Patience will be needed

First-year coach Vinny Del Negro offered a couple of descriptions for the Bulls as they prepare to open the 2008-09 season tonight against Milwaukee. Both are code words for the fact that he's not exactly sure what will happen.

"I think we're an unpredictable team," Del Negro said following Monday's practice at the Berto Center. "We've obviously got Derrick (Rose's) ability to push the ball and Ben (Gordon) gives us another dimension. We have a lot of things that revolve around Luol (Deng). Tyrus (Thomas) has improved. Drew (Gooden) is a veteran guy. I think we have some good depth coming off the bench, (Andres Nocioni) is healthier. So there are a lot of positives."

But when asked if the fans should have some patience with this group, Del Negro quickly added that word to his season forecast.

"I think they have to be patient," he said. "That's a tough word for me, especially, and for fans. The Bulls haven't had a consistent winner for a while. It's not going to happen overnight. I can't come in and push one button and the players will know what to do.

"I don't think you need to have patience with people playing hard and being committed to winning and making sacrifices in your own individual game for the success of the team. I think we have good character guys on this team and as we build and we work together and move forward, I expect everyone to fall into their roles and be more productive."

Rose ready for opener: Rookie guard Derrick Rose refused to admit feeling nervous about his official NBA debut.

"I can't wait, but I don't think I'll be nervous," he said. "My first pro game was the preseason. I (treated it like) it was a real game. So I'm just going to continue to play hard and act like it's not the first game and try to be aggressive."

Rose rented a suite for tonight's game to accommodate his friends and family. Also, he admitted it was his idea to be announced as "from Chicago" during pregame introductions instead of from his college, Memphis.

"I've been here my whole life," he said. "I've only been in Memphis one year. I think that the fans in Memphis will understand."

Gordon still a go: Guard Ben Gordon practiced for the second straight day after missing all but one preseason game because of a jammed left big toe.

"It's still a little sore," he said. "I expected that. I think it will go away just from getting used to the pounding."

As for his meeting with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on Sunday, Gordon thought it went well.

"It was positive, just about this year and the approach the team needs to have and I need to have," he said.

Bull horns: Former Bulls forward Toni Kukoc visited practice Monday and delivered a long tutorial to Luol Deng and Thabo Sefolosha, including plenty of on-court demonstration. ... Forward Michael Ruffin was officially re-signed. ... While Vinny Del Negro would not reveal his starting lineup, the likely combo is Deng, Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Tyrus Thomas and Drew Gooden. Sefolosha and center Aaron Gray may get consideration.