Johnson to see action in D-League
Second-year forward James Johnson hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 4, so the Bulls figured the best chance to get him some experience is with a trip to the NBA’s Developmental League.
Johnson will join the Iowa Energy and likely stay through the end of the Bulls’ upcoming West Coast trip.
“It’s not a punishment. It’s just an opportunity for him to get some playing time and develop,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Right now, we’re set in our rotation and this is an opportunity for him to come in and play in some games.”
Johnson played a significant role in several games early this season, including the home opener against Detroit and an overtime win at Phoenix in November. But since Dec. 1, he has rarely played.
“We had gotten down big in those games and we were looking for a change in energy,” Thibodeau said. “That was basically the role he was in. Luol (Deng) has played exceptionally well and he hasn’t been hurt or anything, so there just haven’t been a lot of minutes there.”
Iowa owns the second-best record in the D-League at 19-7. Its top scorers are Othyus Jeffers, a Chicago native who played for the Jazz last season; former Iowa State guard Curtis Stinson; ex-Michigan center Courtney Sims and guard Kyle Weaver, who played for the Bulls in preseason.
Noah moving forward:Joakim Noah#146;s right hand is back in a cast after having a pin removed Tuesday. The cast comes off Monday and Noah will begin more extensive rehabilitation. He tore a ligament in his right thumb on Nov. 27.
#147;(The pin) was a little bent, apparently,#148; he said Thursday at the Berto Center. #147;It#146;s usually a 10-minute procedure and it took a little bit longer than that. It was probably my fault. I#146;m happy that it#146;s done and I don#146;t have a pin in my finger anymore.#148;
The Bulls leave next week for a five-game West Coast road trip and Noah badly wants to follow the team.
#147;It#146;s Thibs decision, unfortunately,#148; Noah said. #147;I told him that I was going to get on the plane and he would have to physically kick me off. I really want to go on this trip. It#146;s cold out here right now. I#146;m excited to spend some time with my teammates and feel a little bit a part of it.#148;
Can#146;t beat Magic:Carlos Boozer made his Bulls debut Dec. 1 against Orlando after recovering from a broken bone in his right hand. Otherwise, the game was forgettable as the Magic rolled to a lopsided 107-78 victory. Boozer and the Bulls get another shot at Orlando today.
#147;I have a short memory of that game,#148; Boozer joked. #147;I remember we got blown out, though. They kicked our butts on the boards. They were more aggressive than us. They were more focused than us. We haven#146;t forgotten that.#148;
Going back to the final two meetings last season and a preseason contest, the Bulls have been blown out by Orlando four straight times.
This will be the Bulls#146; first look at the Magic#146;s new lineup, which includes Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu.