Untitled Page

Luol Deng News & Rumors

British hoops cries foul on Bulls, NBA
May 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"The seemingly annual dance to secure Luol Deng's insurance for international competition took a mildly confrontational turn on Saturday. Chris Spice, performance director for British Basketball, accused the Bulls of pressuring Deng to withdraw from his Olympic commitment because of his wrist injury. Spice's statement also decried the NBA's lack of support. NBA and Bulls officials declined to respond. "Luol Deng is hugely committed to the British Basketball program and he has maintained this stance despite recent pressure for him not to play after injuring his wrist during the highly-demanding shortened NBA season," Spice's statement said. "We admire and support his stance. Luol is a true"
Bulls' Deng earns defensive honor; Boozer gets vote
May 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"One of the league's stingiest defenses has drawn postseason recognition again. Bulls forward Luol Deng landed on the NBA's All-Defensive second team Wednesday, following Joakim Noah's inclusion on the same team after last season. The Bulls haven't had an All-Defensive first-team member since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were on the 1997-98 squad. "We're happy for Luol," general manager Gar Forman said. "He's certainly deserving of this honor.""
Gar Forman will talk to Luol Deng about wrist
May 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"General manager Gar Forman plans to talk to Luol Deng in the next week about Deng's plans to compete in the Olympics despite a torn ligament in his left wrist. Deng has said he will play for the British national team this summer despite a wrist injury that could require surgery, which might sideline him for the first two months of the season. Deng said he will wait until after the Olympics before deciding to undergo the procedure."
Deng should skip Olympics
May 13
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"To know Luol Deng is to respect him. Forget the Bulls. In Deng's eight NBA seasons in Chicago, no professional athlete has represented the city or himself with any more class than the Sudanese refugee whose rare sense of social responsibility stems from a powerful personal narrative. When Deng was 5, as most Bulls fans know, his family fled Sudan to escape a deadly civil war that made hiding under the bed to avoid gunfire an indelible memory. Deng's father, Aldo, the country's minister of transportation, found refuge for his nine children in Egypt and, four years later, reunited the family in London after Britain offered political asylum. It was on English soil that Deng, a natural soccer"
Luol Deng: Olympics come before surgery
May 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Luol Deng made one thing clear after the Bulls were eliminated in Game 6: He's playing in the Olympics even if he needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. "I just know that I'm looking forward to playing in the Olympics," he said. "I'm excited about it. It's something I've wanted to do since I was a kid, and I'm going to prepare myself for it." Deng tore the ligament earlier this season and decided to play in pain rather than undergo surgery that would've resulted in him missing most of the regular season and perhaps even the playoffs."
Deng and Boozer crucial to Bulls' hopes
May 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"They have been called soft, overpaid and busts. They have heard criticism from countless corners outside the Bulls' locker room. By tuning such noise out, what Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer have done serves as a microcosm of this Bulls' season. Both players have overcome adversity not just to persevere but succeed. "One thing about Carlos: He doesn't let that stuff bother him. He shrugs it off," Taj Gibson said. "That's what I admire about him. It falls off his shoulder and he gets ready for the next game. And he's the same every game. He's solid. He never worries about the negative. He's always consistent.""
Bulls need more from Boozer, Deng
May 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"After two playoff games, Carlos Boozer is averaging nine points, tied for sixth on the Bulls with Kyle Korver. Luol Deng is averaging 12.5 points, fifth-best and behind Joakim Noah and John Lucas III. If the Bulls are to recover from their disappointing Game 2 performance, their starters need to play better. They scored only 20 second-half points against the 76ers on Tuesday, with Deng and Boozer combining for two points on 1-for-6 shooting after halftime."
Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer off the mark
May 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Luol Deng is correct in citing defensive breakdowns as the reason for the Bulls' 109-92 loss Tuesday against the 76ers in Game 2. But defense shouldn't be his only concern. If the Bulls hope to advance, they'll need better offensive showings from Deng and Carlos Boozer. The duo went 1-for-6 from the field in the second half for two points. They combined for 17 points overall. "We've got to play better defense," Deng said. "Offense is not who we are. We've got to take pride in our defense. We've got a lot of different guys who can score, but this is the playoffs. Tonight was embarrassing. All of us. No one is going to feel sorry for us. We all have to step it up.""
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau rests Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Kyle Korver against Cavs
April 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Several factors convinced coach Tom Thibodeau to rest Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Kyle Korver for the regular-season finale Thursday against the Cavaliers at the United Center. Thibodeau said after the 92-87 victory Wednesday against the Pacers that he would play his starters against the Cavs, but Rose's performance in Indianapolis, the Bulls' overall effort and a first-round playoff series that could start Saturday afternoon all factored into his decision to give the three players the night off for "maintenance." C.J. Watson, Rip Hamilton, Ronnie Brewer, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah started. "Taking everything into consideration, this is the best thing right now," Thibodeau said. He made"
Luol Deng's injury raises some concern for Bulls
April 16
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's never a good thing when there are more ice bags on the floor than sweaty jerseys and unrolled tape, especially with the postseason in sight. But this is the reality of Bulls basketball these days, and forward Luol Deng seems to be the latest poster child. Deng has been fighting through a torn ligament in his left wrist for most of the year, and the injury seems to be winning. Deng played nearly 45 minutes in the Bulls' overtime win against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday but was 1-for-8 from the field, scoring two points. Coach Tom Thibodeau was asked if he's concerned about resting Deng or at least keeping an eye on his minutes down the stretch."
Shot to ribs may affect Deng's playing status for Monday
April 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng gutted through close to 45 minutes on Sunday, missing 7 of 8 shots and taking a painful shot to his right ribs from former teammate Ben Gordon that could affect Deng's status for Monday. Even if it doesn't, coach Tom Thibodeau addressed Deng's minutes for the final six games as the forward continues to play through a torn ligament in his left wrist. "He's getting time off in practice," Thibodeau said. "Maybe we should have him practice and give him the games off; I don't know." Sources said Deng and Thibodeau have recently talked about his role down the stretch. Deng emphasized he wants "to keep in playing rhythm" but conceded some rest might be required, especially for the three"
Getting Derrick Rose in sync, Luol Deng some rest should be Bulls' priorities
April 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The theory that the Bulls are better without Derrick Rose is gaining momentum as circumstantial evidence accumulates. It's absurd, of course. When the Bulls have been at their best, Rose has been at the top of his game. What's important now is that he and his teammates return to that level before the playoffs begin. It's all about peaking for the Bulls now that they are all but assured of home-court advantage through the Eastern Conference finals. Coach Tom Thibodeau's list of priorities became clear as fans streamed out of the United Center after the Bulls' 96-86 overtime victory Thursday against the Heat. A schedule that has been an enemy all season now becomes an ally. The Bulls' next"
Luol Deng beats buzzer in OT as Bulls top Raptors
March 25
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bulls did everything but lose Saturday night. They stumbled their way through a discouraging effort against a struggling Toronto Raptors team without guard DeMar DeRozan. But when all appeared lost, they relied on the only thing they had left in their favor — their uncanny ability to find a way to win — and somehow turned a foiled final play into gold when Luol Deng scored at the buzzer on a rebound of a C.J. Watson blocked shot for a 102-101 overtime victory at the United Center. ''I saw the light [signifying no time on the clock] after I shot it, but I still wasn't sure how close it was,'' Deng said. ''We're finding ways. It's a long season … so many games. So every game is going to"
Bulls down Raptors with 20-0 run in 4th quarter
March 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter to down the Raptors 94-82 on Wednesday night at Air Canada Centre. Playing their fifth straight game without Derrick Rose because of a strained groin, the Bulls also got 15 points from C.J. Watson, 13 from John Lucas III and 12 from Ronnie Brewer. Joakim Noah added eight points, eight rebounds and five assists in the Bulls' third straight win. "All year our model has just been to find a way to win," Deng said. "Sometimes it's not pretty. We're a deep team.""
