Williams weathers boos, gets 10 points

ORLANDO, Fla. New Bulls forward Brian Williams began his NBAcareer with Orlando. He was the Magic's first-round selection (No.10 overall) in the 1991 draft.

But Williams' two seasons here were turbulent and he wastraded to the Denver Nuggets after the 1992-93 season for AnthonyCook and Todd Lichti.

Williams, who was plagued by depression and other problems,played in just 21 games his final season with the Magic.No one in management thought he would be productive playerbecause of those problems.It has been nearly four years since he left town andWilliams said he doesn't have any remaining connection with the city."It's probably only slightly more familiar than Milwaukee,"he said.But the fans haven't forgotten Williams and greeted himwith boos when he entered the game in the Bulls' 110-94 victory overthe Magic on Sunday."I can't believe they booed me like that on my birthday,"said Williams, who turned 28. "Maybe they should have flashed one ofmy baby pictures up on the board."Williams celebrated his birthday with 10 points on 4-for-9shooting and four rebounds in 20 minutes."With the injuries we have now, he's a ray of sunshine,"Michael Jordan said. "We have to bring him along slowly. It's toughtrying to learn our system, but he's coming along. I think he'sgoing to be a big help."Because of injuries in the frontcourt, with Dennis Rodman,Toni Kukoc and Bill Wennington sidelined, the Bulls have thrownWilliams into action without much practice time. They were pleasedwith the results."Brian's really an aggressive basketball player," Bullscoach Phil Jackson said. "He plays all out, he's plays 100 percentevery time he's out on the floor. He doesn't always do the rightthings, but he gives you a good effort."That's all we're looking for, a big guy who can do somethings and be aggressive. He'll find his way in our offense. Maybenot right now, but I think that by the playoffs he'll be all right."Besides working his way into a new system, Williams istrying to work his way back into shape. He hadn't played all seasonafter knee surgery in the fall. He still needs to improve hiscondition."It's coming, it's definitely coming," Williams said. "It'sbeen good. The guys are incredibly accommodating. They're trying tomake the transition as smooth as possible. Basically, the onus is onme to adapt and get acclimated with the philosophy of Bullsbasketball."Said New York's Charles Oakley: "I just want to know whyguys the rest of the league thinks are crazy end up in Chicago?"