Chicago Bulls hoping for boost from Nate Robinson's energy

The Chicago Bulls are hoping that recently-acquired veteran Nate Robinson can provide a boost of energy off the bench this season. The point guard looked impressive in Friday's victory over the Indiana Pacers, picking up 21 points and eight assists while starting for the injured Kirk Hinrich.

Perhaps more importantly to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, Robinson only had one turnover. Thibodeau wants his team's to have fewer than 13 turnovers a game, while Robinson has been known to make high-risk but crowd-pleasing plays throughout his career.

Thibodeau and the Bulls knew the type of player Robinson is; Robinson played for the Boston Celtics while Thibodeau was an assistant coach. Thibodeau wants Robinson to tone down some of his antics, but he does not want to lose the energy that Robinson brings that has made him a successful player.

So far, Robinson appears to be fitting in well. Both men have spoken positively about the other, and Robinson knows where he fits in. Aggrey Sam of CSN Chicago quoted Robinson talking about his role on the team:

"I'm here to fill in. Guys go down, I'll be ready. Starting, off the bench. My role, I know, is off the bench. That's what I've been doing my whole career and I'm happy with it."

Robinson has the right attitude to fit in with this Bulls team, and should be a spark for the Bulls of the bench when called upon.