Sefolosha brings size to backcourt
By Mike McGraw | Daily Herald StaffContact writer
Published: 1/18/2008
Everyone from general manager John Paxson to coach-in-waiting Scottie Pippen has pointed out the Bulls' need for a taller backcourt.
Now there may be a way to confront the issue.
Thabo Sefolosha, the team's tallest guard at 6-feet-7, fared well the past two games starting in place of Kirk Hinrich, who was out with back spasms.
Sefolosha hit 10 of 13 shots, scored 26 points and committed just 2 turnovers in 77 minutes of playing time. Hinrich's status is questionable for tonight's game against Golden State.
It's natural to ask if Sefolosha should remain in the starting lineup once Hinrich returns. Six-foot-1 Chris Duhon has been a starter since Ben Gordon returned to the sixth-man role Dec. 28.
"There will be a lot of people wondering, and to me it's just something that will evolve," coach Jim Boylan said after Wednesday's victory over Miami. "No one's pressing Thabo. We're just using the last couple of games for him to regain his confidence and get back to where he was at the end of last year."
Sefolosha seemed to lose his confidence early this season. He coughed up some bad turnovers, didn't hit shots, and his playing time dwindled.
"I never really lost confidence," Sefolosha said. "I was just waiting for my chance. There's no substitute to playing in a real game.
"I can practice all day long, but if I don't have that experience to get on the court, that's really what I need."
As far as staying in the starting lineup, Sefolosha is open to the idea.
"That's the coach's decision," he said. "Chris Duhon has been playing well. Both of us have had ups and downs. I'd like to be in that position. If not, coming off the bench is fine, too."
