Start slow and build it up gradually.

That’s the plan Fred Hoiberg has in place for the Chicago Bulls, and more specifically Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade as the preseason begins Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center.

The plan is for both to play around 12-15 minutes in the first half and sit after halftime. How the Bulls monitor Wade is worth watching considering how new this arrangement is, and there’s no need in running anyone to the ground before the games actually count.

“They won't play a lot. Some of them will just play in the first half and then we'll give the young guys an opportunity to go out and play in the second half,” Hoiberg said Sunday.

“We'll see how it all transpires. We'll see how (Rajon) Rondo and (Robin) Lopez are doing at halftime and we'll make a determination as to whether they play in the second half or we just let the young guys play. That's my big thing with this preseason is to really get a feel for these young guys and who's gonna deserve to go out and play and be in our rotation.”

Three of the Bulls’ seven preseason games are this week, with the season opener over three weeks away. The only starting spot that’s up in the air is at power forward and if there’s a leader in the clubhouse, Hoiberg’s lineup Monday won’t be an indication, he said.

“Everybody would like to start. That’s obvious. But this is the Chicago Bulls. There are a lot of great players,” said forward Nikola Mirotic, the player many believe will claim the power forward spot.

“I’ve just been doing my job and working hard. Honestly, I’m not worried about that. I’m only worried how I can help my team and where I can improve. Every day I’m asking where I can improve and every day I’m trying to do my best.”

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Hoiberg expects sloppy play offensively, as he’s lamented some of the turnovers that have seemingly been a constant theme of training camp, but he’s also been pleased with how competitive camp is.

“We've got to continue to improve taking care of the basketball,” Hoiberg said. “We were a little better today just making simple plays, not trying to hit the home run. We've got a lot of guys out there that can make plays. Give the guy a pocket pass and he's gonna make the next play. We can't get caught up in going out there and trying to play hero ball. Just go out there and make good, solid basketball plays.”

Seeing smooth basketball plays or getting an early evaluation on how Rondo develops chemistry with his new running mates won’t be on display. Instead, it’ll be a chance to see how the backup positions are shaking out, as there’s minutes to be had behind Rondo.

Rookie Denzel Valentine, Spencer Dinwiddie, Isaiah Canaan and Jerian Grant will all get their shot, starting tomorrow.

“And those guys will get a little extended minutes tomorrow and we'll see the progress that they made over the summer and into camp,” Hoiberg said. “It's just about going out there. The thing I've loved about this group is just how hard we're competing. We're ahead in that department from where we were a year ago, that competitive fire and that fight and guys are showing out on the court. That's hopefully what you want to see in the games. There will be some sloppiness and you've got a lot of room to improve, but hopefully continue to take those steps to get yourself ready for opening night.”