Raptors' Johnson gets start against Bulls
Former Bull James Johnson started at forward for Toronto on Monday night and scored 16 points.
He was a rookie in 2009-10, drafted by the Bulls No. 16 overall. Midway through his second season, the Bulls traded him to Toronto, and Johnson bounced around for a few years before landing back in Toronto.
"It's just a matter of situation," Johnson said before Monday's game. "You have coaches that trust you, like how Dwane Casey trusts me. It's just better. It makes me want to win for him. It makes guys have confidence in me and I have confidence in them.
"I want to win for them and they know I just want to win. I'm a winner."
This was Johnson's second start of the season. Casey said recently he was reluctant to start Johnson because of the potential for foul trouble.
But when Landry Fields suffered a concussion a few days ago, Johnson started against New York on Sunday. Toronto's top scorer, DeMar DeRozan, has missed the last 12 games with a torn left abductor tendon.
Johnson remembers those days with the Bulls, when he and Taj Gibson carried around Dora the Explorer backpacks as part of their rookie duties.
"I've always been happy for Taj, from the point he got to step on the court and I didn't as rookies until now," Johnson said. "He's a great player. He's going to be an even better player. I don't think he's reached his peak yet."
Rose, Taj return:
The Bulls moved closer to full strength Monday with Derrick Rose (illness) and Taj Gibson (sprained right ankle) returning after two-game absences.
Before the game, coach Tom Thibodeau was hoping to avoid an adjustment period with the new lineup.
"They've been through (coming back from injury) enough, so they should be able to find a way to get something done out there," Thibodeau said. "I think it's hard to start and stop.
"But in Derrick's case, it was good where he was stringing some games together (11 in a row). Unfortunately, he got sick and we have to hope that he can pick up where he left off."
One Bull who remains out is rookie Doug McDermott, who is expected to miss at least a month after having arthroscopic knee surgery.
Gasol hits milestone:
Pau Gasol scored his 17,000th career point in the second quarter. Among active players, Gasol ranks 16th in career scoring, though he will pass the unofficially retired Steve Nash for 15th place in a few weeks.
Bulls horns:
Toronto has played the most home games (17) in the NBA so far this season. That total will be matched Tuesday by the Bulls' next opponent, Washington. The Raptors and Wizards also were 1-2 in the Eastern Conference standings as of Monday morning. … The two national anthems were sung Monday by former Twisted Sister lead singer, Dee Snider.