Bulls will ‘collectively’ deal with issues until Rose returns

A constant topic for at least the first half of the season is how well the Bulls can survive while Derrick Rose recovers from ACL surgery.

Carlos Boozer identified a specific issue on Tuesday at the Berto Center.

“Usually when we have Derrick, the shot clock gets down to six, seven (seconds), we’re searching him out to give him the ball because he can always make something amazing happen,” Boozer said. “I think this year, we’ll probably run a few more pick-and-rolls, swinging the ball, using each other a little bit more until we get him back.”

The Bulls are hoping Rose will be ready to play around February, but there’s no way to predict the date right now.

“You can’t replace Derrick individually, so you have to do it collectively,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We’re not going to change our style of play. We try to play five-man offense. It’s everybody sharing the ball.”

Added Boo-zer: “We feel confident that we can hold it down this year and hopefully go into the playoffs healthy with Derrick and hopefully everyone else will remain healthy and we’ll take our chances.”

Back to normal:Carlos Boozer was asked about the contract extension for noted gym-rat Tom Thibodeau. The new four-year deal was announced Monday.#147;I#146;m happy for him,#148; Boozer said. #147;He can sleep a little better at night. Not that he will, he#146;s always in here. But he can a little bit.#148;On that topic, Thibodeau appreciates getting to training camp at the usual time, compared to late December after last year#146;s lockout.#147;It was great,#148; Thibodeau said. #147;It was a normal off-season where you had summer league. Then we were able to have all of the guys in for fall workouts. Because we#146;re in a so-called normal schedule, I think it will improve the quality of play. It#146;s not only the practices, it#146;s also the proper amount of rest.#148;Bull horns:The Bulls experienced heavy turnover among their reserve players. After Tuesday#146;s first practice, Taj Gibson credited backup point guard Nate Robinson for leading the second unit and suggested the experience of 15-year veteran center Nazr Mohammed will help off the bench. #133; The Bulls added five players to the training camp roster #151; guard Marko Jaric, center Kyrylo Fesenko, guard Andre Emmett, guard Ryan Allen and swingman Vance Cooksey. Allen is the younger brother of Memphis guard Tony Allen and one of Derrick Rose#146;s best friends.