Playing the role once again of wounded and overmatched animal, the Bulls on Wednesday were tracked down by a Hunter. Steven, this time, the rookie from DePaul who scored a career-high 17 points in the Orlando Magic's easy 102-74 rout of the Bulls.

The loss dropped the Bulls to 3-14, but more significant?and perhaps more embarrassing?it was a stark statement about the future. Hunter, from Proviso East High School, was the 15th pick in the first round despite an uneven two years at DePaul. Yet he was easily the most impressive rookie on the floor as he consistently outhustled and outjumped the beleaguered Bulls.

"He was a guy people second-guessed coming into the draft," Bulls coach Tim Floyd said. "'The poor kid's making a mistake' is what most people thought. And then he really opened some eyes. He's going to be a fine player. I think he's an outstanding draft pick."

One sequence early in the second half, after the Magic cruised to a 57-40 halftime lead, was illustrative. The Bulls were slow all game, unable to close on the Magic's perimeter shooters?Mike Miller led Orlando with 21 points?or chase down any loose balls. And there were the 25 turnovers, nine in the third quarter when they fell behind by 40.