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New Bulls not improving team's record

Feb 27, 2009 - 11:20 AM Chicago (26-32) at Washington (13-44) 7:00 p.m. EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- A new look isn't helping the Chicago Bulls find wins.

After two losses in their last three games, the Bulls try to get back on track against the lowly Washington Wizards on Friday.

Chicago revamped its lineup in the 24 hours leading up to the trade deadline, acquiring Tim Thomas, John Salmons and Brad Miller while keeping an eye on the future by stockpiling draft picks and expiring contracts.

The new pieces, however, have done little to bring victories to the Windy City.

Acquired from the Sacramento Kings, Salmons had 15 points and Miller added 10, but Thomas, formerly of the New York Knicks, recorded just three and three rebounds as the Bulls dropped a 111-99 decision to the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday, a team they had previously beat twice this season.

The trio of newcomers should have better games against the lowly Wizards, who have lost two straight games, including a 106-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.

The loss dropped Washington nine games behind the Toronto Raptors (23-36) for last place in the Eastern Conference.

Thursday was a rough day for the Bulls' franchise as legendary announcer John "Red" Kerr died at 76 and former Chicago guard Norm Van Lier was found dead in his apartment at age 61.