Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls may have crashed out of the NBA Playoffs in five games against the Cleveland Cavaliers but the GB star could not be faulted.
Charged with spearheading the Bulls offence and guarding Cleveland dangerman LeBron James, Deng rose to the challenge and cemented his standing as a talented small forward.
Though James, this season's MVP, averaged more than 31 points in the series, Deng played gritty defence on the Cavaliers' number 23. Despite giving up 30 pounds, he pushed James all the way.
Deng also chipped in consistently at the offensive end. With his trademark jump shot looking smooth, he scored 18.8 points in the series.
The Cavaliers are many people's favourites to win the NBA Championship this season. Yet the Bulls were not disgraced and, believe it or not, they can a lot of heart from that.
Now Deng must wait patiently to see how the summer unfolds in Chicago. The Bulls cleared enough cap space just before the trade deadline to chase a top free agent, such as the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, who is a Chicago native, or Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors.
With a strong, young core, which includes Deng, point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah, Chicago should be better equipped to make an impact in next year's post season, depending on their success in wooing a top free agent.
There could be a coaching change too. Head coach Vinny Del Negro's position has been the subject of speculation for the bulk of the season, even though he guided a solid but not spectacular Bulls roster into the Playoffs.
So there is plenty for Deng to digest as he enjoys a well earned rest this summer. After an injury hit year, the GB talisman is rediscovering his best form and it is perfect timing because next season promises to be the most exciting for Bulls fans since the great Michael Jordan left town.
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