Ronnie Brewer all jazzed about joining Bulls
Don't think the Dave McGinnis comparisons weren't brought up after the Bulls news conference to introduce new No. 2 guard Ronnie Brewer, originally scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. start, suddenly was pushed back to 2:30 p.m., then pushed back again ... and again.
A little after 4 p.m., the 6-foot-7, 25-year-old swingman made his way to the podium.
Finally.
"Sorry for being a little late," Brewer said with a smile, "had to take care of my physical."
After spending 31/2 years with the Utah Jazz and part of last season in Memphis, Brewer signed a three-year contract worth an estimated $12.5 million with the Bulls.
Opting for Chicago over the Boston Celtics means Brewer will get a chance to be an NBA starter.
Finally.
"The opportunity for me to start and have a good role on this team ... you can't take away from having the opportunity to start in the NBA," said Brewer, whose father Ron played eight years in the league, including four games with the Bulls. "It's a rare job. And I think this team's style of play fits me a little better (than Boston's)."
The signing of Brewer, who in 2008-09 averaged 13.7 points and 3.7 rebounds, shot just above 50 percent from the field and usually took on the most challenging defensive assignment, means the hole left by the departure of Kirk Hinrich has been filled.
Finally.
"We're very happy to add a player of Ronnie's ability to our team," said Bulls general manager Gar Forman. "He brings great versatility on both ends of the floor and will be an excellent addition to our backcourt."
Brewer said he's looking forward to upping his career numbers on offense, but knows it's the defensive end where his bread is buttered.
"One constant thing I'm going to do is play defense," he said. "There are nights where you're not going to be making shots and filling the stat sheet up, but every night with Utah I played hard and tough defense."
Brewer ultimately chose the Bulls over the Celtics, thanks in no small part to some heavy-duty lobbying (re: texting) by former Jazz teammates Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver.
"I told those guys the process was already tough enough," Brewer said. "It meant a lot for them to text me, to reach out to me to be a part of the team. That kind of was a determining factor."
And now Brewer's a Bull.
Finally.