Paul Zipser has started games, served as the sixth man in others and closed several recent ones.

However you slice it, the second-round draft pick is a big part of Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg’s rotation, a look that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.

"He’s been playing at a very high level and against grown men for several years in the league that he was playing in. So how does that translate?" Hoiberg said, citing Zipser’s stint with Bayern Munich in the Euroleague. "I think it’s a shock initially because of the athleticism the NBA has. But Paul has a tremendous basketball IQ and he plays extremely hard. He plays both ends and he’s a guy you can rely on."

Zipser has logged prominent playing time in 11 of the last 12 games, including four starts.

"I wouldn’t say I’m surprised because I know what I can do," Zipser said. "Of course, if you don’t play, you struggle a little bit. But I knew if I got a chance, I’d leave everything on the court.

"I don’t think the level of the NBA is too high for me. The gyms in Europe are so much more intense. The crucial minutes of the game are so different. So I don’t really feel pressure at the end of the games. But I think in the playoffs, that will change."

That assumes the Bulls make it. If they do, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Zipser in the rotation.

"Toughness is where I’ve been really impressed with Paul," Hoiberg said. "He competes against anybody That’s probably ingrained in him at an early age based on who he played against."

No go: Jimmy Butler participated in the walk-through portion of Monday’s morning shootaround and is getting treatment throughout each day on his bruised right heel. Hoiberg said Butler is improving, but it’s too early to determine whether he’ll be available Wednesday against the Warriors.

"If I feel like I’m going to hurt this team, I’m not going to go because I’m going to play the same way I always play, being aggressive on both ends of the floor," Butler said.

Teammate talk: Rajon Rondo played with Duje Dukan, the recent Windy City Bulls signee and son of Bulls international scout Ivica Dukan, last season with the Kings.

"He has talent. It’s about the right fit," Rondo said of Dukan, who played at Deerfield High School and Wisconsin. "He definitely worked. He came in the gym a lot of nights I was there. He listens. He’s a good kid."

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