Bulls News

"After a week in Los Angeles that included an appearance at the ESPY Awards, Bulls guard Derrick Rose is in Las Vegas as a member of the USA Basketball select team that is helping prepare the U.S. Olympic team for the Beijing Games. Rose said he feels comfortable being around NBA stars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams. ''There's great camaraderie among the players, but you can see the intensity when the scrimmages start,'' Rose told the Sun-Times. ''As members of the select team, we all feel it's an honor and privilege to be a part of this, and the best way we can be of service is to come prepared to play and play hard every minute.'' Rose, chosen by the ..."

"Since the free-agency period began at the start of this month, it was believed the status of Bulls restricted free agents Luol Deng and Ben Gordon might not be resolved until the fall. But according to a source close to Deng, the future of the 6-9 forward should be decided -- one way or another -- in the next two weeks. The source confirmed the main elements of a Yahoo! Sports report Monday that said Deng, 23, would opt to sign a one-year qualifying offer for $4.5 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he's not able to reach a long-term agreement before he leaves the country Aug. 4. Deng will be in Europe for much of August playing with the British team in ..."

"If the Bulls want to sign Luol Deng to a contract extension, they have weeks, not months, to do so. Though the official deadline to reach an extension isn't until Oct. 31, Deng's camp has made clear to the Bulls that negotiations won't continue past the forward's early-August commitment to Britain's national team. The Bulls had no comment on Deng's stance, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports. Talks are ongoing, remain professional and, according to sources, have focused enough on a shorter-term deal that optimism exists a deal can be reached."

"The Chicago Bulls, as it turned out, was one of several local professional sports franchises that went through the arduous, nail-biting (at least for the ad agencies involved) review process within the last year to determine which shop would work on the team's advertising going forward. The Bulls review was certainly one of the most interesting of the lot, if only because the incumbent agency, DiMeo & Co./Chicago, had been so closely aligned with the basketball team for many years. When the review commenced, many observers wondered if the Bulls would dare break the tie that had bound the shop to the franchise for so long. Certainly, DiMeo & Co. leader Bernie DiMeo didn't believe the tie ..."

"As Derrick Rose prepared to attend Wednesday's ESPY awards as a guest, he found himself trying to fully comprehend -- and appreciate -- how much his life has changed. The humble teenager from the South Side, who was the No. 1 pick in the June 26 draft by his hometown Bulls, has been cast in a starring role. He was picked Wednesday for the USA Basketball Men's Select Team, which will help prepare the U.S. Olympic team for the Beijing Games."

"The Los Angeles Clippers' Tuesday acquisition of Marcus Camby from Denver for an option to swap 2010 second-round draft picks has ramifications for the Bulls—and not just because it takes a frontcourt player linked to them in trade rumors off the market. Camby's $8 million salary for 2008-09 eats up the majority of the $12 million salary-cap space created when Elton Brand left the Clippers for the 76ers. That means a big-money offer from the Clippers for restricted free agent Luol Deng of the Bulls is no longer possible."

"More than two weeks have passed since NBA free agency began. Do you know where your 2008-09 Bulls roster is? General manager John Paxson has stated publicly that no moves can be made until the organization has cost certainty regarding restricted free agents Luol Deng and Ben Gordon. Paxson also has said establishing the team's salary structure would be a priority he would like achieved sooner rather than later... Negotiations between the Bulls and representatives for Deng and Gordon are ongoing, professional—and far apart."

"As expected, Derrick Rose's precautionary MRI revealed nothing more than tendinitis in his right knee. Team physician Brian Cole performed the test on Monday and called the case "mild" in a statement. Rose missed the Bulls' final three games of summer-league play in Orlando after aggravating the condition on a jump stop in the lane."

