Coach Fred Hoiberg mentioned rookie big man Cristiano Felicio twice during his post-practice remarks Sunday, an indication of how quickly Joakim Noah's impending shoulder surgery affected the Bulls' big-man depth.
Hoiberg said Taj Gibson, who also happens to be the starting power forward, is the Bulls' backup center. Minutes are definite for first-round pick Bobby Portis (Arkansas Razorbacks) and possible for the untested Felicio as well as Cameron Bairstow. The Bulls, Hoiberg said, also can play small with Portis at center and Nikola Mirotic at power forward.
They'll need to come up big to overcome the emotional hangover of losing a teammate as popular as Noah, who's working with his representatives to determine which doctor will perform the surgery that will sideline him four to six months.