New role: Thomas turns teacher

[Warren2ThaG]

http://a.espncdn.com/i/headshots/nba/players/65/3032.jpg

-------------

New role: Thomas turns teacher

"Tyrus Thomas has been called many things during his time with the Bulls, but many would be surprised to learn that ''mentor'' is among them.

 

The fourth-year forward, who's still only 23, has gone out of his way since training camp began to help rookies Taj Gibson and James Johnson.

 

''Tyrus told us a couple of weeks ago, 'It's a long season, and we're gonna need y'all,''' Gibson said. '''Just take care of yourselves and listen to coaching.'

 

''That's all we've been doing. We've been competitive in practice, guys pushing one another, even on days when guys are feeling banged up.''

 

Thomas is helping the rookies even though they play the same position and potentially could take playing time away from him. While he was injured earlier in the preseason, Thomas helped Gibson, who took Thomas' spot in the starting lineup, by pointing out things from the bench.

 

''I'm a competitor. I like to win, point blank,'' Thomas. ''So that means if I'm hurt and the team loses, we all lose. If I'm hurt and we win, we all win. I'm gonna do whatever I can to help my team win.''

 

The way Thomas played Friday night in his return to the lineup after missing nearly two weeks -- 22 points (7-for-9 shooting) and 13 rebounds in 25 minutes -- he doesn't have to worry about losing playing time to anyone.

 

''When he plays with that kind of aggressiveness, that kind of energy, he's definitely someone you have to pay attention to,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said.

 

''It's good for us, after he was injured, for him to come back and play well,'' forward Luol Deng said. ''It's good for the team. And Taj has been doing a great job. He's been great throughout the preseason so far.''

 

With Thomas and Gibson -- Johnson has been playing mostly small forward -- the power forward position has been a strength instead of the possible weak link it was considered entering camp. The competition for playing time should help both players."

----

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/1831552,CST-SPT-bull18.article