Painful experience for Bulls' Deng
March 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bulls begin one of their five remaining back-to-back sets of games Friday against the Trail Blazers, which means Luol Deng's minutes will be monitored closely. Deng admitted after Wednesday's victory over the Heat that his ailing left wrist, which has a torn ligament, continues to affect his game. Management has discussed limiting Deng's minutes in back-to-back situations. "It's just something I have to play through," Deng said. "I have to adjust my game to find ways I can still make an impact.""
As expected, Deng out
March 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"After huddling with team medical personnel and coach Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng enacted his plan to rest his painful left wrist, which clearly has been bothering him after 17 straight games of use despite a torn ligament. Thibodeau, who likes talking about injuries about as much as defensive breakdowns, downplayed the decision. "We knew (rest) was going to be the case," Thibodeau said. "Lu has a lot of toughness. He's going to play through pain. Medically if it makes sense for him not to play, he won't." There is no change in Deng's medical status; the ligament remains torn. He's merely trying to make the pain more manageable again. Along those lines, it's likely Deng will sit Monday against"
Bulls in tricky spot with ailing Rip Hamilton, Luol Deng
March 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Bulls have passed the midway point of the season and quickly might be approaching the tipping point. Rip Hamilton acknowledged that doctors have predicted it will take a month for him to return from a sprained shoulder, which doesn't allow for much wiggle room with the regular season ending April 26. Luol Deng told reporters after the loss Thursday against the Magic that the torn ligament in his left wrist has become extremely painful, so he might be forced to miss games. The Bulls have the best record in the Eastern Conference. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy called them the "best team in the league" after Thursday's game. Bobcats coach Paul Silas said the Bulls have the best roster in the"
Just add Deng's injury woe to list
March 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"It's not the Heat. It's the debility. The Bulls obviously know their chances to become Eastern Conference champions are enhanced greatly if they are at full strength. Between Luol Deng's wrist, Derrick Rose's toe and back, Richard Hamilton's thigh, groin and shoulder — miss anything? — and C.J. Watson's elbow and head, that dynamic has been elusive all season. And now Deng said he is considering resting his injured left wrist, in which he tore a ligament on Jan. 21. Deng admirably has played 17 straight games since returning from the injury Feb. 4. But after revealing his plans to huddle with team medical personnel and coach Tom Thibodeau, Deng has discussed sitting for one or two games."
After 99-94 loss to Orlando, Deng admits he may have to sit
March 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"In late January, when Luol Deng made his bold decision to skip surgery and play through a torn ligament in his left wrist, he knew there would be nights like this. Nights when he felt like a one-handed player. Nights when the pain no longer seemed manageable. That's why the Bulls' 99-94 defeat at the hands of the Magic, which ended the Bulls' eight-game winning streak, might not be the only loss from Thursday night. After missing 8 of 9 shots, Deng, in more resigned than frustrated tones, admitted he might have to rest his injured wrist for a couple of games."
Deng won't be fined for Africa T-shirt
March 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"The NBA won't fine Bulls forward Luol Deng for displaying a T-shirt of his native Africa during player introductions for Sunday's All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. Deng surprisingly ditched the league-issued warmups to unveil the T-shirt, which he said he showed to create pride in his homeland. Deng was born in war-torn Sudan, and his family was exiled to Egypt when he was 4 because his father, Aldo, served as Sudan's minister of transportation. The family eventually received political asylum in England, where Deng spent his formative years outside London and now is the face of the British national team. South Sudan achieved independence last summer in an emotional ceremony Deng attended with"
Rose, Deng answer call for Bulls at AT&T
March 1
San Antonio Express-News
 
"When it comes to setting a defensive game plan against the Chicago Bulls, it takes neither a rocket scientist nor a championship-winning basketball coach to identify their starting point. It begins with the guy with No. 1 on his back, the ball in his hands and the MVP trophy on his mantle:Derrick Rose. "We know who the most important guy to try to stop is," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said before tipoff Wednesday. "We also know we're not going to stop him." Popovich's prediction proved prophetic in Chicago's hard-earned 96-89 victory at the AT&T Center, especially late with the game on the line."
Rose, Deng get welcome break from talking about injuries
February 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"All-Star weekend has served as a welcome respite for Derrick Rose and Luol Deng, who barely have been questioned about their various injuries. "You had to bring that up, didn't you?" Deng said, jokingly. Deng averaged 38.3 minutes in the 10 games he played after missing seven with the torn ligament in his left wrist that he suffered on Jan. 21 against Charlotte. Deng decided to avoid surgery and play through the pain, making treatment part of his daily routine. "As long as I have something I can manage, I'll be fine," he said."
Rose, Deng, Thibodeau deserving All-Stars, but aren't perfect fits
February 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Tom Thibodeau is coaching a game in which defense is optional. Derrick Rose is starting a game in which winning isn't essential. Luol Deng is playing a game in which upward of 40 minutes isn't required. What in the name of Benny the Bull is going on at All-Star weekend? "I really don't know man," Rose said, laughing. "I've never seen Thibs in this environment, so I don't know how he's going to be acting, if he's going to have his regular nerve problems where he shakes his hand a lot." Benny the Bull is here, too, by the way. At least his antics fit in this extravaganza that is more showtime than serious. There is little dispute Rose, Deng and Thibodeau deserve to be here, but do they fit?"
Pippen set All-Star example for Deng
February 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"On Oct. 5, 2004, the day Luol Deng officially began his Bulls tenure with double practice sessions under coach Scott Skiles, Scottie Pippen retired from his Hall of Fame career in a low-key ceremony at the Berto Center. Pippen didn't completely disappear. He hung around that training camp and made occasional appearances that season, even drilling Deng, then a gangly 19-year-old with just one season at Duke, in workouts that produced as much substance as sweat."
Deng, depth and defense keeping Bulls ahead of pack
February 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"If the Bulls beat the Nets in Saturday's matinee at United Center, they will finish the first half of the lockout-shortened season on pace for a league-best 52-14 mark. That's a winning percentage of .788, which would top last season's regular-season best winning percentage of .756 when the Bulls went 62-20. All of which, of course, matters not a whit unless the Bulls unseat the Heat as Eastern Conference champions. Players, coaches and executives know this as well as anyone. But in case they forget, and in honor of Game No. 33, here are three areas to feel good and three areas to worry about at the midway mark."
Without Rose, Deng, Bulls make statement against Celtics
February 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"With the NBA's best record, the Bulls know they can beat anybody. Still, there are moments in any season where statements must be made. And, having dropped five of their last six games to teams in playoff position, Thursday night at United Center provided such a test. The Bulls passed with more physical than flying colors, outlasting the Celtics 89-80 in a defensive struggle that looked more like a playoff game than regular-season affair. Both teams shot just below 40 percent."
All-Star Deng motivated by 'hate'
February 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"The low point for Luol Deng came in the spring of 2009. Sidelined with a stress fracture in his right leg, he got ripped by those who questioned the severity of the injury. "Sitting there and reading everything in the papers and from the fans … that was the craziest thing I've ever had to go through," Deng said Friday. "Before that, I kind of felt like I was loved by everyone. I had never experienced that — if you want to call it hate, or whatever it was. (But) I think it really helped me to bounce back, knowing how things work." Deng has bounced back to the point of being selected as an Eastern Conference reserve for the Feb. 26 All-Star Game in Orlando, Fla. It's his first nod in eight"
Luol Deng gets NBA All-Star nod
February 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Tom Thibodeau was right: He did not need to lobby his fellow NBA coaches to get Luol Deng on the Eastern Conference All-Star team. They see what he sees. "These coaches," Thibodeau said, "they know, they look, they study." Deng's relatively modest stats (16 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game) did not prevent him from getting the terrific news Thursday that he will be an All-Star for the first time in his eight seasons."
