Bulls face hot rookie in key week.(Chicago Tribune)

CHICAGO _ This week could determine whether the Chicago Bulls suffer yet another lost, meaningless season.

Starting Tuesday, the Bulls play four games in five days: against New Orleans (11-5), which they beat in the home opener; Toronto (6-10), and twice against Cleveland (2-16). For the rest of December, the Bulls play 10 of their 11 games against playoff teams from last season.

So the Bulls probably need to win at least two and maybe three games this week. That would seem reasonable with two games against Cleveland, but the Cavaliers just trotted out perhaps the league's most exciting rookie in Dajuan Wagner.

Wagner is 19 _ no one is saying he's too young _ and down 15 pounds after being hospitalized with an infection and blood clot. But the guard who spent only one season at Memphis caused a stir last week with 28- and 29-point games, one against childhood idol Allen Iverson. In four games, Wagner has averaged 19.8 points and 3.5 assists and shot 46 percent on three-pointers.

"The guy has tremendous talent," said Kings guard Bobby Jackson, who saw Wagner get 17 points in his debut game Tuesday. "I see him being another Iverson. He's a better shooter than Iverson, but his game resembles Iverson's."

In high school, where he had a 100-point game, Wagner was described as Iverson with muscles. Like Iverson, he's tough, a good ballhandler who can create for himself and a fearless shooter. With Darius Miles, who is out injured, and the unstable but talented Ricky Davis, the Cavs are putting together the pieces for an entertaining team.

"Dajuan's got unbelievable ability and he's not close to where he'll be," Cavs coach John Lucas said. "He's not the same `Juany' who is going to be out on the court in a month. I think this year he can challenge for rookie of the year. Long range he can be one of the best players in the league. He's the real deal."