DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Many nights he’s the smallest player on the floor, but that doesn’t mean new Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson will be the quietest. He’ll be asked to provide energy for his new team, especially with the Bulls missing Derrick Rose for much of the season.

“I’m the guy that gets everybody involved and hyped up,” the 5-foot-9 Robinson said Wednesday after an evening practice at the Berto Center. “I just try to be the best teammate I can and push these guys to the limit.”

Robinson was personally recruited by coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Robinson in Boston. It didn’t take long nor was it a hard decision for the seven-year veteran to sign with Chicago this summer.

“He called me and asked me how I felt about coming and joining the Bulls, and I was like ‘Where do I sign up?’” Robinson said.

Thiboeau said the energy Robinson brings to a team, along with some outside shooting, is his reason for being here.

“He can knock shots down, good three-point shooter,” Thibodeau said. “Fierce competitor. He’s a spark plug off the bench.”

After averaging 11 points and 4.5 assists for the Golden State Warriors last season, he’ll be one of those called upon to provide some offense while Rose recovers from knee surgery.

Robinson couldn’t be happier to be part of the new “Bench Mob.”

“I’m elated, I’m happy, I’m blessed,” he said. “I’m happy for this opportunity.”