Luol Deng deserves spot in All-Star Game, Tom Thibodeau says
February 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's possible Derrick Rose could be the Bulls' only representative in the All-Star Game. But at 22-6, the Bulls figure to get at least one more — and forward Luol Deng is the most worthy candidate. Deng is averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds — not much different from any other season he's had with the Bulls. But with the Bulls playing so well, Deng's less-noticeable contributions might get recognized. ''We have a number of guys who are deserving. You could make a case for Carlos [Boozer] and Joakim [Noah] as well,'' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''But to me, Luol, because of all the stuff that he brings to our team, it would be a shame if he didn't make it.''"
Deng shows daily why he's so indispensable to Bulls
February 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Whenever Jimmy Butler used to watch the Bulls play while he was at Marquette, Luol Deng's minutes always stood out. "When you play that much it has to mean something," Butler said. "You're doing everything the team needs." Once Butler arrived as the Bulls' first-round pick, he learned why Deng is so indispensable. "He's always in here early, and he doesn't have to be. He's a vet," Butler said. "But he's constantly taking care of his body, studying the game. He always wants to get better. That's the one thing that rubs off on me the most.""
Deng returns to Bulls' lineup
February 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Now that Luol Deng has returned after missing seven games with a torn ligament in his left wrist, the focus shifts to what's next. "Lu will get the minutes that he can handle," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "I don't know if they will be the same. They may be less. They may be the same. Until he's out there, we won't know." Deng logged 41 minutes against the Bucks and took his normal rotation turn by playing the entire first quarter and starting the second with the Bench Mob. But even Deng, who averaged 38.3 minutes before the injury, has conceded he can't rule out surgery until he sees how the injury responds to pain."
Bulls' Deng sits but is close to returning
January 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng worked himself into a sweaty lather before Sunday's matinee, shooting, dribbling, running. Though he told teammates he wanted to play his first game with a torn ligament in his left wrist against the Heat, Deng sat. But his return is imminent. "I would say he's very close," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He's doing more and more and feels a lot better. We want to make sure he feels good about playing. He still has to take contact on it. As long as he's moving in the right direction, we're pleased with that.""
Watson, Deng out for Bulls; Hamilton will play
January 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng and C.J. Watson will miss Sunday's showdown against the Miami Heat, while Richard Hamilton will play. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Deng is "very close" to returning and playing with a torn ligament in his left wrist. Deng spent pregame shooting and dribbling."
Deng will take pains to stay in lineup
January 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"With Luol Deng aiming to return Sunday in Miami with a torn ligament in his left wrist, the question moves to whether the organization will let him. Such decisions are collaborative. The organization supported Deng when he made the decision to try to play through the injury rather than opt for surgery now. Thus, it stands to reason when Deng says he can tolerate the pain, he will play. "Basically, it's week to week," coach Tom Thibodeau said this week. "It's going to be more of a pain tolerance issue. Obviously, we're pleased he isn't having surgery now. Hopefully, he can get back as quick as he can.""
Luol Deng wants to avoid surgery on his wrist
January 25
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The ability to win despite injuries to key players has become the story of the Bulls' season, and that's not likely to change now that versatile forward Luol Deng has revealed he has a torn ligament in his left wrist that may or may not require surgery. The player coach Tom Thibodeau recently described as the "glue" that holds his team together will attempt to manage the pain while playing with the injury and is week-to-week. "I know it's a bad injury, and it sounds terrible, but I think it will be fine," Deng said after practice Tuesday at the Berto Center. "We've got a good team, a lot of guys who can play. I know how it feels. Everybody will talk about it, but it will be fine.""
