Thibodeau, Rose concerned about NBA's 44-minute game plan
If the NBA is worried about the length of games, it probably should rescind the "clear path" foul rule and, along with it, all the replay reviews it creates.
Instead, the league has decided to play an experimental 44-minute preseason game between Boston and Brooklyn on Sunday.
The contest will feature two mandatory timeouts, instead of three, in the second and fourth quarters. No word, though, if fans who bought tickets expecting 48 minutes of basketball will be given a refund.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau brought up an obvious point - the league's records and history would be compromised by changing the time frame of games.
"It's interesting. I'm curious myself how it plays out," Thibodeau said. "In some ways, the (replay) technology has been great, but it's also prolonged the game. We're trying to figure out how to shorten the game so it's a better time frame for everybody.
"Some good ideas were kicked around. (Commissioner) Adam Silver is very open-minded.
"There's part of me that I like it a lot. And there's also a part of me that thinks about the tradition of the game and the records and the history. That's where I think there's conflict. But the intent is good."
Of course, Thibodeau also would have to change one of his catchphrases if this rule were adopted permanently. The Bulls would henceforth strive to be a 44-minute team.
Derrick Rose hadn't given the 44-minute concept any thought, but he was skeptical.
"This is the first I'm hearing about it," he said. "Saving four minutes? I don't know. I have nothing to say about that, but that's interesting. I'm wondering why one minute (per quarter), though."
Rose stays in balance:
Derrick Rose has been aggressive in the preseason, pushing the ball upcourt on most every opportunity. On Tuesday, he was asked about finding balance in his game between scoring and playmaking.
"I think I'm doing a great job," he said. "I'm not rushing anything, not forcing anything. Just letting the game come to me through the offense.
"I think it's because we have a veteran team. I don't have to rush my shots or anything. My shots are really going to come through the offense, so I just have to take my time and really play team basketball."
Gasol sits out:
Pau Gasol skipped Tuesday's practice. Coach Tom Thibodeau said it was mostly precautionary, but Gasol did have some tightness in his back.
"When you think about what he has done - played for the (Spanish) national team, hasn't missed a day (of practice) until today," Thibodeau said. "We gave him a day and he'll do things in the weight room. But he's a real good pro. And I think he understands what it takes. He has put a lot into each practice."