or Jimmy Butler and knock down open 3-pointers. That he can do so moving quickly off screens is an added bonus. That he can space the floor for Rose, with whom he shares an agency, also helps.“It was a big factor obviously,” Dunleavy said of teaming with Rose. “With him healthy over the last two years they’ve had the best record in the league. It sounds like he’s on pace to be ready to go. You add everybody else to the mix and we have a good, deep team.“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a better shooter. That’s just with practice, knowing how to get your shots better, taking good shots. … With this team and the way they pass and move the ball, hopefully I’ll get even more looks.”"

Dunleavy averaged over 25 minutes a game last season, though, should struggle to repeat anything close to that barring significant injuries.

Home/Chicago Bulls