"Bulls top draft pick Derrick Rose was fined $1,000 Monday for driving his car over 100 mph -- an offense the basketball player called "a stupid thing.'' The NBA's No. 1 pick sat patiently in a Kane County courthouse as five others were called to Judge Robert J. Morrow's bench to answer traffic and misdemeanor charges before stepping to the bench to plead guilty to speeding. On April 29, Illinois State Police clocked the 19-year-old Rose going 105 in a 65-mph zone on Interstate 88."

"Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, the NBA's No. 1 draft pick, pleaded guilty Monday to speeding and was fined $1,000, placed on court supervision for 6 months and ordered to take an online driving course offered through Kane County. "I learn from my mistakes," Rose said after his brief court appearance in Geneva. Rose, 19, who grew up in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, was ticketed April 29 for going more than 100 m.p.h. on Interstate Highway 88 near Aurora."

"Chicago Bulls and NBA No. 1 draft pick Derrick Rose pleaded guilty Monday to speeding and was fined $1,000 and placed on court supervision for six months. "I learn from my mistakes," Rose said after his brief court appearance. He had been ticketed April 29 going more than 100 m.p.h. on Interstate Highway 88 near Aurora. Because Rose, 19, was clocked at more than 40 miles over the speed limit, the speeding charge was a Class A misdemeanor. Rose made a "cold plea," meaning that his attorney, Terry Ekl, and Kane County prosecutors did not negotiate a sentence."

"Are the Chicago Bulls' Matadors, the big boys of basketball who entertain fans during home games, headed to the big screen? Disney made that hefty claim this week, but a spokesman for the team says that's like celebrating a championship before you've even scored your first three-pointer of the season. Steve Schanwald, executive vice president of business operations for the Bulls, confirmed the team has had conversations with various parties but told the Sun-Times that a feature-length film based on the popular, rotund male cheerleaders "is a long way from being a done deal at this point and, until it is, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.""

"One day after team officials expressed optimism he could play Thursday, the Bulls instead shut top pick Derrick Rose down for the remainder of summer league because of tendinitis in his right knee. The Bulls insist the condition isn't serious, even though Rose will undergo an MRI. General manager John Paxson said Rose also would begin a leg-strengthening program upon his return to Chicago. "They say it keeps happening because I'm young and my legs aren't strong enough," Rose told reporters in Orlando."

"The Bulls decided Derrick Rose's sore right knee was reason enough to keep the rookie on the bench Wednesday when they beat the host Orlando Magic 86-74 in their third summer-league game. Rose left the Bulls' victory over Indiana on Tuesday with 7:58 remaining after he ''jammed'' his knee."

"Derrick Rose typically wears a stoic expression, but the rookie point guard glumly looked like somebody had stolen his keys to the gym Wednesday. That's when he sat near the end of the bench as Bulls management decided to take a cautious approach with the tendinitis in his right knee. Rose aggravated the condition Tuesday and then skipped the Bulls' 86-74 victory over Orlando on Wednesday. More accurately, he was forced to skip it."

"The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent guard Chris Duhon has been signed to a contact. As per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed. “Chris has established himself as a solid point guard in our league making him a good addition to our roster,” Walsh said. “He plays hard on both ends of the floor and makes good decisions with the basketball.” Duhon, 6-1, 185-pounds, has averages of 6.9 points and 4.5 assists in 300 career games (159 starts), all with Chicago."

"A poor fourth quarter was the downfall as the Indiana Pacers lost to the Chicago Bulls 89-84 Tuesday night in the Orlando (Fla.) Pro Summer League. Andre Emmett hit a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer to give the Pacers a 59-51 lead going into the fourth quarter. But once in the final 10 minutes, it became a reversal of offensive fortunes. With Derrick Rose, the top overall pick from June's NBA draft, sitting out most of the fourth quarter, Chicago mounted a comeback behind JamesOn Curry and Aaron Gray."

