So What's the lastest on Tyrus Thomas?

[Krazy!!!]

Top pick Rose makes visit at United Center


July 1, 2008Recommend

By BRIAN HANLEY Sun-Times News Group
CHICAGO -- It was the presence of Tyrus Thomas as much as the single stem roses found throughout the United Center press conference Monday which suggested the blossoming of a new era for the Bulls.

Bulls general manager John Paxson and new head coach Vinny Del Negro flanked Derrick Rose on either side as the trio sat in front of the full room.

Rose spoke of how Thomas and other of the team's veterans have helped him transition from the top pick in the draft last week to teammate this week.

"I was just asking questions about the team," Rose said. "They said just to be humble and stay focused. I think that I can lead the team. Of course with the veterans, I have to listen to them what they do about detail.''

Paxson said Thomas and Joakim Noah will be part of the Bulls summer league team, which begins practice Thursday and plays its first game in Orlando on Monday.

It is unusual for a player entering his third season, such as Thomas, to take part in summer league. But Thomas said the idea of helping Rose start his career, combined with having witnessed some of the Boston Celtics run to the NBA championship, made him decide to participate. Thomas was in Boston to support Celtics forward Glen Davis, his former LSU teammate.

"It was my choice,'' Thomas said. "After winning 33 games, you want to do whatever it takes to get better and win. Me playing a couple of summer league games is not going to hurt, it's going to help to acclimate Derrick and build more chemistry with Joakim. If that what it takes to get to that level where you want to get, it's a small sacrifice.''

Rose was headed to the Berto Center immediately after the press conference for his first workout since the draft Thursday and the whirlwind of interviews which followed.

"Working out hard, listening to all the veteran players on the team, and of course coach,'' Rose said of his plans. "Just sucking it in and learning from everyone. I do.''

Rose said the summer will be "a learning process'' for he and Del Negro, who has no coaching experience. Del Negro is expected to hire his staff as early as today. Bernie Bickerstaff, an NBA vetrean of more than 30 years, is expected to be named as an assistant coach. He was head coach at Seattle, Denver and Washington and also held the position of GM at Denver and was head of basketball operations at Charlotte.

"All the guys I've brought in, I've had a relationship with in some way,'' Del Negro said. "The experience factor for me is important. The camaraderie of the staff is important; how guys are going to work together, and the roles they'll have. So far I'm really happy the direction it's going. But I'm the head coach and I'm going to make the final say. They're going to be my assistants and loyalty is big for me."

[The ROY]

I'm really proud of TT. Seems like he's growing up.

[DuckIII]

Just want to add that McGraw noted the other Bull at the press conference was Thabo. I'm pleased Ty and Thabo showed. As a fan, little things like that matter to me.

[Magilla_Gorilla]

Just want to add that McGraw noted the other Bull at the press conference was Thabo. I'm pleased Ty and Thabo showed. As a fan, little things like that matter to me.

I read that as well, I think the young guys are genuinely excited to have a playmaker at PG. I can't wait to see summer league.

[dougthonus]

Point is these are high school stats and accolades. They don't mean much in how they translate into NBA game. I agree Howard was the better pro prospect but only by a little and the fact remains both were considered athletes with dominant physical gifts who were good enough to go 1st in the draft. Basically, there were risks with either prospect. One panned out and one didn't. Is a 50/50 shot at a franchise talent worth a top 5 talent? I guess for you only in hindsight when you know how successful the pick actually becomes.

First, let me say that I agree with your premise that HS stats don't mean a whole lot.

Secondly, let me disagree with the point you were trying to make by showing Kwame's stats. While I agree the stats may not mean a darn thing, Kwame's stats are not even remotely as good as Howard's were. I mean not even remotely. The difference in rebounding and shot blocking is absurd and probably among the better indicators for a big man prospect. It showed that Howard was an absolute beast that destroyed everyone in his way and that Kwame was just very good at those things. It's not that Kwame's stats were bad, but the gap between blocks and rebounds on a percentage basis is absolutely tremendous and has translated to the NBA in a similar percentage gap as Howard is still a dramatically better rebounder and shot blocker.

[bagsboy]

Dwight Howard was hardly a gamble like Tyrus. Tyrus wasn't even on the radar until he had a strong tournament run w/ LSU.

That's not true. I've linked to an article where Chad Ford wrote about him surging in January before.

Someone with success at the college level is a much surer bet than someone with success at the high school level.

Please see the Lebron draft. There was no better bet then high schooler James. Also, most college freshman drafted after one year had great success in high school (both are considered)......TT was a one year story and a big gamble at #2.

[Magilla_Gorilla]

TT was not the fouth pick ...the bulls had the second pick in the draft and had the right to select anyone outside of andrea ...they chose to go with TT...the fact that they traded down to get some other pieces along with him makes no difference to me...

I like how you ignore facts and treat them as opinion. Its precious.

[MissileMike]

TT was not the fouth pick ...the bulls had the second pick in the draft and had the right to select anyone outside of andrea ...they chose to go with TT...the fact that they traded down to get some other pieces along with him makes no difference to me...

I like how you ignore facts and treat them as opinion. Its precious.

I was wondering the same thing. TT was drafted 4th, in the "gap draft" where hs seniors couldn't enter the draft unlike the year before.

The other thing that seems to be getting lost in this debate is that when given minutes, he *has* produced on the court.

[BigUps]

Tyrus is having a very, very good summer. He’s been at the IMG Academy working on his game and getting rave reviews there, he’s stayed out of trouble (:knocks on wood:), he asked to play in summer league to work on his game, he shows up at the D. Rose press conference in solidarity, he’s seeing what it’s like to win a championship via “Big Baby” and he *may* have grown an inch or two.

That’s a long way away from the attitude problems that were reported during the 2007 season. It’s a long way away from missing an unexcused practice and light years away from “Free Money”.

Tyrus is growing up and it seems like he’s starting to gain the confidence in himself and the organization. This is a VERY good sign of things to come! He’s quietly having the best offseason on the team. This offseason Tyrus has lived up to his end of the bargain, now assuming he plays well, the Bulls need to live up to their side of the bargain and give him PT.

[DuckIII]

There is little doubt that on the surface Thomas is having a very encouraging summer. I'm a believer.

[BigUps]

There is little doubt that on the surface Thomas is having a very encouraging summer. I'm a believer.

He needs to be rewarded with minutes.

[Wingy]

Tyrus is having a very, very good summer. He’s been at the IMG Academy working on his game and getting rave reviews there, he’s stayed out of trouble (:knocks on wood:), he asked to play in summer league to work on his game, he shows up at the D. Rose press conference in solidarity, he’s seeing what it’s like to win a championship via “Big Baby” and he *may* have grown an inch or two.

That’s a long way away from the attitude problems that were reported during the 2007 season. It’s a long way away from missing an unexcused practice and light years away from “Free Money”.

Tyrus is growing up and it seems like he’s starting to gain the confidence in himself and the organization. This is a VERY good sign of things to come! He’s quietly having the best offseason on the team. This offseason Tyrus has lived up to his end of the bargain, now assuming he plays well, the Bulls need to live up to their side of the bargain and give him PT.

I'm not a 'told you so' type poster....but I can't wait to say it to all those who've been so quick to crap on this kid.