Nets' rookie would vote for Rose
New Jersey center Brook Lopez helped introduce Derrick Rose to life in Southern California last year, with a little help from twin brother Robin and UCLA product Russell Westbrook. That group worked out together in Los Angeles prior to the 2008 draft.
"I definitely tried," Lopez said before Saturday's game. "It was great out there. It's a great life in L.A. We became pretty good friends."
Lopez had a huge game against the Bulls, producing 20 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. He's clearly one of the top candidates for rookie of the year, but said Friday he'd vote for Rose if given the chance. Asked if he'd be disappointed if he's not among the top three, Lopez was diplomatic.
"There are a lot of good rookies out there," Lopez said. "I performed as best I could, put my best foot forward. I'll continue that until the season's over. We'll see what happens."
Salmons back in action: Bulls forward John Salmons logged 39 minutes against New Jersey after spending the week treating a groin strain. He sat out Tuesday's loss at Indiana and didn't practice the past two days.
Still, he managed to score 17 points and hit a respectable 7 of 16 shots. There were a couple of times when Salmons had to force up a contested shot because the shot clock was about to expire.
"I've just got to get it out of my mind," Salmons said of the injury. "Say, 'It's going to be there, it's going to hurt.' I've just got to deal with it."
Heel of the rim: Late in the first quarter, Nets forward Vince Carter launched a corner 3-pointer, then yelled, "Tar Heels!" Carter went to North Carolina and the defender running out to contest the shot, Tim Thomas, played at Villanova.
So Carter's mind was obviously on the national semifinal game between those teams later on Saturday. The 3-point shot didn't fall, but Carter and Thomas had a few laughs about it.
Carter scored just 4 points in 28 minutes and did not play in the fourth quarter because of a sore left Achilles.
Bull horns: Bulls playoff tickets will go on sale Friday at 11 a.m. at TicketMaster outlets, the United Center box office and online at bulls.com. ... The International Olympic Committee is planning to visit the United Center today to assess its worthiness as an Olympic basketball venue. ... Tyrus Thomas was given the team's Charles S. Lubin Award for community service on Thursday during the FestaBulls fundraiser. Thomas led the team in community appearances the past two seasons.