The Chicago Bulls are hoping to have Derrick Rose back from injury for the season opener, but reports have the point guard potentially missing the first game of the season. Rose has a mask to protect his face after getting elbowed in practice and if he is out to start the season, Aaron Brooks or Kirk Hinrich could start alongside Jimmy Butler.
Rose was elbowed in the face on the first day of practice and suffered a fracture and now he is back on the court, but his status for the first game is up in the air. Rose has been dealing with some swelling from the injury and according to the Chicago Tribune, Rose has been fitted with a facial mask that he will wear for a stretch to protect his injury. KC Johnson reports that Rose is "unlikely" to play in the preseason, but that he has been cleared to start conditioning work and should be doing regular basketball activities soon.
Head coach Fred Hoiberg said that Rose is "about a week away" from coming back to full activities and that he has been studying the new offensive system while being forced to stay off the court. The Bulls have dealt with injury issues with Rose over the past few years and this one was a bit different, as it was not to his lower body or his surgically repaired knee. Johnson reports that Rose may not be ready for the season opener, but at this point the question is still up in the air. Rose reportedly said "who knows" when asked if he will play in the first game of the season.
Rose told reporters that he is no longer feeling any pain around his eye from the injury and that once the swelling comes down, any double vision issues likely will stop. Rose comes in after averaging 17 points, five assists and three turnovers per game last season in 51 games and he will be looking to be on the court more consistently this season. Hoiberg said that he was "encouraged" by Rose in practice on Thursday and that he was able to cut at "full speed" and that he will be back playing once he is "fully cleared."
The Bulls have high expectations for this season and if Rose can't open the season in the starting lineup, the team likely will start Kirk Hinrich or Aaron Brooks. The team is confident that Jimmy Butler can handle the offensive workload if Rose is out, as Butler is coming in after a career season and after signing a max contract this summer. Butler said that he has been working on his chemistry with Rose and while that may take a bit of a hit with Rose off the court for now, Butler said that he is not worried about the two playing together once Rose can return.
Check here for more on Rose, the Bulls and the season opener.
