[2][3][4][5][6] During the off-season, the team re-acquired former Bulls forward Charles Oakley from the Toronto Raptors,[7][8][9][10] acquired Greg Anthony from the Portland Trail Blazers,[11] and signed free agents Eddie Robinson,[12][13] and Kevin Ollie.
The result was a renewed sense of optimism and hope surrounding the team's future with Tyson Chandler, Eddy Curry and Jalen Rose as the centers of attention.
It all began on the night of the 2001 NBA draft, when the Bulls used their first-round pick, fourth overall, to select Thornwood High School's Eddy Curry, a 6–11, 285-pound center.
Minutes later, Chicago dealt Brand to the L.A. Clippers for Dominguez High School product Tyson Chandler (picked second overall) and Brian Skinner.
“We feel Jalen is an outstanding all-around player who can play three positions offensively and defensively,” EVP of Basketball Operations Jerry Krause explained.
Jamal Crawford, who tore his ACL over the summer and required surgery to repair it, returned to the active roster on March 3 after missing the first 58 games of the season.