Nothing in reserve

[645]

Coaches dash hopes of Deng, Gordon

SEATTLE -- As the Bulls continue their rise from the cover-your-eyes era of Tim Floyd, Dalibor Bagaric and the like, milestones have fallen one by one.

But though they're tied for the second-most victories in the Eastern Conference, they'll have to wait at least another season for an All-Star berth.

Both Ben Gordon and Luol Deng were shut out when reserves were announced Thursday night.

"Although I'm disappointed for our guys, in particular Ben and Luol because of the seasons they've had to this point, it really isn't a reflection at all on how terrific they've been," Bulls general manager John Paxson said via e-mail. "… I also hope they will use this to motivate them to play even better the second half of the season and help us win at a high level. … I learned a long time ago that when you win as a team the individual honors follow."

Tribune