The Chicago Bulls are expecting to have Derrick Rose back for the season opener after the point guard suffered a facial fracture on the first day of practice. The Bulls have a new head coach in Fred Hoiberg and the team brings back their core of Rose, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah into the season.
Rose was elbowed and suffered a facial fracture at the start of training camp and he underwent surgery this week to fix the damage. According to the Chicago Tribune, Rose had successful surgery and he could return to basketball activities in two weeks. Rose potentially could be ready for the season opener depending on how he recovers and he may have to wear a mask to protect his face following surgery. Rose played in 51 games last season and averaged 17 points per game with nearly five assists.
Rose will be off the court and not doing any physical activity for two weeks and the Bulls are "hopeful" that Rose can play in the season opener. Rose has not been able to stay healthy on a consistent basis for the Bulls, but this injury may not keep him off the court for long. Rose has dealt with multiple knee issues over the past few years.
The Bulls have roster depth coming into the season and there is a chance that the team could look at trading Taj Gibson at some point. According to the Chicago Tribune, Gibson could end up on the trade block this season, as the team has Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis at the power forward position. Gasol played well last year, while Mirotic had a strong rookie season and now Portis will also get the chance to step up.
Gibson is coming back from ankle surgery and his name could come up at the trade deadline depending on how things go for the Bulls. If Portis doesn't show up or someone like Gasol or Mirotic gets injured, it's unlikely the team will make a move. Gibson is making over $8 million in each of the next two years and if he is used as more of a bench player, the Bulls could look at making a move. Gibson will have to recover before that happens and so far he is not back to full strength for the Bulls.