Deng determined to play
January 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"Hardened by past questions about his toughness and buoyed by the Bulls' championship potential, an upbeat Luol Deng will try to play through a torn ligament in his left wrist that sources say doctors suggested he have surgery to repair. "I know it sounds terrible, but I really think I'll be fine," Deng said. Deng even is telling teammates he hasn't ruled out playing in Sunday's game against the Heat, though that seems unlikely after coach Tom Thibodeau conceded Deng is "going to be out awhile.""
Deng 'week-to-week' with torn wrist ligament
January 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"Changing the official prognosis from "day-to-day" to "week-to-week," Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed Tuesday that Luol Deng suffered a torn ligament in his left wrist. "He's going to be out for a while," Thibodeau said. "It's a pain tolerance thing." As reported in Tuesday's Tribune, Thibodeau said Deng plans to avoid surgery and play through the pain eventually. Thibodeau said Deng even did some dribbling with his left hand and shooting drills on Monday, though Deng disputed that. "I'll be fine," Deng said afterward. "Definitely disappointed. I gotta get the pain level down.""
Rose plans to return Monday, but Deng may sit out against Nets
January 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"While Derrick Rose is telling people he plans to play on Monday, the Bulls are leaning toward being conservative with Luol Deng. Deng underwent an MRI on his sprained left wrist Sunday, results of which were not immediately available. He said late Saturday he didn't think the injury would sideline him for a lengthy period. However, with a normal week featuring no back-to-back games in this compressed schedule, not to mention a Nets lineup that starts three guards, Deng could sit for the first time this season."
Deng a changed man
January 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"The words appeared on Luol Deng's Twitter feed at 4:05 p.m. on Nov. 16. Eating outside by the Nile River is so peaceful. Deng sat there, on the outskirts of Juba, South Sudan, dining with his father, brother and best friend. The sun warmed. The wind calmed. Eventually, his friend, Adam Andre, even jumped in the river. Deng teased him about getting eaten by alligators. But no. On this day, four months into South Sudan's remarkable independence, with four of Deng's eight siblings and his parents having returned home for good, only peaceful moments prevailed."
Rose, four other Bulls on NBA All-Star ballot
January 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Derrick Rose heads a list of five Chicago Bulls selected to be on the ballot for the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. Joining Rose on the 120-player ballot, which was unveiled Tuesday at a special event in Orlando, Fla. -- site of the Feb. 26 game -- are Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Richard Hamilton."
Deng gets plenty of help in big 4th quarter
December 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Luol Deng's dominant fourth quarter Sunday featured nine points, three rebounds and a critical steal and block against Kobe Bryant on the Lakers' final two possessions. Deng had plenty of assistance, from coach Tom Thibodeau's shrewd decision to trap Bryant rather than foul him, leading to the steal, to stellar help defense from Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson preceding the block. "I trust our defense and our bigs," Deng said. "I wanted to crowd Kobe so he didn't have the jumper. He drove. Our bigs were there. He hesitated a little bit, and I was able to come back to the play. The bigs did a good job to hold him up." Several players said Bryant acted surprised the Bulls didn't foul him"
Bulls' Deng mulling European league offers
November 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Add Luol Deng to the list of players more seriously considering European offers now that the NBA lockout is in the hands of lawyers. Deng, who has been receiving offers for weeks to play overseas, is seriously considering four to five offers and could make a decision as early as next week, according to his Chicago-based agent Herb Rudoy. Any offer Deng signed would contain an opt-out clause should the NBA lockout end to salvage a shortened season, Rudoy said."
Insurance could keep Deng, Gordon off English national team
August 3
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"England is guaranteed a spot in the London Olympics basketball tournament next summer. It's the perks of hosting the games. (The USA is the only other nation to have already qualified, by virtue of winning the World Championships last summer.) But there is still work to do this summer. The Bulls Luol Deng has already played with England, and this summer they wanted to integrate Ben Gordon into the team. This summer was prep for next summer. But the lockout and the insurance issues it creates could kill that,reports Yahoo Europe."
