Collins understands why Bulls are being patient
Philadelphia coach Doug Collins battled a few knee injuries in his career and he understands why Derrick Rose is being patient in his recovery from ACL surgery.
“Maybe sometimes I tried to come back too soon and it set me back,” Collins said before facing the Bulls on Thursday. “This guy did it in eight (months), I can do it in seven — it doesn’t work that way.”
Thursday marked the 10-month anniversary of Rose’s injury, which happened against Collins and the Sixers in the opening game of last year’s playoffs.
“Derrick is an explosive player,” Collins said. “He plays in the lane. He’s landing in a lot of bodies and a lot of congestion. He’s going to have to be very confident when he plays about being able to explode off that leg and be able to come down and do the things he has to do.
“(Chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf and the Bulls organization, they’re not shortsighted people. They view the big picture. I think they feels like they have a franchise that has a chance to be good for a long, long time and Derrick Rose is the guy who’s going to make that special. I totally understand.”
Thibs recalls big finish:The Bulls have gone 4-8 in February and seem to be running low on steam while waiting for Derrick Rose to return. But coach Tom Thibodeau had a strong finish in mind before playing Philadelphia.#147;I#146;ve seen just about everything,#148; he said. #147;I#146;ve been through injuries before: 2010 in Boston, we struggled most of the year with a lot of different things. We ended up going to the Finals and we lost to the Lakers in a Game 7.#147;You#146;ve got to keep grinding. You#146;ve got to keep fighting the good fight. There are going to be ups and downs in the season. It reveals how tough you are.#148;Collins a trendsetter:After losing to Orlando on Tuesday, Doug Collins complained about his team#146;s effort. Two days later, he expressed surprise that his comments garnered so much attention.#147;I guess I#146;m trending,#148; he said with a laugh. #147;It was interesting. I thought I was just talking about what I expected. I think as a coach, that#146;s what you do. There was nobody called out. I just spoke. I#146;ve never been a guy that lost a game and competed to your best and was ever disappointed.#148;No serious damage:Luol Deng went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the chin while guarding Philadelphia center Spencer Hawes with 26.2 seconds left in Thursday#146;s game. Deng said later he has a headache and a few loose teeth but expects to be fine.Bulls eyeing Amundson:A team source confirmed a report the Bulls may sign free-agent power forward Lou Amundson today. The 6-foot-9 Amundson has played for six teams in seven NBA seasons. He was released by Minnesota on Feb. 8. The Bulls are short-handed on the front line with Taj Gibson sidelined by a sprained left knee.BKN22493897Bulls guard Derrick Rose dunks during a workout before an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, in Chicago. Rose remains out while recovering from a knee injury. Associated PressBKNBKN15714000Derrick Rose works out before the Bulls played the Sixers on Thursday at the United Center. Associated PressBKN