Tristan Thompson was officially introduced by the Chicago Bulls to the media on Wednesday. The team used its bi-annual exception to sign the veteran big man, who could be a solid presence ahead of the NBA Playoffs.

Thompson, who was trolled by fans after his four-game stint with the Indiana Pacers before getting waived, finds himself in a cushier situation with the Bulls. As of writing, the squad is tied with the Miami Heat for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 38-21 record.

The 30-year-old Thompson was visibly excited when talking about joining the Bulls. He also revealed that it's a reunion of sorts for him and coach Billy Donovan. He said Donovan watched him as early as eighth grade, hoping to entice him to play for the multi-titled tactician at Florida. Thompson, however, ended up playing at Texas (via Bulls Twitter).

As Thompson said, everything worked out well for him and Donovan, who won back-to-back titles at Florida and carried the school to four Final Four appearances. Thompson, meanwhile, had a solid one-and-done stint at Texas, leading him to get selected no. 4 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Now, fate has brought them together with the Bulls.

Thompson, a one-time NBA champion, will serve as backup to star center Nikola Vucevic and is expected to do the dirty work for the Bulls with his lunch-pail style. He will be a perfect role player to complement the core of Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine.