NBA preseason -- Nate Robinson returns to the United Center

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CHICAGO -- When the Chicago Bulls play their final preseason game Friday night at United Center, there will be one friendly, familiar face from the opposing line-up.

Nate Robinson will return to a place he has electrified so many times last season. This time, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound fan favorite will don the colors of the visiting Denver Nuggets.

The 29-year old Robinson endeared himself to Chicago hoops fans this past summer when he took over at the point guard slot following the absence of Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich to injuries. Robinson delivered in a big way and his heroics helped the Bulls dismantle the Brooklyn Nets in the decisive 7th game of their opening round playoffs series.

Thanks to Robinson's prolific play, the Bulls gained some momentum that carried over the second round where the Bulls upset the eventual champions Miami Heat on the road in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

In the ensuing off season, the Nuggets lured Robinson to a two-year deal worth $4 million, a huge salary bump from the one-year $894,000 Nate got paid last season. Multiple resources reported that the Bulls wanted to keep Nate but they simply don't have the financial resources to match what Robinson was worth in the free agency market.

Entering Friday night's tiff, the Bulls are riding the crest of 7-game preseason winning streak. They have held their opponents to under 100 point in all those contests.

As expected, D-Rose is leading the charge with 20.8 points and 4.2 assists per game average. (JF)