Brewer a possibility to return to Bulls
A day after releasing rookie forward Erik Murphy, the Bulls held steady at 12 players on the roster.
The team will probably wait a few days before adding one or more players, but the current Bulls are well aware that adding ex-Bull Ronnie Brewer is a possibility.
"I'd be more than happy to help him back on the team," Jimmy Butler said before Friday's game. "Ronnie taught me a lot, so it would be good to have him back around smiling. Just like the good old days."
After playing for the Bulls from 2010-12, Brewer spent time with New York, Oklahoma City and Houston before being released by the Rockets in January.
Butler agreed that the return of Brewer would be a popular move among the Bulls. Butler and Brewer were very tight during Butler's rookie season.
"Everybody's got a lot of love for Brew," he said. "It's a brotherhood here. So once you're here, it's kind of like you're always here."
Point guard Mike James and center Kurt Thomas are a couple of other possibilities mentioned as late-season additions, and the Bulls may be considering several more.
Murphy will be missed:
Coach Tom Thibodeau had some nice parting words for Erik Murphy, the second-round pick from Florida who played in 24 games this season.
"It's unfortunate. It was done more so for roster flexibility," Thibodeau said. "I thought he did a great job for us, and I thought he had gotten significantly better. Great kid, hardworking, driven, smart - those type of guys tend to improve as they go along. I think he has a very bright future, and I also feel good about the guys we do have here."
No word on Murphy getting claimed off waivers by another team. His remaining salary would come off the books if he is claimed. The Bulls probably released Murphy believing he would be picked up by another team.
Thibs consults Skiles:
Before the Bulls signed Mike Dunleavy as a free agent this summer, coach Tom Thibodeau got a recommendation from none other than Scott Skiles, who coached Dunleavy in Milwaukee.
"He (Skiles) told me how valuable he felt he was," Thibodeau said. "I know Jim O'Brien felt the same way about him in Indiana. You talk to all the guys he played for, talk to the players he's played with, virtually everyone says the same things about him. Probably the most important thing is I think he makes your team function well, and he puts the team first and that goes a long way."
Bull horns:
Bucks center Larry Sanders was suspended five games for violating the league's drug policy. Sanders is injured and probably out for the year, so he may not serve the punishment until next season. … Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on aiming for a particular playoff seed: "There's too many variables to even think like that, I think." … Coaching records at 200 wins in Bulls history: Phil Jackson 200-70; Tom Thibodeau 200-105; Dick Motta 200-157.