Isaiah Canaan, now a Bull, humbled by experience with Sixers

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Isaiah Canaan played 99 games for the Sixers over a period of time marked by losing. After a season-and-a-half with Philadelphia, he has an appreciative perspective of his new situation on the Bulls. 

“I say it was a blessing for the opportunity, just to prove I can help a team out and show what I can bring,” Canaan said. “It was a humbling experience for me just to have to go through something like that and learn not to take anything for granted.”

The Sixers acquired Canaan from the Rockets as part of the K.J. McDaniels trade at the 2015 trade deadline. Canaan averaged 11.4 points (36.3 percent from three), 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25.6 minutes. He started in 51 games.  

This summer the Sixers did not extend Canaan a qualifying offer. He signed a two-year contract with the Bulls. Canaan, now in his fourth season, joined a veteran-heavy backcourt.

“We’ve got good teammates that makes my job a lot easier,” Canaan said. “Learning from (Rajon) Rondo, (Dwyane) Wade and Jimmy (Butler), the coaching staff, I’m getting better every day.”

Canaan is posting 7.1 points (40.4 percent from the field), 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 19.0 minutes off the bench. He scored 17 points in 31 minutes during the Bulls’ 118-110 win over the Lakers last weekend. 

“He comes off the bench, he’s instant offense,” Brett Brown said. “He’s shooting the ball well. He had a few big preseason games that I think solidified his role. I think he’s comfortable there with those veterans around him. He really helped us while he was here. He was a professional, he was tough, he did make shots, and I’m glad to see he’s found a home with the Bulls."

Canaan clocked 26 minutes on Friday against his former team in the Bulls 105-89 win (see Instant Replay). He made his first two three-point attempts in the first quarter and hit an offensive skid after that. Canaan finished with eight points (2 for 7 from three, 2 for 2 from the line), five rebounds and one assist. 

This season the Bulls are turning to Canaan for backcourt depth off the bench.

“He’s a guy that goes out there, he’s going to play his role, he’s going to battle, he’s done a great job picking up and applying pressure on the opposing teams’ point guards and hitting some big shots for us over the course of the year,” Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He’s just a wonderful kid. He’s always got a smile on his face. He keeps the mood light in the locker room. He was a great addition to our team.”

Following the game, Canaan visited the Sixers locker room. He and Robert Covington also spent time together when the Bulls arrived in Philadelphia. They were teammates on the Rockets at the start of their careers. 

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