Bulls add 2 familiar faces to roster

Jannero Pargo is to positive energy what Tom Thibodeau is to intensity.

So the Robeson High School product said he never considered retiring despite getting released by the Warriors and Hornets last offseason because his surgically repaired right knee remained balky.

"I knew it was a possibility I wouldn't play this year," Pargo said. "I was just focused on getting my knee back right. If that was next year, I was fine with that. My faith, my family all helped me. They pushed me not to give up. That's what I've been doing my whole career."

Pargo, signed by the Bulls along with John Lucas III on Sunday, has fashioned an unlikely seven-year NBA career out of his shooting ability, practice habits and strong locker-room presence. This is his third stint with the Bulls, who allowed him to use their practice facility as he rehabbed.

"This organization has been really good to me," said Pargo, who added his knee is at "95 percent."

The signings are for practice bodies, injury insurance and to create financial flexibility near the NBA draft in June. With team options for next season, they essentially would be expiring contracts that could be used as cap filler in a larger deal.

"They're a great fit for us," Thibodeau said. "Both are high-character guys. Both are shooters. It also gives us an opportunity to rest some guys in practice."