Noah, Thomas big on Bulls
Some might ask why the Bulls' young big men, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, don't play well more consistently after they combined for 37 points, 25 rebounds and 7 blocks in Friday's victory over Cleveland.
The answer will take the floor tonight at the United Center.
On Friday, Thomas and Noah were ready to run past and jump over older Cavs big men such as Ben Wallace, Joe Smith and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, along with the oddly passive Anderson Varejao.
Now they have to contend with Orlando's freak of nature, 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard, who lit up the Bulls for 30 points in a 32-point victory Wednesday in Florida.
"That's King Kong right there," Noah said of Howard. "He's a hard player to go up against. But, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. He's probably the best center. He's like a baby Shaq out there."
Noah is quick enough to slide over and help on a driving LeBron James, then still grab a rebound on the other side of the lane. But his slim build was no match for Howard's size and strength Wednesday. That's why Noah is hoping for more help from Thomas.
"It's good to play with somebody who's as athletic as (Thomas) is, because I know he's going to have my help, especially when we're fronting the big guys," Noah said. "Because I'm not there yet. Those guys are just 'beasting' me down there."
The win over Cleveland was another example of Thomas' tantalizing talent. The second-year forward has had plenty of strong performances this season, but he always seemed to find himself back on the bench a short time later.
That trend has no doubt been frustrating for Thomas and many Bulls fans. Every player on the team has stunk up the arena at times this season, but the veterans usually stay in the lineup, while Thomas often remains glued to the bench in the second halves of games.
But Thomas insisted Friday he wants to stay with the Bulls and believes the future will be bright if the team keeps playing him alongside Noah.
"I honestly can say I'd spend the rest of my career with him," Thomas said of Noah. "Me and him in the frontcourt, I think it will work.
"Honestly, I want to be here. I love the fans, love the city -- except in the winter. I love the organization, the things they do outside of the court. I honestly want to be here. Ultimately, that's not really my decision. We'll see what happens."
With the Bulls missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, the summer may bring significant changes to their roster. So Noah was asked if he's hoping that he and Thomas stay together.
"Those are things that you should ask Pax (general manager John Paxson)," Noah replied. "I might see something, but it might not change what the people making the decisions think. I don't know what's going to happen."
Noah and Thomas agreed that getting through this season has been difficult and disappointing. Both are optimistic the Bulls can bounce back quickly, though. That's the kind of youthful enthusiasm that should help them on the court.
"I wish I kept a journal. It's been a crazy year," Thomas said. "No matter what happens, I think next year is going to be a better season for everybody on this team. I hope, anyway."
Added Noah: "This whole year, I've gone through so much, it's almost like nothing is surprising anymore. I would have never thought that Joe Smith and Ben Wallace would get traded. They got traded.
"I wasn't even thinking about coach (Scott) Skiles getting fired. That happened. I never thought I was going to get suspended by the team, and it happened. A lot of surprises."
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. Orlando Magic at the United Center, 6 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Magic handed the Bulls their worst loss of the season 115-83 Wednesday in Orlando as center Dwight Howard hit 12 of 15 shots for 30 points. The Bulls are 0-3 against Orlando (49-30), which has locked up the No. 3 playoff seed in the East.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center, 7 p.m. Monday
--Mike McGraw