Plenty of ex-Bulls could really help struggling team right now

This has been reunion week for the Bulls, with a number of ex-teammates paying visits.

The Lakers brought Ron Artest and Shannon Brown, while New York featured Chris Duhon, Eddy Curry and an injured Larry Hughes.

Atlanta will be at the United Center on Saturday with Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith, then Andres Nocioni makes his first visit with Sacramento on Monday.

So in honor of all those gone but not forgotten teammates, let's use the occasion to rank the ex-Bulls in terms of which guys fans would most like to have back on the team right now, salaries included.

1. Shannon Brown, Lakers: How clutch would it have been if the Bulls had the foresight to keep this Maywood native around? Brown has brought eye-popping athleticism and long-range shooting off the Lakers' bench. In the Bulls' defense, they were overloaded with guards in the summer of 2008 without re-signing Brown.

2. Jamal Crawford, Hawks: This is the first time since he left in 2004 that Crawford would be anywhere near the top of this list, but his instant offense would be useful now.

3. Ben Gordon, Pistons: His contract ($11.5 million per season) pushes Gordon to the third spot. If the Bulls whiff on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson next summer, he'll rise to No. 1 and probably stay there a while.

4. Matt Bonner, Spurs: Never played for the Bulls, but was their second-round draft pick in 2003. Maybe he wouldn't be shooting .450 from 3-point range without Tim Duncan on his team, but the Bulls need some long-range help.

5. Joe Smith, Hawks: When Tyrus Thomas went out with a broken arm, the Bulls were left a big man short. He might not play Saturday because of a thumb injury.

6. J.R. Smith, Nuggets: Another who never played for the Bulls, but they owned his rights for about two weeks in the summer of 2006. A streak shooter who scored 15 points in the final 13 minutes of the Bulls' loss at Denver on Nov. 21.

7. Ron Artest, Lakers: His entertainment value is reason enough to bring him back, but Artest could also supply toughness and outside shooting.

8. Darius Songaila, Hornets: Not much for defense, but Songaila was always good for about 10 points per game, something the Bulls could use right now.

9. Roger Mason Jr., Spurs: Not playing as much this season, but he's hit several clutch shots for San Antonio the past few seasons. The late-game hero role is wide open on the Bulls right now.

10. Tyson Chandler, Bobcats: Still hasn't shown much skill development. His contract runs out after next season, which makes him more attractive.

11: Thabo Sefolosha, Thunder: He's better off with Kevin Durant and company, anyway.

12. Andres Nocioni, Kings: Even if John Salmons is not hitting shots, he's still a better defender than Nocioni.

13: Malik Allen, Nuggets: Yes, this steady veteran is still logging four minutes a game in Denver.

14. Drew Gooden, Mavs: A talented player. Not sure if being the best he can be is at the top of his priority list.

15. Chris Duhon, Knicks: With Derrick Rose here, why bother?

16. Trenton Hassell, Nets: This Jerry Krause second-round pick is in his ninth NBA season.

17. Stephen Graham, Bobcats: If he could hit an outside shot more often, he'd be a nice role player.

18. Elton Brand, Sixers: Judged simply as a player, Brand would be a terrific addition. The $51 million left on his contract beyond this season makes him toxic trade bait.

19. Tim Thomas, Mavs: He's played in 10 of 26 games for Dallas. Nice work if you can get it.

20. Eddy Curry, Knicks: Didn't look so good against the Bulls on Thursday, though it's tough to judge based on 31/2 minutes.

21. Ben Wallace, Pistons: Whether he can still rebound or not, Bulls don't need a reminder of how much money they spent for one decent season from Big Ben.

22. Larry Hughes: Would he pass the ball to Derrick Rose on the fast break if given a second chance?

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=345327">Salmons remains confident despite drop in production<span class="date"> [12/19/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <p class="factboxheadblack">Bulls game day</p> Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks at the United Center, 7 p.m.</p> <p class="News"><b>TV:</b> Channel 9</p> <p class="News"><b>Radio:</b> WMVP 1000-AM</p> <p class="News"><b>Update:</b> When these teams met in Atlanta on Dec. 9, the Hawks romped to a 118-83 win and people began to wonder about the job security of Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro. The Bulls have played better since then, and this time Atlanta will be playing the second leg of back-to-back games. The Hawks had won five straight heading into Friday's home game against Utah. SG Joe Johnson, a 2010 free agent, is averaging 21.2 points, while ex-Bull Jamal Crawford is at 16.3. The Bulls have lost five straight to Atlanta.</p> <p class="News"><b>Next:</b> Monday vs. Sacramento Kings at the United Center, 7 p.m.</p>