Bulls’ Rose takes another step toward return
Media members were not given a glimpse of Derrick Rose on Monday, but coach Tom Thibodeau and a couple of players confirmed that Rose did some 5-on-5 full court scrimmaging, another important step in his recovery from ACL surgery.
“We did probably like three 7-8 minute scrimmages,” Kirk Hinrich said. “He was able to get out there, and it’s good.
“It’s something everyone coming off the break needed, to get out there and scrimmage a little bit, and I’m sure it was good for him to give him a good gauge of where he’s at.”
That’s about the extent of the details given. Thibodeau kept his answers short when asked about Rose’s activities.
“It went fine. He’s doing what he should be doing — focused on his rehab, doing more and more,” Thibodeau said. “He did what everyone else did. It was a normal practice. When he’s ready, he’ll go.”
Thibs tweaks all-star:One story coming from Houston after Sunday#146;s All-Star Game is how Joakim Noah seemed more intense than most of the other stars on the floor. Coach Tom Thibodeau scoffed at the assessment.#147;What did he play, 17 minutes?#148; Thibodeau asked. #147;He did good.#148;Asked about Noah#146;s assertion that he hadn#146;t slept for four days, Thibodeau had another one-liner waiting.#147;I don#146;t pay attention to what he says,#148; the coach said with a smile. #147;It#146;s an All-Star Game, so I don#146;t know how hard (anyone played).#147;In the fourth quarter, everyone tries. It#146;s an All-Star Game. They#146;re out there to have fun. It#146;s for the fans.#147;I think the idea is for everyone to play it safe, then at the end, they try to win. Overall, I thought it was good for those guys.#148;Luol Deng also represented the Bulls in the all-star contest.Noah has winning weekend:Back in town after all-star weekend, Joakim Noah described his favorite part of the trip to Houston.#147;It was just a great experience to be able to share that with all my friends,#148; he said. #147;People came from all over the world, showed me support and showed me love. I had a good crew out there, so we definitely had a blast.#148;Noah#146;s dad, French tennis legend turned recording star Yannick Noah, also made it in for the game.#147;He was proud,#148; Noah said. #147;Every time I looked up into the crowd and saw him, he had a big smile on his face. I know he was really proud of me.#148;Of sharing the all-star experience with teammate Luol Deng, Noah provided some personal insight.#147;He was late for everything,#148; he said. #147;I was on time and he was late. That#146;s a first.#148;And regarding the team getting a chance to recharge after a tough stretch before the break, Noah added these thoughts.#147;It#146;s pretty important,#148; he said. #147;I haven#146;t slept in four days, so I don#146;t really feel that reset. But I#146;ll get a good night#146;s sleep (Monday in New Orleans) and be ready to go tomorrow.#148;