SALT LAKE CITY -- Perhaps Tyrus Thomas will display more energy and enthusiasm during the slam-dunk contest than he did Monday in discussing his participation.
Asked if he were excited about becoming the first Bull since Scottie Pippen in 1990 to participate in the event as part of All-Star weekend, Thomas barely looked up from untying his shoes.
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"Not really," Thomas said. "I'm just going to go out there, get my check and call it a day."
Asked if an opportunity to rub elbows with some of the game's greats could be beneficial for a rookie, Thomas kept unlacing.
"I'm just into the free money," he said. "That's it. I'll just do whatever when I get out there."
Thomas makes $3.26 million.
The winner gets $35,000. The runner-up receives $22,500. Third and fourth place are worth $16,125.
Thomas' competition is Orlando's Dwight Howard, Boston's Gerald Green and defending champion Nate Robinson of the Knicks.
Michael Jordan will serve as a judge along with heavyweights Dominique Wilkins, Julius Erving, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter. This slightly stirred Thomas.
"I might have to break out some tapes of old contests," he said. "But I'm just taking it for what it's worth."
Jordan is the event's only back-to-back winner, and his winning dunk from the foul line at the Chicago Stadium in 1988 still resonates with Bulls fans.