Bulls 2016 training camp begins amid many, many questions

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A sports book last week set the Bulls' over/under for victories at 38.5, which underscored the prevailing reaction from a smattering of NBA coaches and executives at the Las Vegas Summer League in July as the roster took shape during a fluid free-agency period:

What are the Bulls doing?

Naturally, the feeling within the organization differs and leans toward optimism, hopeful that the dramatic reshaping of the roster will prove to be the start of a new playoff run after last season's unexpected failure to qualify.

Despite the roster overhaul flying in the face of the league's emphasis on shooting and floor spacing, management and coaches are optimistic proud veterans such as Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo will be out for something to prove and will coalesce with a young core ready to take the next step.

Will Vegas or the Bulls brass be right? That's just one of many questions hanging in the air as training camp begins with media day Monday and two practices Tuesday. Here are others:

Can Fred Hoiberg coach?

More accurately, can the second-year Bulls coach manage a roster that, once again, looks ill-suited to play the pace-and-space system so heavily touted upon his hiring?

The spotlight will definitely be on Hoiberg, who admitted to some dramatic shortcomings as his underwhelming rookie season wound down. Management has publicly stated the need for more accountability. That need will be intensified with the addition of Wade and Rondo, accomplished, strong-minded champions.

On the court, Hoiberg has cited running different systems during his five-year stint at Iowa State as an example of his ability to adapt. And Hoiberg already has spent considerable time with Rondo, who is a strong fit for Hoiberg's preferred point guard philosophy. Now it's time to prove it with victories.

Instead of tweaking Hoiberg's staff, the Bulls elected to hire Dr. Wendy Borlabi as "high performance coach." Her background, as the team's release put it, "in the development of mental preparation with an emphasis in focus, leadership and performance anxiety" is designed to be a resource for players and coaches.

Read more at the Trib:

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