The Bulls` point guard position, sure to generate more than a little discussion this season, probably won`t be settled for a few weeks-and perhaps not even beyond that.
One thing everyone acknowledges, however, is that the Bulls` first unit isn`t yet in sync, which naturally has placed more scrutiny on the point guard.
”I can tell we`re not playing the same,” said Scottie Pippen. ”I won`t sit here and say it`s because of B.J. (Armstrong) or because Pax (John Paxson) isn`t out there. But we`re not playing well at all.”
Coach Phil Jackson, who earlier said his determination of who will start hinges on how Paxson fits in with the second unit, said that isn`t his concern right now.
”The focus is getting a build-up of minutes (for Paxson) to the point where his game and his conditioning make that decision for us,” he said.
”When he starts functioning over 90 percent, then we can decide whether we should or shouldn`t start him.
”We`re dying out there at certain times with regulars off the floor. And we`re just going to have to find a way to function.”
Shaq attack: Several of the Bulls caught the monstrous performance Tuesday night of Shaquille O`Neal against Charlotte. His block of J.R. Reid`s shot surely made future opponents shudder.
”He was killin`,” said Pippen. ”That boy is so active, it`s crazy. It`s still kind of early, but if I had to bet, I would say he will be one of the greatest centers in NBA history.”
Bargain basement: Dennis Rodman has been the source of much speculation around Detroit and around the league. But while the Pistons will acknowledge they`re talking with the Hornets (Charlotte wants Rodman and a swap of first-round draft picks for Del Curry and Reid), they`re not going to give the troubled forward away.
”There`s no fire sale here,” said Pistons GM Billy McKinney.
As for Rodman`s stance, ”I don`t know what I want to do,” he said.
Da thespians: Will Perdue, Paxson and Armstrong have been seen in new commercials lately.
Perdue, as a visitor to Da Superfans set, plays straight man to George Wendt and skit creator Robert Smigal. ”I think they went to Phil (Jackson)
first,” Perdue said. ”I was on the back burner. It was fun, though.”
Armstrong, urging Perdue to try standup comedy, was less willing to discuss his budding celebrity as spokesman for his shoe company. ”He`s a shy guy,” Perdue offered.
