DRAFT PICKS:
James Johnson, 6-8, F, Wake Forest (first round) -- He doesn't really fill a need, but the Bulls like his talent. An accomplished kickboxer, Johnson didn't get serious about basketball until eighth grade and showed a variety of skills during two seasons at Wake Forest. Taj Gibson, 6-10, F, USC (first round) -- Not a great athlete, but Gibson measured 6-feet-10 with an impressive 7-4 wingspan at the NBA Pre-Draft Combine. Bulls scouts were impressed by his commitment to defense in college.
PLAYER NEWS:
--G Lindsey Hunter signed a one-year deal on July 15. The veteran guard, 38, isn't expected to play much, but the Bulls appreciated his leadership in the locker room and his role in mentoring franchise cornerstone G Derrick Rose. Hunter joined the Bulls last November as a free agent and stuck around all season.
--G Derrick Rose attended the USA Basketball mini-camp in Las Vegas, which began on July 23 and included two practice sessions, followed by an intrasquad game. The camp consisted of 22 young NBA players and was designed to help develop candidates for the upcoming FIBA World Championships in 2010 and London Olympics in 2012.
--G Anthony Roberson was released on July 20. Acquired last Feb. 19 from New York in the Larry Hughes trade, Roberson appeared in just six games. He had a contract option for next season, but was expendable after the Bulls signed veteran guards Jannero Pargo and Lindsey Hunter.
