Chicago Bulls excited for game with Omer Asik, Houston Rockets

When the Bulls visit Houston Wednesday night, they will see Omer Asik for the first time since the Turkish center left Chicago to sign a three-year, $25 million contract with the Houston Rockets this past offseason. Asik is averaging a double-double playing starter's minutes with his new team.

Asked if he was surprised by Asik's performance thus far in the 2012-13 season, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters on Tuesday that the team expected Asik's improvement.

"(Asik) had the right characteristics, the right makeup," Thibodeau said. "Seven feet, he’s got great drive, great character and great intelligence. So, it’s not surprising. He’s getting more minutes, so his production’s going to be better."

Taj Gibson told reporters he's been watching Asik, and said that in the NBA, when "you get a lot of touches and game experience, which he’s doing right now, your confidence builds and I can see him doing a lot more stuff in the post."