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Bulls sign James as precaution

Now that the Bulls have two injured point guards, they signed veteran guard Mike James as a precaution.

James, 36, has played for nine NBA teams, including a stint in Houston when Tom Thibodeau was an assistant to Jeff Van Gundy.

“He’s an experienced guy,” Thibodeau said. “Tough, hard-nosed, can shoot the ball, can run a pick-and-roll. I think he’ll fit in well. Defensively, he’s been through the system before, so he’ll pick that up very quickly.”

Before joining the Bulls, James played three games for the D-League’s Erie Bayhawks, averaging 15.3 points. He was in Reno, Nev., and played in the D-League showcase Tuesday afternoon.

James’ last NBA action was four games for the Wizards last season. He also has played for New Orleans, Houston, Minnesota, Toronto, Milwaukee, Boston, Miami and won a title with the 2004 Pistons. James averaged 20.3 points for the Raptors in 2005-06.

Extended flight time:After playing in Reno on Tuesday, Bulls newcomer Mike James actually flew all the way back to Erie, Pa., before getting the call from Chicago.The travel itinerary included a three-hour layover in Los Angeles, overnight flight to Cleveland, then 90 minute bus trek to Erie.#147;It was like 10 in the morning (when he got back to Erie),#148; James said. #147;Then got back on a plane coming back this way. I#146;m grateful. This is the greatest show on Earth. I#146;d rather be here than there.#148;Omer delivers:Hidden in the hype over Derrick Rose#146;s injury was a monster game by Omer Asik. He finished with 14 rebounds, 8 points and 5 blocks in 28 minutes of action.Asik joined Tyson Chandler and Dave Corzine as players in Bulls history with 10 rebounds and 5 blocks in a game.Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah had another quiet night, combining for 8 points and 10 rebounds.They gave way once again to Asik and Taj Gibson (9 points, 6 rebounds) late in the contest.Bull horns:Joakim Noah suffered a left- thumb sprain in the first half, according to the Bulls. He started the third quarter with the thumb wrapped and had an X-ray after the contest. #133;Kyle Korver is sponsoring a children#146;s coat drive at the Jan. 21 game against Charlotte. New coat donations also will be accepted at the Berto Center or the Bulls-Sox Academies.

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