Derrick Rose downplays return to Chicago to face Bulls
Derrick Rose downplayed his upcoming trip to Chicago, while suggesting he has changed identities since moving from the Bulls to the New York Knicks this summer.
Speaking at the Knicks shootaround in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Tuesday, Rose said it wouldn't have bothered him if Bulls guard Michael Carter-Williams had worn Rose's old No. 1 jersey. Carter-Williams decided to go with No. 7 to avoid controversy.
"I don't care, man. That 1 number is something in the past," he told reporters. "That was a young, raw talent, reckless type player. The player you see now, I'm more mature. My IQ of the game has gotten higher.
"I don't have to do the things I did in the past with the team I have right now. I'll look crazy going out there shooting some of the shots I shot with the Bulls. There's no need for that."
In his first two games with the Knicks, Rose averaged 15 points and 2 assists. Fellow ex-Bull Joakim Noah led New York with 8 rebounds and 5 assists through two games. The Knicks played Detroit on Tuesday evening and will host Houston on Wednesday before making their only visit to the United Center this season on Friday.
Rose was one of the brightest stars in Bulls history after being chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft. But his career was interrupted by three knee surgeries and an eight-year run in his hometown ended in June when he was dealt to the Knicks for Robin Lopez and two others.
Rose and Noah should expect a warm reception Friday. They were two of the most popular players during a run of seven straight playoff trips.
"There's no bad blood there," Rose said. "I understand this is a business. They made a business decision. On my end, I've just got to stay prepared and focused on what's ahead.
"It's just going to be a regular game for me."
Rose said he was able to stay in decent shape while missing two weeks of training camp due to a civil trial in California. But he hasn't paid much attention to the Bulls and their 3-0 start.
"I haven't paid them no mind - none,'' he said. "I'm focused on what I have here. That stuff with Chicago is in the past. … The experience I've had for the short time I've been here is unreal."
MCW out 4-6 weeks:
Bulls guard Michael Carter-Williams is expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after suffering a left knee injury in the second quarter of Monday's win at Brooklyn. Carter-Williams took a hard fall while contesting a shot in the lane and immediately grabbed for his knee. An MRI exam revealed a bone bruise with no ligament damage to the left knee, along with a sprained left wrist.
After being traded from Milwaukee on Oct. 17, the 6-6 guard quickly earned a place in the Bulls rotation because of his defense and willingness to push the ball up the floor. The former rookie of the year winner averaged 6 points and 4 assists in the first two games.
NBA to debut awards show:
The NBA will announce all of its postseason awards at one time next year. The first NBA Awards Show will take place in New York on June 26, 2017. It will be televised by TNT.
The show will reveal the league's MVP, rookie of the year, coach of the year, sixth man, defensive player of the year and most improved player. In the past, these awards have been announced one at a time during the postseason.
Scouting report
Bulls vs. Boston Celtics at TD Garden, 7 p.m. Wednesday
TV: WGN, ESPN
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Outlook: This is a rematch from opening night at the United Center when the Bulls beat the Celtics 105-99. Boston (2-1) has victories over Brooklyn and Charlotte. PG Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points vs. the Bulls and is averaging 24.7 points overall. SG Avery Bradley (21.3 ppg) has been shooting the lights out, going 12-for-18 from 3-point range in the first three games. Newcomer Al Horford is averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds. PG Marcus Smart (ankle) is expected to play Wednesday for the first time this season. C Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) is likely out. The Bulls lost both games in Boston last year.
Next: New York Knicks at United Center, 7 p.m. Friday
- Mike McGraw