C.J. Watson says he knows nobody on his new-look Bulls team, but he actually introduced his elbow to Joakim Noah’s face during a bitter Tennessee-Florida matchup in 2006.
“Yeah, Joakim and I have some history and some talking to do,” Watson said, chuckling at the memory. “That was for the No. 1 seed in our conference. All I remember is going for the rebound and Joakim crowding and I just threw an elbow. I think I knocked his tooth out. But we beat them.”
And that’s exactly why Watson and Noah will get along fine once Bulls training camp rolls around.
Watson, officially acquired Thursday in a sign-and-trade transaction with the Warriors that was reported Monday, has the same goal as Noah.
“I just want to win,” Watson said. “That was what I was looking for in free agency, to join a winning team and a playoff team. The Bulls have a lot of great players and we can be a really good team.
“Even though there are a lot of new players, I think we can gel quickly and play well together. The sky is the limit, especially in the Eastern Conference.”
Watson, who spent three seasons with the Warriors, signed a two-year deal worth $6.5 million, according to a source. A third season at $3.7 million is a team option, the source said.
The Bulls scouted the 6-foot-2 Watson heavily last season and view him as a combo scoring guard who can spell Derrick Rose at point but also play alongside him in some smaller lineups.
Having played overseas and in the NBA’s Development League after leaving Tennessee, Watson is appreciative of his opportunity.
“I take a lot of pride in the dues I paid,” Watson said. “I never took anything for granted. I worked hard for everything and will keep working hard.
“I think I have an all-around game. I play defense, push the tempo, love to fast break and have fun. And I will bring energy every night.”
