Tyrus Thomas missed the Bulls' summer league 88-72 loss to Orlando on Thursday because of tendinitis in his right knee. But in three summer-league games thus far, he's averaging 16 points, nine rebounds and 4.7 blocks.

Everybody knows about the highlight-reel dunks and breathtaking ability to block shots. But Thomas' commitment to improve his midrange game could go a long way to him commanding more minutes in his sophomore season.

"His attitude has been good, and he has been making an effort on his shot with [assistant] coach [Ron] Adams," general manager John Paxson said. "That's all part of it. I still have to keep in mind that he's a young guy without the experiences that a lot of guys his age have had, the AAU systems and all those things. He's still trying to figure this league out.

"There's a lot riding for him the next couple of years. With his athleticism we all believe he will develop that skill level to go along with it and become a player who will help us win a lot of games."