"The Bulls' offense was much more run and just enough gun Tuesday to hold off the Indiana Pacers 89-84 for their first summer-league victory in Orlando, Fla. Derrick Rose vowed after his subpar play in a loss Monday to the Miami Heat that he would be more aggressive. The Bulls' top draft pick was just that until he left the game with 7:58 remaining with what appeared to be discomfort in his right knee. ''It's fine,'' Rose said. ''I jammed it. When I made my last layup, I jump-stopped a little bit and I landed a little hard. But I should be all right by [today]. I would like to play all the games. They'd have to sit me out.''"

"A year ago, Joakim Noah missed summer league because of a small tear in the rotator cuff in his right shoulder but worked out his legs and undoubtedly the eardrums of anybody near his constant enthusiasm. This week, the enthusiasm remains, now accompanying a clearer focus of what he needs to do to become more effective in his upcoming second season. "I definitely have to get in shape," Noah said Tuesday. "And I have to do it fast because it's coming.""

"Until Derrick Rose jammed the right knee that has been plagued by tendinitis and sat for the final 7 minutes 58 seconds of the Bulls' 89-84 victory over the Pacers on Tuesday night, the point guard had played all but 3:10. So much for bringing Rose along slowly, as management has claimed it will do. "Summer league is for Derrick," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We're going to ride him." And the Bulls, aided by Rose's seven assists and three steals, rode a more physical, intense effort that included 14 fast-break points. Rose said he jammed the knee while driving to score on a layup but vowed to play Wednesday."

"Rookie forward Michael Beasley survived the first blow to his injured chest, early foul trouble and a first-half benching. Yet he still had enough left to score 28 points, grab nine rebounds and sing his favorite song in the process to lead the Miami Heat to a 94-70 victory against the Chicago Bulls at the Orlando Pro Summer League. Indeed, things came rather easy for Beasley, the second overall pick in last month's NBA draft. He bounced back from a sluggish start to out-produce No. 1 overall Derrick Rose and was dominant against Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, two regulars in the Bulls' season rotation."

"Sour notes were about the only thing the Bulls hit during Derrick Rose's summer-league debut Monday, a 94-70 loss to the Miami Heat. That was in stark contrast to Michael Beasley, who was selected second behind Rose in the draft last month. Beasley led the Heat with 28 points and nine rebounds in just under 23 minutes. Beasley was as loose as the Bulls' defense, which he shredded for 9-of-21 shooting from the field and 9-of-12 from the free-throw line. ''Once, they told me to stop singing,'' Beasley said of Joakim Noah's reaction after the rookie forward was fouled. ''I was just singing a happy song.''"

"The scoreboard read Heat 94, Bulls 70. The box score showed a game-high five turnovers, 10 points and four assists. And the offense ran about as smoothly as a used Yugo. That's why a nervous giggle prefaced Derrick Rose's answer to a question asking him to grade himself Monday night as the Bulls began summer-league play at the RDV Sportsplex. "You don't want to know about that," Rose said. "We didn't win, so I think I played horrible. But tomorrow's a new day." NBA careers have to start somewhere, and summer-league play is forgotten as easily as yesterday's newspaper."

"Summer league or not, the hype machine has started for Monday's matchup in Orlando between Derrick Rose's Bulls and Michael Beasley's Heat. But there's one small problem: The top two picks in the NBA draft aren't cooperating. "I swear I didn't even know we were playing the Heat until a reporter asked me about it," Rose said Sunday before leaving for Orlando. "I'm just focused on what I have to do. And I know I won't be sticking him, so it won't be anything like that." Beasley, who vowed to play despite fracturing his sternum last week in practice, threw an even colder bucket of water on the proceedings."

"Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will be forever linked. That's an inevitability for players who get chosen No. 1 and No. 2 in an NBA draft. So on some level, it's fitting their first pro game -- one that won't have fans, won't count in standings and likely will be long forgotten in a few days -- will pit them against one another. Rose's Bulls face Beasley's Miami Heat today, one of three games that will open the Orlando Pro Summer League's weeklong schedule."

