There is an old saying that if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better not to say anything. Such was the case for new Celtics forward-center P.J. Brown regarding the Chicago Bulls.
Brown signed with the Celtics last week and could make his debut tonight against the Bulls at TD Banknorth Garden. The 15-year veteran has built a strong reputation as a consummate professional. So instead of going into detail about why he was unhappy last season in Chicago, he preferred to avoid the issue.
"I really don't have any comment on the Chicago Bulls," he said.
From 2000-06, Brown starred for the Hornets in Charlotte, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City. The 6-foot-11-inch, 239-pounder was dealt to the Bulls with guard J.R. Smith July 14, 2006, for center Tyson Chandler. The additions of Brown and Ben Wallace were expected to give the Bulls a strong veteran inside presence last season.
But with a smaller role than expected a month into the season, Brown asked for a trade. He later apologized for making his trade request public and cleared the air with general manager John Paxson and then-coach Scott Skiles.
"It wasn't the best time for that," Brown told the Chicago media. "I just want to focus on P.J. Brown and helping my team win."
Brown did just that by helping the Bulls advance to the second round of the playoffs. During the playoffs, he averaged 8.3 points on .493 shooting and 4.7 rebounds during 22.8 minutes per game in 10 contests.
Brown described his time with the Bulls as "OK." He became an unrestricted free agent after last season.
"There was no going back. Once the season was over, it was over," he said.
The Bulls had high expectations after winning 49 games last season and making three straight playoff appearances. Chicago, however, lost 10 of its first 12 games and was aswirl with trade rumors that never materialized for Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
Quickly, the Bulls went from a potential East power to arguably the most disappointing team in the NBA.
Brown was shocked to see the Bulls take a step backward.
"I definitely thought they would go to the next level," he said. "They went to the second round last year. I expected big things from them this year, but that didn't happen."
With a 9-16 record and losses in three of the previous four games, the Bulls fired Skiles on Christmas Eve. Brown declined to comment on the move. Since then, the Bulls have dealt Wallace and forward Joe Smith to the Cavaliers and guard Adrian Griffin to Seattle while acquiring forward Drew Gooden, guards Larry Hughes and Shannon Brown, and forward Cedric Simmons from Cleveland.
The last time Brown played was with the Bulls during the 2007 playoffs. The Celtics signed him for the remainder of the season Feb. 27.
Coach Doc Rivers has taken his time with the newcomer and activated him for the first time for Wednesday's 90-78 win over Detroit. Brown didn't play in the Eastern Conference showdown, although Rivers considered putting him in. But Brown had no problems with not making his debut.
"It was intense, man," he said. "I haven't played in months. To turn it on and off like that, it doesn't work like that. It takes time. We'll just see what happens as we go down the road."
Rivers also noted that it was beneficial for reserve rookie forward Glen Davis and reserve forward-center Leon Powe to get minutes against the Pistons, providing confidence and experience. Rivers added that Brown has confidence and experience from years of playing in the NBA.
"These games are good for the young guys," Rivers said. "[Brown has] been in them. He'll play soon and get some time. I don't know [when] yet."
Brown has already lived up to one of his roles as a veteran voice. He gave second-year point guard Rajon Rondo some words of wisdom for several minutes on the bench during the Pistons game.
"I talk to P.J. every day," center Kendrick Perkins said. "He's a great guy to have around. He's really positive. I'm just happy he's a part of our team."
Although Brown didn't feel comfortable running with the Bulls, he has been very happy as a Celtic.
"I feel like I'm part of the family," he said. "I feel like I've been here the whole [season], and that means a lot to me."
The Celtics did not practice yesterday. Point guard Sam Cassell, who signed for the rest of the season Monday, is expected to be at the shootaround this morning. It's uncertain when the 38-year-old will make his Celtics debut . . . Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas is suspended for tonight's game for an unexcused absence from Wednesday's practice . . .
Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com.
