Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas is entering a pivotal season.

He is hoping to seize the team's starting power forward spot while also silencing his critics.

"This is a huge year for me," Thomas told the Chicago Tribune. "I need to shut some of you damn critics up. No, seriously, I've had the best summer of my life as far as getting better on the court, strength-wise physically, mentally. I've put myself in mental shape to go through a long season and deal with adversity. It's going to be a good year for me."

In addition to battling his own expectations, the Bulls drafted a pair of forwards to four months ago.

"That's part of the business," Thomas said of rookies James Johnson and Taj Gibson. "I don't really see it. If it's supposed to be pressure, pressure makes diamonds. I know what I can do. I'm confident in myself."