"Summer league or not, the hype machine has started for Monday's matchup in Orlando between Derrick Rose's Bulls and Michael Beasley's Heat. But there's one small problem: The top two picks in the NBA draft aren't cooperating. "I swear I didn't even know we were playing the Heat until a reporter asked me about it," Rose said Sunday before leaving for Orlando. "I'm just focused on what I have to do. And I know I won't be sticking him, so it won't be anything like that." Beasley, who vowed to play despite fracturing his sternum last week in practice, threw an even colder bucket of water on the proceedings."

"Chris Duhon will join former teammate Eddy Curry and another ex-Bull, Jamal Crawford, when the free agent moratorium ends on July 9. Duhon agreed to a two-year deal for a surprising, full mid-level exception $12 million with the Knicks on Friday, ending his four-year run with the Bulls. Duhon visited the Knicks on Tuesday, the first day of free agency."

"After a week of talking about what it would be like to put on a Bulls uniform, Derrick Rose finally got the opportunity Thursday -- albeit a reversible black-and-white practice jersey. Rose took the court at the Berto Center for the first time since the Bulls made him the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft for the start of summer-league minicamp. 'It feels great,'' he said of getting his first practice under his belt. ''It's a learning process I have to go through.''"

"Combined, Del Harris and Bernie Bickerstaff own roughly 27 seasons of head-coaching experience, 971 victories, 16 playoff appearances and two Coach of the Year awards. Throw in 18-year veteran assistant and Chicago native Bob Ociepka and the Bulls weren't kidding when they said they would surround Vinny Del Negro with experience. "I'll use them all the time," Del Negro said. "That will be a big key for me. They've been around the game for so long and have seen a lot of things. They're my confidantes and sounding boards."

"If Derrick Rose needed any hint at what being drafted by his hometown team will mean, Thursday night served as a solid indicator. Bulls summer-league mini-camp typically draws about as much media attention as a potato sack race at your Uncle Ned's holiday barbecue. Instead, a phalanx of TV cameras and notepads surrounded Rose following his first official practice as the Bulls' first No. 1 overall pick since Elton Brand in the 1999 NBA draft."

"Free-agent point guard Chris Duhon could finalize contract terms with the Orlando Magic by the end of the week after spending Wednesday with coaches, players and General Manager Otis Smith. Duhon, who played the last four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, is scheduled to return home this morning, where he will decide whether to sign with the Magic, or the New York Knicks. He visited New York on Monday... The Magic were expected to offer Duhon a three-year deal worth close to $10 million. The signing of Duhon would end any pursuit of Clippers guard Corey Maggette."

"Derrick Rose will have his first full practice with the Bulls tonight when the summer-league team tips off a four-day minicamp at the Berto Center. It will be the first of five practices to prepare for league play, which begins Monday in Orlando, Fla. The Bulls' coaching staff, meanwhile, remained unsettled Wednesday, but new head coach Vinny Del Negro is expected to have a couple of former NBA head coaches as assistants. Bernie Bickerstaff, who has more than 30 years of NBA experience, is expected to assist Del Negro, and a team source told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that former Rockets, Bucks and Lakers head coach Del Harris was close to agreeing to join Del Negro's staff."

"Backing up their words with action—but no concrete offer yet—Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager John Paxson met Wednesday with Luol Deng and his agent, Jason Levien, to stress their desire to re-sign the restricted free agent. A similar meeting with Ben Gordon and Raymond Brothers, Gordon's agent, is scheduled for Thursday."

"Chris Duhon is expected to make his decision today - and it's down to the Knicks and Orlando. With a two-year, roughly $6 million offer from the Knicks in hand, the Bulls backup point guard and his agent Kevin Bradbury met with Magic brass in Orlando yesterday, with Dwight Howard making an appearance to help the recruiting. Duhon has become Donnie Walsh's lead candidate in his modest free-agent point-guard hunt, searching for a playmaker to compete with Stephon Marbury for the starting slot. (Marbury is in no danger of being waived.)"

