The Bulls are steadily increasing Luol Deng's minutes in preparation for the start of the regular season.

Deng is recovering from a stress fracture in his right leg, which he admitted left him unsure prior to training camp.

"We need Luol to have a productive year for us," coach Vinny Del Negro told the Chicago Tribune. "And I think he's played very well the first two games. He's been aggressive from the get-go. He's been sharp and crisp with his decision-making. He's shot it well, moved it well, passed well.

"But the season is the most important thing. We want to monitor his minutes and gear him up as we move toward the regular season."

Deng insists that he's motivated by staying healthy and winning games this season, not his statistics.

"I'd rather keep any individual goals to myself," he said. "My main goal is to win. I want to compete. Whatever things come individually will take care of itself. The team we have, the chemistry will be great. We'll play as a team. We have guys who are unselfish. We have to use that as a strength."