Bulls developing tall talent
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
If the Chicago Bulls are to return to their glory days of the 1990s anytime soon, 19-year-old twin towers Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry will most likely be leading the charge.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser • • • Pete Newell's Big Man Camp • When: Continues today through Friday, professional players 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. College players 1 to 4 p.m. • Where: Kamehameha Schools Kekuhaupi'o Gymnasium. • Admission: Public invited, free.
They were drafted out of high school in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft, and are here for Pete Newell's Big Man Camp Hawai'i at Kekuhaupi'o Gym.
Despite being only 19, Tyson Chandler, left, and Eddy Curry expect to provide leadership for a Bulls team that has just four players over the age of 25.
Chandler and Curry are looking to put tough rookie seasons behind them in which the Bulls tied for the worst record in the league with Golden State at 21-61.
They also found themselves sitting on the bench for long stretches.
Curry, who was selected No. 4 overall out of Thornwood High School in Illinois, averaged 16 minutes, 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds.
"It was more mental than anything," said Curry, who is 6-11, 285 pounds. "Playing the game is something we've been doing our entire careers. Nobody could prepare us for what we had to do once we got there."
Chandler was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 2 overall pick out of Dominguez Hills High School in California, but was traded along with Brian Skinner to Chicago for Elton Brand. Chandler averaged 19.6 minutes, 6.1 points and 4.8 rebounds last season.
"It was a great year I feel because I did a lot of adjusting," said Chandler, who is 7-1, 235 pounds. "At the beginning of the year we weren't getting playing time, and by the end of the year we got a lot of playing time and we started to progress."
The Bulls won six NBA titles in the '90s, but stars Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and coach Phil Jackson left after the 1997-'98 season.
Chicago has been rebuilding ever since, and knows it won't be winning championships anytime soon.
"They've been very patient with us," Curry said. "They realized once they got us it may take a while for us to develop as players. They know it's not going to be a complete turnaround in one or two years. It'll take some time, but once we get there the key is to stay on top."
The Bulls have only four players over the age of 25 signed for the 2002-'03 season, according to NBA.com.
Despite being the youngest players on the team, Chandler and Curry expect to provide leadership next season.
"Being a leader on the floor, that was one thing we were lacking last year and I feel I can bring that to the table next year," Chandler said.
"I definitely feel I can be a leader. I really don't think it matters how old you are, it's how hard you work."
Said Curry: "I want to come and display that leadership role. I think me and Tyson we both went through a lot early and I think that qualifies us as being leaders on the team."
In addition to getting valuable instruction from Newell and his staff, Chandler is using the camp to scout opponents.
"A lot of these players I'm going to see during the year and it's a good chance for me to go up against them and learn what their strong points and weaknesses are," he said.
Newell, in his 25th year of running the camp, said he likes what he sees in Chandler and Curry.
"They have an abundance of talent," Newell said. "I really liked the way they worked out there.
"They realize this is a very important year for them. It's one thing to be drafted real high, but it's another thing when the first contract is up that you've had a chance to play."
Newell said he doesn't like early entry into the draft because it hurts college basketball, lowers the experience level of the NBA and many players don't even get drafted.
He added many young players who languish on the bench lose their confidence and they can't develop because teams don't practice much once the season starts.
Newell said he was in favor of a recently proposed minor league for the NBA, but those plans failed when the Continental Basketball Association folded.
Newell said if a minor league existed, "These kids we have (at the camp) instead of sitting like they did last year, they'd be playing and then when they come up they would have the confidence of having played.
"It's tough to sit for 2 1/2 months, three months and haven't played and then get in there and because you're a high draft choice they expect you to be super. It's a lot of pressure on young people."
