Numerous injuries, trades and a coaching change have bridged the Chicago Bulls' first home game of the season with their 41st and final one.
Chicago's rotation for Tuesday night's regular-season home finale against the New York Knicks looks markedly different than the group that opened the season, although one new face is familiar with the whole "rebuild" drill.
Forward JaKarr Sampson, a recent call-up from Chicago's G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, played with the Philadelphia 76ers for 121 games over the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. The Sixers won just 26 times during Sampson's tenure.
After scoring a career-high 29 points against his former team in Saturday's 116-96 home loss, Sampson told reporters that Chicago should continue to stay the course, even as the season slogs toward the NBA Draft Lottery for the 22-58 Bulls.
"Stick with the process," Sampson said. "It's just that. Do everything the right way every single day. Those days build up over time. Just stay consistent. We've got team concepts. Buy into what coach is saying and just stick together and it will happen."
Assured of the NBA's worst record and a draft selection no lower than fifth, the Knicks (16-64) can attest to the talk of patience and perseverance. The team must split its final two games to tie the franchise record for fewest wins in a regular season, established in 2014-15. Defeating the Bulls on Monday and the Detroit Pistons in Wednesday's finale would avoid the mark altogether. >> Read More
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