"After he was selected second overall by the Miami Heat, forward Michael Beasley said one of his first goals was to prove to NBA evaluators he would turn out to be the best player in his draft. Beasley won't have to wait long to begin that process. Beasley and the Heat will face No. 1 pick Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls on Monday on the opening day of the Orlando Pro Summer League."

"Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will pick up next week where they left off in last week's NBA Draft. After Rose went No. 1 to the Chicago Bulls and Beasley went No. 2 to the Heat, their professional debuts also will be linked, with the Heat to play the Bulls on Monday on the first day of the Orlando Pro Summer League. The Heat's summer-league schedule and roster were released Tuesday."

"On the first day of free agency, the Mavericks reached agreement with a player they hope will be the next Brandon Bass. They also said goodbye to one of their longest-tenured employees. According to an NBA source, the Mavericks struck a deal with Gerald Green, a slender, 6-8 guard who has been in the league three seasons. It is believed to be a one-year contract. Meanwhile, Del Harris, who served as assistant coach to Don Nelson and Avery Johnson over a nine-year stay with the organization, is expected to sign a contract today to be an assistant in Chicago for new Bulls' coach Vinny Del Negro, a source said."

"A contrite Derrick Rose said Tuesday night that his charge for allegedly driving more than 100 mph on Interstate 88 was ''a big mistake'' that he vowed never to repeat. Rose, 19, must appear in Kane County Court this month after he was ticketed for driving about 105 mph in a 65 mph zone while heading east on I-88 about two months ago, acknowledged Rose and Terry Ekl, a lawyer representing Rose."

"Derrick Rose, the No. 1 draft choice of the Chicago Bulls and the NBA, will step into a Kane County court to face charges of driving more than 100 m.p.h. on the Reagan Tollway, his attorney said Tuesday. Rose, 19, who lives in Chicago's West Englewood community, was driving a 2008 Land Rover on April 29 when he was stopped at 2:58 a.m. about a mile west of Illinois Highway 47 for allegedly going 106 m.p.h. in a 65-m.p.h. zone, according to Kane County court records. He is scheduled to appear in court July 11."

"Paxson has said re-signing Deng and Gordon—or at least seeing the value of any offer sheet they receive—is a priority so the organization has cost certainty before making its next move. He backed up his words when he contacted representatives for both players as soon as free agency began early Tuesday morning. Like most franchises, ownership isn't exactly keen on paying the prohibitive luxury-tax penalty. So in lieu of an offer sheet—and only the Grizzlies, 76ers and possibly the Clippers possess ample salary-cap space—what does Paxson do?"

"Bulls backup point guard Chris Duhon, during a visit to the Knicks New York Knicks ' Westchester campus on Day 1 of free agency yesterday, met with coach Mike D'Antoni and was offered a two-year contract believed to be more than $7 million, according to league sources. Duhon was mulling the offer last night and could accept as soon as today. The Knicks have proclaimed they do not want to go beyond two years on any signing so as not to compromise their chances of getting under the salary cap in 2010. That amount is a good chunk of the annual $5.5 million mid-level exception."

"The Knicks spent the first official day of the free agent recruiting period meeting with point guard Chris Duhon Tuesday in New York in what could be the first step toward parting ways with incumbent Stephon Marbury. Duhon, who has spent his four-year career with Chicago, is expected to meet with Magic officials Wednesday in Orlando. With the Bulls drafting point guard Derrick Rose with the first pick in last week's NBA draft and with Kirk Hinrich already on the roster, Chicago has little interest in re-signing Duhon."

"Chris Duhon visited the Knicks' suburban training center on Tuesday, making him the early favorite to fill their need at point guard. Duhon, 25, has played his entire four-year career for the Chicago Bulls, but he does not appear to be in their long-term plans. The Bulls have a glut of guards and last week selected point guard Derrick Rose with the first pick in the N.B.A. draft. The Knicks need a true point guard and may view Duhon as the eventual successor to Stephon Marbury. Marbury, who has one year left on his contract, has worn out coaches and teammates. He could be traded, waived or bought out before next season."

