22-year old small forward Jimmy Butler has not played much for the Bulls so far this year.  But, the rookie has shown well so far when he does get the chance to play.  He has played in 5 games (0 starts) for the Bulls so far this year and he is averaging 4.4 minutes, 3.6 points and 1.2 rebounds per game so far this year.  Butler is buried on the bench right now, but it has to make the Bulls feel confident in him if he’s needed as he has looked good so far this year.

24-year old center Omer Asik only lasted two minuted last night.  The reason was because he was diagnosed with a fractured left fibula today which ends his rookie season officially.  Asik played in 82 games (0 starts) during the regular season and he averaged 12.1 minutes, 2.8 points, 3.8 rebounds  and 0.4 assists per game.  He also played 15 games (0 starts) in the playoffs in which he averaged 9.9 minutes, 1.0 point, 2.1 rebounds and 0.1 assists per game.  The Bulls will turn to 38-year old Kurt Thomas to replace Asik as the backup center the rest of the year.  Thomas played in 52 games (37 starts) for the Bulls during the regular season and he averaged 22.7 minutes, 4.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.  He has only played in 6 games (0 starts) during the playoffs and he is averaging 9.3 minutes, 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.  I have a feeling that Thomas is going to step up for the Bulls, just like he did when Joakim Noah was injured earlier this year.

24-year old center Omer Asik finally decided to come to America and the Bulls were very pleased with that.  Asik played in 82 games (0 starts) for the Bulls this year and he averaged 12.1 minutes, 2.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game.  Asik shot 55.3% from the floor this year but most of his shots came from in tight, as he had problems hitting his free throws (50.3%) this year.  The Bulls decided to turn away teams at the trade deadline as they all wanted Asik as part of the return for a shooting guard.  That will turn out to be a very wise move down the road.

The Bulls wanted an upgrade at shooting guard at the trade deadline but every team seemed to want 24-year old rookie center Omer Asik in return.  The Bulls just couldn’t give up the 7’0″, 255 pound center for what other teams were offering.  Asik has played in 60 games (0 starts) for the Bulls so far this season and he is averaging 12.0 minutes, 2.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game on 52% shooting from the floor.  The Bulls are counting on Asik to give them good minutes when Joakim Noah needs a break.

The Bulls need more out of 24-year old center Omer Asik with Joakim Noah out of action.  Asik has played in 38 games (0 starts) for the Bulls so far this year and he is averaging 11.7 minutes, 2.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.  Asik has the size the Bulls need as he is 7’0″, 255 pounds so it would really help if he would step up.  It’s speaking volumes right now that Asik can’t beat out Kurt Thomas for some P.T. in the pivot.

With Joakim Noah out of action for 8-10 weeks, the Bulls are going to need 25-year old Taj Gibson and 24-year old rookie Omer Asik to step up.  Gibson has played in 23 games (14 starts) for the Bulls this year and he is averaging 25.5 minutes, 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.5 blocked shots per game.  Gibson will likely start most of the games at center until Noah is ready to return to action.  Omer Asik has played in 24 games (0 starts) for the Bulls so far this year and he is averaging 11.4 minutes, 2.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game.  Gibson & Asik are both capable players so the Bulls should be o.k. until Noah is ready to return to action.

24-year old center Omer Asik is doing a decent job of backing up Joakim Noah.  The 7’0″, 255 pound rookie has played in 8 games (0 starts) for the Bulls so far this year and he is averaging 13.3 minutes, 3.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.  He is also shooting 12 of 18 (66.7%) from the floor so far this year.  If Asik can give the Bulls 10-15 solid minutes this season off the bench the Bulls will be very happy with him.

The Bulls drafted two forwards last June and they both played a roll in the Bulls making the playoffs this year. 24-year old Taj Gibson quickly moved into the starting lineup taking advantage of a Tyrus Thomas injury and he never gave the job back. Gibson played in 82 games (70 starts) this season for the Bulls in which he averaged 26.9 minutes, 9.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 1.3 blocked shots per game. James Johnson was the other forward the Bulls took and he was decent off the bench for them. Johnson played in 65 games (11 starts) for the Bulls this season and he averaged 11.6 minutes, 3.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. Look for both of these guys to produce for a long time for the Bulls down the road.

Forward Taj Gibson has really been a solid player and he has a nice upside. Gibson played in 56 games (44 starts) for the Bulls so far this season and he is averaging 25.1 minutes, 8.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 1.2 blocked shots per game. Gibson is a solid basketball player and he was a good choice by the Bulls last June. Fellow forward James Johnson has not played as much as Gibson has this season. Johnson has played in 44 games (0 starts) for the Bulls this season and he is averaging 9.3 minutes, 2.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. Gibson & Johnson should have big roles in the future of the Bulls which looks bright.

Taj Gibson and James Johnson look like keepers for the Bulls. Taj Gibson makes the most of his time on the court. He has played in 33 games (21 starts) for the Bulls this season and he is averaging 24.5 minutes, 8.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. I really like his game around the basket as he looks like he’s going to be a outstanding rebounder in this league. James Johnson has not been near as impressive as Gibson but I still see enough to make me think that he can produce for them down the road. He has played in 25 games (0 starts) for the Bulls this season and he is averaging 10.3 minutes, 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. Johnson’s main problem has been his shooting as he is only hitting 35.9% of his shots from the floor. Until his shot improves he will likely continue to get sporadic playing time.