Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons started all seven playoff games against the Celtics last season, with Thomas hitting the jumper to seal the Game 1 road victory and Salmons averaging 18.1 points in a staggering 44.7 minutes thanks to all those overtimes.
For now, both players are accepting reserve roles like pros, solidifying a Bulls rotation that finally is at full strength and helping to transform some meager offensive numbers.
Some may think it coincidence that the Bulls are 3-0 since Thomas returned from missing seven weeks with a fractured radius in his left forearm and coach Vinny Del Negro replaced Salmons with Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller with Taj Gibson.
But the numbers say otherwise. The Bulls have averaged 39.3 bench points in their three-game winning streak, a ridiculous upgrade over their average of 24 points in the first 27 games. All other major statistical numbers also have improved.
“We’re getting great production off the bench,” Del Negro said. “I think our rotations are working well.”
Salmons initially expressed shock at being benched for the second half of the Dec. 22 road loss in New York and talked about having to put his pride aside to focus on continuing to help the team.
The classy veteran has done so. Even with a 3-point clunker against the Hornets in his first reserve stint this season, he’s averaging 12.3 points and, of more importance, shooting 52.2 percent since moving to the bench.
Though Salmons still is shooting 39.1 percent overall, he’s no longer at a career-low percentage.
“I’m getting my extra shots in and starting to feel more comfortable,” Salmons said.
Thomas is averaging 16 points, 10.3 rebounds and two blocks in his first three games back from injury. That those contributions are coming in a reserve role speaks to Thomas’ maturity.
And beyond numbers, Thomas adds an element of athleticism to the Bulls that teammates consistently marvel at and cite as a major contributing factor — along with Derrick Rose’s recent tear — behind the recent offensive upswing.
“Tyrus has done a nice job since he has been back,” Del Negro said. “He has been a big boost for us. I like how he doesn’t settle and attacks off the dribble. He has quickness in the open court. His activity alone helps us overall.”
In another nod to his maturity, Thomas deflects kudos from teammates and coaches for the Bulls’ improved play coinciding with his return.
“The team started a little bit better right before I got back, so I wouldn’t try to take credit for that,” Thomas said. “Just to be out there to help feels good for me, instead of sitting on the sideline.”
Hinrich is averaging nine points, six assists, 5.3 rebounds and just one turnover since becoming a starter three games ago. He already had proved his value earlier this season when the Bulls went 1-5 in the six games he missed with a sprained thumb.
Del Negro appears to be settling into a comfortable, nine-man rotation featuring mid-sized minutes for Brad Miller and rookie James Johnson. It’s a long cry from when he drew criticism for riding seven players down the stretch of the Bulls’ near-historic 35-point collapse against the Kings.
The task gets more difficult when the Magic visit on Saturday. But the Bulls will take their good vibes when they can get them.
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kcjohnson@tribune.com
