New Chicago Bulls player has second thoughts about wearing No. 1
For a long time starting in 1999, there was a reluctance among Bulls players to occupy Michael Jordan's old locker at the United Center.
Michael Carter-Williams arrived in town Monday, surprised by the trade that sent him to the Chicago Bulls from Milwaukee in exchange for Tony Snell.
Carter-Williams wasn't worried about tempting fate when he asked to wear No. 1, which until this season had been worn by Derrick Rose. Before the game, he explained his reasons. The story changed a few hours later, though, as Carter-Williams said he had second thoughts and decided to go with No. 7.
"Today's the first day I got down here, they asked me what number I wanted and I said No. 1, and there wasn't too much discussion," Carter-Williams said before Monday's contest. "I know this organization respects Derrick Rose and it has nothing to do with stepping on anyone's toes or anything like that.
"He was a great player and he did a lot for this city."
Carter-Williams' explanation was simple enough. He wore No. 1 in college at Syracuse and in Philadelphia when he won rookie of the year in 2013-14. He simply wants to wear the number he associates with success, after a disappointing run in Milwaukee while wearing No. 5.
"I've been No. 1 a lot," he said. "Just a number I like. I was No. 1 in college, I was No. 1 in Philly. I felt like I had some success sin Philly winning rookie of the year and when I went to Milwaukee I was No. 5.
"It's a new place, I'm trying to get my chip on my shoulder and perform well."
By the way, a couple of players who did venture into Jordan's old locker were Jay Williams and Viktor Khryapa. That situation is irrelevant now because the Bulls completely remodeled their locker room before last season.
Third stop for MCW:
Michael Carter-Williams was a surprising rookie of the year since he wasn't chosen until the No. 11 overall pick by Philadelphia in 2013. The 6-foot-6 point guard averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds as a rookie with the Sixers but now has been traded twice in just more than three years.
"Some places work for some people and some places don't. That's just the business of the game," he said. "Crazy things happen in this league. Those are the things you can't really focus on.
"I was shocked (by this move) and I didn't know the trade was going to happen, but I think it's a great situation for me. I'm happy here and the guys are great and the staff seems really cool and I think I can help this team.
"I'm looking to learn from (Rajon) Rondo. He's one of the best point guards in this league, so I'm definitely looking forward to it, just learning every day and getting better."
Carter-Williams said he considers the Bulls a definite playoff team. Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg offered an assessment of his new point guard before Monday's game.
"He's a very versatile player," Hoiberg said. "I think he'll fit in very well with how we want to play. He's very good in the pick and roll. You can utilize him in mismatch situations in the post (against smaller players). He's a very willing defender who will get up and pick up at 94 feet, so, yeah, we're excited about his versatility."
No Cubs love:
Charlotte's Frank Kaminsky left no doubt where his Chicago baseball allegiances lie. Before Monday's contest, the Benet Academy graduate walked down the hallway of the United Center wearing a Cubs jersey with the team logo covered and the name "Bartman" on the back. That part should require no explanation.