Deng relishes another crack at James

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.

"He's still the same player," Deng said. "Actually, I really think he's better. He has guys around him who take off some load. Last year, he did a lot for that team. Last year, our team defense was different. Our defense is better now.

"You just try to make everything he does tough. He's going to make tough shots throughout the game. My job is every time I'm on him, I can't let him get easy baskets. Every basket he gets he has to work for."

Unlike many who have vilified James for his decision to leave Cleveland, Deng said he had no problem with it. And that's for reasons beyond the fact James would have taken Deng's position if he had come to the Bulls.

"I'm an athlete," Deng said. "I've seen athletes make decisions and people don't like them. But everyone has a right to make the decision they want. … We're happy with the team we have."