Bulls’ messy point-guard issues set to carry into the offseason

The addition of Cameron Payne at the trade deadline was supposed to clear up the Bulls’ point-guard situation.

But with seven regular-season games left, there are still more questions than answers.

“There are question marks on a lot of young players that really haven’t had a big opportunity to play,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said Thursday. “You look at last year, obviously playing behind [Russell] Westbrook [in Oklahoma City] and getting limited minutes, and then with the [foot] injury and different circumstances this year, Payne just hasn’t had much of a chance to get out there.

“From going down and playing in a couple of D-League games, he showed some things that you get excited about. We’ve done some things in practice that show he’s really got a chance to be a player.’’

That didn’t stop Hoiberg from having a conversation with Payne, though, and reminding him that all eyes are on him even if his playing time is limited.

“I just had a conversation with him about how important it is to finish out the season the right way, whether he’s getting minutes or not, and then having himself a great offseason, getting himself ready for next season,’’ Hoiberg said. “Going into the third year, it’s very important to have the best summer of his life to get himself prepared, get himself ready to battle for a spot in the rotation in camp. But that’s the biggest thing, to keep on working through this time.’’

The good news is if the Bulls decide to keep Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade opts back in, Payne doesn’t have to be an elite playmaking point guard. He just has to be consistent enough to make some plays, then turn the playmaking duties over to Butler and Wade late in games.

That’s where the NBA is at these days. It’s all about having versatile frontcourt playmakers to give opposing defenses matchup problems in multiple spots.

Call it the LeBron James effect.

“Certainly, I think [James is] at the forefront of [playmaking forwards],’’ Bulls center Robin Lopez said.

“The league is like a pendulum in a way. It swings back and forth between styles.

‘‘Obviously, he’s a throwback to a few other legends, but he’s definitely had a major impact in spearheading that movement, blazing that trail, and his résumé speaks for itself.’’

This and that

After missing the last three games with a bruised lower back, backup center Cristiano Felicio returned to the rotation against the Cavaliers.

• Hoiberg said he had to guard a young James when he first burst onto the scene. Asked if it went well, Hoiberg said, ‘‘No, it didn’t.’’

• Wade (fractured right elbow) continued shooting and non-contact activity.

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Email: jcowley@suntimes.com