"It was the presence of Tyrus Thomas as much as the single stem roses found throughout the United Center news conference Monday which suggested the blossoming of a new era for the Bulls. Bulls general manager John Paxson and new coach Vinny Del Negro flanked Derrick Rose on either side as they sat in front of the full room. Rose spoke of how Thomas and other veterans have helped him transition from the top pick in the draft last week to teammate this week. ''I was just asking questions about the team,'' Rose said. ''They said just to be humble and stay focused. I think I can lead the team. Of course with the veterans, I have to listen about what they do about detail.''"

"A healthy, long-stemmed rose was placed on every seat. None, from what we could tell, had a thorn. Other than the girls who hound him incessantly -- news that prompted new boss John Paxson to crack Monday, "And that's not gonna change. We'll be keeping an eye on that," -- Derrick Rose has managed a nice, smooth, pleasant entry into a situation so pressurized, I think even the Jordan statue is perspiring. He has shown himself to be humble and thoughtful, remarkable traits for a 19-year-old showered for several years with adoration and, now, riches. "I try not to mistreat people," he said as he was introduced in the United Center, also known as the Rose Garden. "God is always looking. If ..."

"Well, Derrick Martell Rose, welcome home. I enjoyed Monday morning very much. I enjoyed meeting your big brother, Dwayne. I enjoyed meeting your new coach, Vinny. How lovely to see your name up in lights on that United Center scoreboard and to find a long-stemmed American beauty on every Stadium Club chair. May each day in the NBA be this good for you, young man. May you never have Shaquille O'Neal do a rap on you. May you turn 20 in October and get to come to a Sox-Cubs game the way you did Friday. May you play for us in the 2016 Chicago Olympics. (You'll be an old dude of 27.) May you go one-on-one once in a while with President Obama. May you "be like Mike" in every ..."

"Bernie Bickerstaff and Bob Ociepka have agreed to terms to be assistant coaches on Vinny Del Negro's first staff, sources said. Negotiations with Del Harris hit some snags but are ongoing, meaning neither side would be surprised if talks concluded successfully or broke off. Bob Hill is no longer under consideration, sources said, and Paul Westphal's status is unclear. Hill, Westphal, Harris and Bickerstaff all are veteran head coaches who were sought to assist Del Negro's transition."

"His name flashed in lights all over and outside the United Center, and the flower with which he shares a name—red petals, green stem—sat on every chair at his introductory news conference. But when Derrick Rose begins rookie mini-camp Thursday night at the Berto Center and summer-league play next Monday in Orlando, the No. 1 pick will be another rookie trying to master the NBA game. Vinny Del Negro will be directing him, the rare NBA head coach choosing to guide a summer-league team. Assistants typically perform that task. "It will be good for Vinny to get on the floor with everybody and start teaching and implementing what he wants to do," general manager John Paxson said. "And ..."

"Wearing a red Team USA polo shirt at an Olympic function at The Plaza yesterday, Mike D'Antoni put on his Knicks hat in declaring the team's biggest need is backcourt help, with free agency dawning today. D'Antoni, a U.S. Olympic assistant coach this summer, also supported David Lee, saying he would "love" to coach him next season but admitted Lee is the subject of trade talks. Unrestricted free agent Beno Udrih of Sacramento, Golden State restricted free agent Monta Ellis and Raymond Felton are their top point guard targets, but that may be shooting too high, considering the Knicks' new cap restrictions. Trade options include the Bulls' Kirk Hinrich and Memphis' Mike Conley and Kyle ..."

"Looking to add a point guard on the cheap, the Knicks went into the start of free agency at 12:01 a.m. Monday targeting Chris Duhon, who has been a backup with the Bulls during his first four NBA seasons. The Knicks are expected to offer Duhon a two-year deal worth roughly half of the mid-level exception, totaling around $6 million, according to NBA sources. A playmaker who has struggled with his shooting going all the way back to his days at Duke, Duhon averaged 5.8 points on 39% last season for the Bulls."