Who let the dogs out? Who? Who?
The Bulls have improved since adding three new players to the rotation at the Feb. 19 trade deadline. They are 12-8 since the all-star break, 10-8 since John Salmons, Brad Miller and Tim Thomas first suited up.
But a more dramatic culture change has taken place in the locker room. A handful of players have brought the noise to decibel levels that haven't been approached for years in that room.
Following Thursday's 106-87 victory over Miami, postgame interviews could barely be heard over taunts directed at Derrick Rose about Memphis' growing deficit against Missouri in the NCAA Tournament. That's been a common scenario in recent weeks - the ruckus, that is.
"It does seem louder," guard Ben Gordon said. "It's kind of like a relaxed vibe, everybody's really together and the guys enjoy each other."
For years, the Bulls' locker room has been dominated by low-key personalities. Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Ben Wallace and Thabo Sefolosha were among the quiet types who contributed to a libraryish atmosphere. Rose and John Salmons barely say anything unless asked a question.
One of the more outgoing Bulls players of this decade, Tyson Chandler, has been gone for 21/2 years. And needless to say, there wasn't much joy surrounding the team during the dismal seasons from 1999-2004.
So where is the racket coming from? Tyrus Thomas, now in his third NBA season, has begun to assert his personality, which includes plenty of yelling across the room at teammates.
"He's a different kind of loud," joked veteran guard Lindsey Hunter.
Newcomer Anthony Roberson might be guilty of turning the volume to 11. He always has something to say to someone after games. Tim Thomas is quick to join a conversation. But the ringleader of the movement is probably the 38-year-old Hunter.
"I don't feel like it's that much louder," Hinrich said. "The only difference probably is Lindsey's here now. He's the loudest."
Hunter's role makes sense to anyone who visited the Detroit Pistons' locker room during the last five years or so. The music blared constantly, while Rasheed Wallace was either yapping or rapping along to the tunes.
"Yeah, this is quiet compared to the Pistons locker room," Hunter said. "I just think a locker room should be like you're at home - it should be family. Everybody should be relaxed. Everybody should feel a part of it. I guess that's my way of kind of welcoming the new guys coming in. You just make them feel a part of it right away."
Winning obviously makes the world more fun. But it would be tough to prove whether a rowdier locker room has helped the Bulls pull together and become a better team. Hunter believes it can help.
"I hate to see a team that's cliquish," he said. "Rasheed was real big on that. We didn't like our team to be cliquish. So we would always, if a guy came in quiet or whatever, we'd joke on him or we'd try to make him feel a part of it the best way we could. And it works."
Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers at the United Center, 1 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: On March 20, Pacers guards T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack argued during a time out and had to be separated by teammates. That happened in a loss to Dallas, the team's fifth-straight defeat. The following night, Jack replaced Ford in the starting lineup, scored 31 points and Indiana won at Charlotte 108-83. The Pacers (30-42) have played just once in the ensuing six days, a 90-88 home win over Miami. SF Danny Granger (24.8 ppg) is back from a foot injury, while C Troy Murphy hurt his knee this week and may not play against the Bulls. Indiana is 10-28 on the road this season.
Next: Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
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