So it’s not quite a point guard controversy. But coach Fred Hoiberg suddenly has a glut of players at the position who have taken star turns, even while struggling with the inconsistency that has helped create the revolving door at the position.
Michael Carter-Williams‘ monster game of 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists Friday in Houston is the latest example. That it came after Carter-Williams lost his starting job to Jerian Grant and had played just six minutes of garbage time over the previous five games made it all the more impressive — or head-scratching.
"They’ve all had moments," Hoiberg said. "We made the change putting Jerian with that first unit because of his ability to space the floor. He has shot much better the last few games. Michael gives you a lot of versatility with that spot. He can make plays, is a good slasher who can attack the basket and gives you a really good defensive presence. It’s figuring out the best fit."
None of this even addresses Rajon Rondo, who has settled in nicely as leader of the second unit, or Denzel Valentine, whose Development League assignment was intended in part to place him in a playmaking role. Hoiberg said Valentine, who returned for Sunday’s practice at Golden 1 Center, will get an opportunity on this six-game trip.
"Rondo gets (the second unit) to play with pace and wide-open shots," Hoiberg said. "Denzel played with the ball in his hands a lot (in the Development League), which is good for him. I have confidence in them."
Point, counterpoint: Whether Jimmy Butler plays Monday against the Kings also will affect Hoiberg’s guard rotation. Hoiberg started Grant and Carter-Williams against the Rockets.
Butler, who suffered a right heel bruise last Wednesday in Oklahoma City, didn’t practice Sunday.
"Obviously, I want to play," said Butler, who played through the same injury last season. "I want to beat DeMarcus Cousins."
Layups: Cristiano Felicio, who is expected to miss about a week with a strained right lower leg and sore ankle, will remain with the team on the six-game trip. "I have some liquid on my tibia," Felicio said. "It’s nothing bad." … Hoiberg, in his first comment on the foul call that fouled Carter-Williams out of Friday’s loss: "Looked like (James Harden) jumped on his back and they made the call."
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