Paxson trying to assist Hughes
Bulls general manager John Paxson admitted the obvious Wednesday, that he's trying to accommodate guard Larry Hughes' desire to find more playing time elsewhere.
The veteran guard has sat out the last five games, but there is no guarantee that a suitable trade will be found since Hughes is due to make $13.6 million next season. He joined the Bulls last year from Cleveland in the Ben Wallace trade.
"Right now I feel we have to play our younger guys," Paxson said. "I want to see Thabo (Sefolosha) get consistent minutes. We are working to try to move Larry, (but) Larry's salary is such that it's not always possible to do."
Hughes believes his agent, Jeff Wechsler, will be able to find a suitable trade for both himself and the Bulls.
"I know that from my agent we have good things lined up," Hughes said Wednesday. "It's a matter of finalizing things. Not playing by coach's decision is something at this point of my career is beyond my imagination. I can't imagine it going past the (the Feb. 19 trade) deadline."
Hughes made contributions early this season but slid out of the rotation when Kirk Hinrich returned from a thumb injury.
"The tough part for me is not playing," he said. "But I know at the end of the day it's not my fault. The opportunity wasn't there. I was brought here to contribute and I haven't been able to like I want to. But it's a situation I have no control over and I'm just ready to move on from it."
Paxson refused to comment on a rumor that the Bulls have discussed sending Hughes to New Jersey for Bobby Simmons and Maurice Ager.
Navy recruits welcomed: The Bulls hosted an induction ceremony for about 40 Navy recruits Wednesday at the Berto Center. Following the ceremony, the recruits and their families got a chance to mingle with Bulls players and staff.
The majority of recruits are from the Chicago area and will be in the Bulls Division during training at the Great Lakes Naval Station.
Bulls general manager John Paxson could relate to the parents on hand because his son Ryan recently graduated from Marine basic training in San Diego.
"I know what they're going through," Paxson said. "There's a lot of pride, but there's also a lot of anxiety for what your child's about to embark upon.
"One thing I've learned is the military culture is a lot different than what most kids are growing up in today. It's a very safe culture in terms of what they provide and the training. You just know they're in the best hands possible. That's all you can ask for."
Bibby stays hot: In his last four games against the Bulls, including one last season, Atlanta guard Mike Bibby has hit 38 of 62 shots overall (61.3 percent), 18 of 33 attempts from 3-point range (54.5 percent) and averaged 25.0 points. Bibby scored 31 in the Hawks' 105-102 victory Tuesday at the United Center.