Brewer hopes to make Bulls debut Tuesday

The Bulls looked good and bad at times during the first week of the preseason, but judgments were limited by the fact that two projected starters didn't play at all.

That could change this week. Power forward Carlos Boozer is still going to be sidelined for two months with a broken right hand, but shooting guard Ronnie Brewer (sore hamstring) could conceivably make his preseason debut Tuesday when the Bulls host Toronto.

The Bulls practiced Sunday at the United Center, then stuck around for an autograph session for season-ticket holders. Both Brewer and guard C.J. Watson, who missed the past two games with a leg bruise, participated in everything.

Brewer has been active before and after practices at the Berto Center but was kept out of full-contact scrimmages as a precaution. He missed the final two months of last season with a partially torn hamstring.

“I was kind of sick and tired of doing all the individual workouts by myself, Brewer said. “It felt good to run up and down the court, go through the plays and go out there and play with some confidence.

“It might take a week or so to get back in the flow of things and get fluid out there, but I'm very excited to be out on the court with my guys.

Coach Tom Thibodeau agreed that if Brewer holds up during Monday's practice, he's ready to send the former Utah swingman into the Toronto game. The same is true for Watson.

“It just depends on how I feel, Brewer said. “We're going to have a longer practice tomorrow, a lot more intensity. If my leg holds up, I plan on playing Tuesday. To me, the most important thing is getting my legs back under me, getting my conditioning where it needs to be.

The Bulls have started Keith Bogans in the first three preseason contests, and he has shot surprisingly well from 3-point range (6-for-9). Brewer said he expects to have to earn the starting job and is willing to handle another role if necessary.

“The challenge for us is to get everyone on the same page as quickly as possible, Thibodeau said. “Just having him back and C.J. is a plus. Each day we're getting better.