The experience Hunter gleaned from the Pistons' Hall of Fame backcourt, not to mention Bulls Public Enemy No. 1 in Laimbeer, proved invaluable for the 16-year career about to unfold.

Now Hunter is returning that favor, giving back to the game, in Derrick Rose's ear as much as coach Vinny Del Negro -- offering pointers, cajoling, supporting.

"He never shuts up," Rose said, laughing. "He's the dad of the team. You don't want to get on his bad side."

Hunter, 38, takes his mentoring responsibility seriously, which is why the Bulls are expected to guarantee the veteran guard's non-guaranteed contract for the rest of the season before Saturday's deadline. That's even with the knowledge that Kirk Hinrich apparently is a month ahead of schedule in returning from thumb surgery and the team's glut of guards.

"He really enjoys helping the coaching staff," said Chicago-based Mark Bartelstein, Hunter's longtime agent. "That desire to help younger players is natural and genuine with Lindsey."

Hunter also can play a little bit. From the day he arrived, even in spot minutes, he seemed the only Bull to pick up opponents fullcourt. The defensive tactic is virtually instinctive for the solid on-the-ball defender.

"That's just how I play; that's what I do," Hunter said. "Along with the coaches, we encourage the young guys to get into their guys.

"When you pick up and extend your defense, you limit the shot clock. You make teams start hurrying into their sets. It's an advantage. Sometimes teams start plays with 14 seconds, so you don't have to guard halfcourt for as long. Every second helps."

The Bulls finally employed the defensive tactic more extensively in Tuesday's win over Sacramento.

"We've been working on it and talking about it all year, but we've been getting after it more," Del Negro said. "We were more active [against Sacramento]. Lindsey has done that throughout his career. Him getting in there and doing it snowballs things, which is good."

And a defensive tactic that should be around for the rest of the season once Hunter's contract becomes guaranteed. Hunter only has one quibble.

"Do I look like the dad?" he joked.

Layups: Luol Deng participated in the majority of practice and, barring a setback, said he planned to play Friday night after missing six games with a sprained left ankle. ... Hinrich, out since Nov. 7, participated in the non-contact portion of practice. ... Drew Gooden also practiced with no aftereffects from his sprained right ankle after returning Tuesday from an eight-game absence.

kcjohnson@tribune.com