Scott Skiles said before Wednesday's game that rookie forward Tyrus Thomas could begin to start down the stretch.

That move would come at the expense of veteran P.J. Brown, Thomas' closest friend on the Bulls. The two recently spent an off day together in Orlando along with family members.

"I've created a monster," Brown said facetiously. "This young guy is about ready to take over. But that's good. We're going to need him if we're going to make a run."