Bulls facing a bit of a power shortage
MINNEAPOLIS - One significant issue the Bulls will face until Joakim Noah starts playing again is whether they'll have enough big men.
The two trades they made this week built the roster to 16 players, one more than allowed. So someone had to go and power forward Chris Richard, playing on his second 10-day contract, was released.
While Noah rests his sore left foot, newcomer Hakim Warrick is the only big man to back up Brad Miller and Taj Gibson. Asked about Richard before Friday's game, coach Vinny Del Negro mentioned it was a decision made by the Bulls management team of Gar Forman and John Paxson.
"I like Chris a lot. He could help us, I think, a little bit," Del Negro said. "That was something Gar and Pax worked on and we'll just go with the guys that are here right now and stay focused on what we have and every day, try to get better."
The problem with keeping Richard was deciding which player to cut. Should the Bulls have let go of Jerome James? Lindsey Hunter, who was inactive Friday? Newcomers Joe Alexander and Acie Law don't figure to play much, but both were recent top-12 draft picks. The Bulls probably want to take a good look while they have the chance.
The Bulls will check Noah's progress today, but Del Negro admitted it's unlikely his center will play against Philadelphia.
"We want to be smart about it," Del Negro said. "We don't want to rush it, but we also need him back."
T-time begins: Tyrus Thomas opened his Charlotte career by producing 9 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks as the Bobcats rolled past visiting Cleveland 110-93. Thomas played 25 minutes and hit 3 of 9 shots.
"I had a great time in Chicago. I love the city, love the fans," Thomas said before the game. "Every now and then, people just need a change of scenery and I think that was my situation."
Thomas is playing for a demanding coach in Larry Brown. But fellow Charlotte new arrival Theo Ratliff pointed out that Brown helped turn himself and Ben Wallace into all-stars.
"Me and Coach Brown had a great talk this morning when I got in," Thomas said. "I think this is going to be a new start for me. Hopefully this allows me to do what I'm capable of doing."
Meanwhile, John Salmons scored 18 points and hit a 3-pointer that clinched Milwaukee's 91-85 win over Detroit.
Foe to friend: Hakim Warrick might have turned in the play of the year by a Bulls opponent. Late in a tight game at Milwaukee on Jan. 8, he caught a Charlie Bell air ball, spun and dunked it.
"That's why (the trade) took me by surprise," Warrick said. "Playing in the same division, they normally don't make that trade, but I think it worked out well for both teams."
Bull horns: Former Vikings defensive tackle John Randle sat in the courtside seat next to the Bulls bench. ... The Bulls enjoyed a 31-20 edge in free-throw attempts on Friday. Luol Deng shot 14 but missed 6 of them.