Frustration got to Bulls' Luol Dengi in Game 4, too
May 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Center Joakim Noah wasn't the only Bulls player to let his emotions get the best of him in Game 3 on Sunday against the Miami Heat. Forward Luol Deng, who had another tough fourth quarter in Game 3 — two points on 1-for-4 shooting — blamed himself for getting irked by some calls that didn't go the Bulls' way in their 96-85 loss. ''Some of the calls got to me a little bit,'' Deng said Monday. ''I've got to do a better job of not allowing that. I felt there were some calls we should have gotten that we didn't. That's how it goes sometimes.'' The Bulls were called for 24 fouls; the Heat was called for 17. The Bulls shot 21 free throws; the Heat shot 29. And even though Deng said the"
Luol Deng is key to Chicago Bulls' fortunes
May 22
Miami Herald
 
"Luol Deng is the Chicago Bulls' barometer. As he goes, so goes his team. At least that's the assessment of Heat guard James Jones, one of several Miami wing players tasked with manning up Deng in the teams' first two games of the Eastern Conference finals. But a more apt backyard weather gizmo would be the rain gauge. As in, the more shots Chicago's lanky small forward pours down upon the opposition, the better for the Bulls. Deng, the seventh-year swingman from Duke, has been a consistently mediocre shooter in Chicago's wins and losses this postseason (42.6?percent from the field in the former, 41.8 in the latter). But his averages in shot attempts (14.3), made field goals (6.1) and"
Outstanding performances by Bulls' Luol Deng have silenced detractors
May 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Rick Morrissey
"All of you former Luol Deng haters — front and center, right now. Come on, don't be shy. An apology and an act of contrition, please. While you're at it, an admission of worthlessness and weakness on your part wouldn't go unappreciated. You know who you are. You're the people who once believed Deng was a huge disappointment, a soft player, a slacker and quite possibly a bad tipper. You questioned his heart, and you questioned his talent. You certainly questioned his contract. Here's a question for you: Where are you now? Funny, but there's no sign of you radio talk-show squawkers who wanted the Bulls to trade Deng as recently as January. There's no sign of you letter-writers, e-mailers,"
Deng neutralizes James
May 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Midway through the second quarter, LeBron James drilled a 3-pointer in Luol Deng's face. Fourteen seconds later, Deng returned the favor, swishing one from long range. "It wasn't a 'You scored on me, so I'm gonna score on you' situation," Deng said. "It was just the play we ran, and I was wide open for the 3." Typical Deng, who sounds more and more like coach Tom Thibodeau every day. There's no "me" in Bulls. Not even an "I." So Deng deflected question after question about his superb defensive effort on James, who scored just 15 points in Game 1 on 5-for-15 shooting. "It wasn't anything I did individually," Deng said. "Our team defense was great." Thibodeau certainly seconded that"
Bulls' Luol Deng sees LeBron James on path to obstruction
May 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"So how do you guard LeBron James? ''You try to make everything he does tough,'' Bulls forward Luol Deng said Friday of the Miami Heat superstar. ''He's going to make tough shots, he's going to make tough plays. My job is, every time I'm on him, I don't want to let him have any easy basket. Every basket, he's going to work for.'' Snubbed in the NBA's All-Defensive Team voting, Deng has a right to have a chip on his shoulder. He was easily the best defender on arguably the best defensive team. But it's more about help from his friends than trying to show up the league's coaches, who didn't do their All-Defense homework. The Bulls know James can, and will, get the ball to Dwyane Wade, Chris"
Deng relishes another crack at James
May 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"On the July 8 night that LeBron James announced he would join the Heat, Luol Deng was at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya with no TV. "I heard about it a few days later," Deng said Friday. "I really thought it would be a great team. Right away, I could tell they'd be competing for a title." But the hysteria surrounding James' decision didn't resonate in Kenya. "They didn't really care," Deng said. "Nobody asked me." Now, Deng won't be able to move much of anywhere over the next several days without fielding a question about James, whom he will be guarding in the Eastern Conference finals. Deng also matched up against James, then a Cavalier, in the first round of last season's playoffs."