Deng Poised For Rebound Season

ESPN’s John Hollinger says that he thinks Luol Deng will be better in 2009-10 than he was last season.  “Deng will start at small forward and likely play around 35 minutes a night, which could lead to a big year statwise,” Hollinger says.  ”With Gordon gone, the Bulls will probably look to kick-start Deng’s offensive game to establish a reliable second option after Rose, especially in the half-court offense.  The fact Chicago invested in a six-year, $71 million deal for Deng only strengthens that impression, and it wouldn’t be surprising if his scoring average rebounded back into the high teens.”

Deng was on the verge of becoming an All-Star just a couple of seasons ago before he was bit by the injury bug.  None of the injuries should linger into this upcoming NBA season, so Deng should be good to go for the first time in a while.  He’s long, athletic and possesses a solid midrange game.  The Bulls will need Deng to step up and assume the second banana role to Derrick Rose.  If Deng can return to form, the Bulls will not miss Ben Gordon nearly as much.  One could say that with Deng lies the difference between making the playoffs convincingly and squeaking in.

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