Bulls fans and media have been critical to the way that Bulls coach Tim Floyd has handled the high school sensations Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry, choosing to bring them on slowly rather than see how they handle the pressure.  Are Floyd's methods finally paying off?

"They're growing as professionals in that they're now understanding that they won't play if they have no idea how we're going to defend a particular action," Floyd said.

Floyd and his coaching staff are impressed that the two are taking notice of what they are told, and even chip in with questions when pre-game discussions are held.  The results?  Curry has now moved ahead of center Dalibor Bagaric in the rotation and both played together in the fourth quarter of a close game against New York.  Curry took the ball inside and went to the line eight times in nine minutes after Floyd told him not to settle for the 10- to 12-foot jumpers.

"Now, in our question-and-answer sessions before games, they're firing answers back at you from things we discussed at morning shootaround or in film sessions. That creates trust with our staff. That creates confidence."