Time to implement Bulls backup plan?
Out of the playoffs for the first time in four years, the Bulls couldn't help letting their disinterest show during a two-game trip to Florida.
First, they lost to a 13-win Miami team Tuesday, then suffered their worst defeat of the season, a 115-83 drubbing at the hands of Orlando a day later.
At least Ben Gordon was honest about the situation after the loss to the Magic.
"It's tough to get motivation," he said. "Anybody who says it isn't is not telling the truth. We just have to be professional and try and come out every night and try to win."
If the regulars don't care, should the Bulls give the players on the end of the bench an opportunity during the final four meaningless games?
Here's a closer look at the five players who have seen the fewest minutes this season:
Aaron Gray, C
The 7-foot rookie is the one player in this group who definitely fits into the Bulls' future. His contract is fully guaranteed next season at $711,517, the league minimum for a second-year player.
Gray has the size and skill to make an impact, which he has done in several games. But he can also look slow and get flustered by the speed of the NBA game.
Any fan who watched the career progression of former Bulls big men Elton Brand and Eddy Curry knows that dropping 10-15 pounds this summer would do Gray a world of good. He believes he is up for the challenge.
"I'm going to be spending a lot of time in Pittsburgh, a lot of time in Chicago (this summer)," Gray said. "I'm going to be working out with (personal trainer) Joe Abunassar out in Las Vegas.
"I'll work on everything -- my jumping, my agility, being able to guard smaller guys, and then take advantage of that on the other end and try to post up. It's kind of an exciting position I feel like I'm in."
Gray admitted he's a little heavier now than he was in college but believes he can shed some weight.
"Absolutely. I've done it all my life," he said. "This season, it was like, 'OK, should I go out and work out really hard or should I make sure I'm ready to go in case something happens where I'm asked to play a lot of minutes?' It's been a real learning experience finding that balance this year."
Demetris Nichols, G/F
The Bulls have too many guards already, but Nichols may be the guy who deserves more court time now.
Claimed off waivers from Cleveland on Dec. 7, the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter from Syracuse has appeared in just eight games for the Bulls. He has some fans in the front office, though, and could be re-signed when he becomes a restricted free agent this summer.
Nichols has improved in practice, observers say, and some believe he could become a Michael Redd-type talent with his ability to shoot from long range.
Cedric Simmons, F
Simmons is under contract for next year and was the No. 15 pick of the 2006 draft, so it would be in the Bulls' best interest to see what they have. He has played just 15 minutes, though, since arriving from Cleveland in the Feb. 21 trade.
Shannon Brown, G
The Cavaliers didn't pick up Brown's third-year option, so he's an unrestricted free agent this summer. He fared reasonably well during his one bout of meaningful playing time at Detroit on March 9. Brown is an excellent athlete, but may not have the right skills to fit well at either guard spot.
JamesOn Curry, G
Curry is out for the year after thumb surgery and never even suited up for a regular-season game. The Bulls obviously like his potential, since they passed on Nichols to draft him with the 51st pick overall.
But after the injury and an arrest during a D-League assignment, Curry's future with the team is uncertain.
If the Bulls release Curry before the end of training camp next season, they owe him $250,000. Otherwise, the second year of his contract becomes fully guaranteed.
Early start alert: Tonight's home game against Cleveland starts at 6 p.m. because it was chosen long ago for a national telecast on ESPN2.
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center, 6 p.m.
TV: Channel 9, ESPN2
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Bulls will try to make it three out of four over the Cavs this season. Last week in Cleveland, the Bulls trailed by 17 in the third quarter, then rallied to win 101-98 behind 25 points and 9 assists by former Cavs guard Larry Hughes.
Players to watch: LeBron James' back problems appeared to be history when he produced 33 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in Wednesday's 21-point win over New Jersey. Ex-Bull Ben Wallace had 1 point and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes.
Next: Orlando Magic at the United Center, 6 p.m. Sunday
-- Mike McGraw