The Bulls have two rookies on their roster, forwards Taj Gibson and James Johnson, and they have followed different paths through the first third of their first season.
Gibson, 24, out of USC, worked his way into the starting lineup quickly when Tyrus Thomas got injured. He has started 18 games, averaging 8.3 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Johnson has played in 22 games but averages a little more than 10 minutes a game. Now, though, coach Vinny Del Negro's confidence in Johnson appears to be growing.
"He makes some mistakes, but his preparation is better, and he can do a lot of things off the dribble," Del Negro said of Johnson. "I try to give him a little feel for the game. He's a good kid with good intentions. He's just got growing pains."
Del Negro said it is inappropriate to compare Johnson to Gibson.
"Taj is a little bit older, and those two years he has on James from a developmental standpoint are huge," Del Negro said. "Taj is older than 24 in the way he plays.
"Taj's game is more in a box; you know what you are going to get on a consistent basis," he said. "James' game is a little looser. Taj has been a great surprise; I shouldn't say 'surprise,' but I didn't know I was going to play him as much as I have, and he has earned every minute of it."
Thomas helping: Tyrus Thomas had 6 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes Saturday and continues to play a key role as a reserve for the Bulls after coming back from a broken arm.
"The most pleasing thing about Tyrus is he has had an effect on games when he is not shooting well," coach Vinny Del Negro said before the game.
"Tyrus gives us a lot more energy," center Brad Miller said. "He's our highlight guy. He can make a big block and get the crow excited, and he gets us excited, too. It certainly helps having him back."
Boarding up: Playing the No. 1 defensive rebounding team in the league, and one of the top rebounding teams overall, the Bulls outrebounded the Magic 54-48.
Taj Gibson had 12, Luol Deng had 9 and Brad Miller had 8, while Joakim Noah, the No. 2 rebounder in the league, had an off night with 5 rebounds in only 18 minutes of action.
The game featured the top two rebounders in the league in Dwight Howard (13.3 boards per game) and Noah (12.5). But Noah is a better offensive rebounder, averaging 4.1 offensive boards to 3.6 for Howard.
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