The Bulls? Tyrus Thomas was all smiles following his official NBA debut, even though he wore two pieces of tape over a broken nose.

?Now I?ve got a good story to tell,? the rookie forward said.

Thomas will sit out tonight?s game in Orlando. He may just head back to Chicago to get fitted for a clear plastic mask, which he will have to wear until the broken nose heals. It?s possible he could be back for the Bulls? home opener Friday.

?It?s cool. I?ve just got a headache,? he said. ?I feel good about my performance.?

The blow came with 7:43 left in the fourth quarter when he went for an offensive rebound and was smashed in the face by a forearm from Miami?s James Posey.