The Chicago Bulls are hoping that Derrick Rose will be ready for the season opener against the Cavs, but the point guard has not yet been cleared for contact work by doctors after suffering a facial fracture. Head coach Fred Hoiberg said that Rose still has some blurry vision and if he can't go, it likely means Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich will be the starting point guards.
Rose was injured early in training camp and he has been recovering for the Bulls and has not yet played in the preseason. According to the Chicago Tribune, KC Johnson reports that head coach Fred Hoiberg said that Rose is dealing with blurry vision and has been fitted with a facial mask for protection. Hoiberg added that Rose has not been cleared yet for contact work and that kept him off the court for Monday's game against the Hornets. Rose could be in danger of missing the opening game of the season for the Bulls, which is October 27 against the Cavaliers.
If Rose can't play to start the season, Aaron Brooks or Kirk Hinrich will start for the Bulls and that will leave Jimmy Butler as the primary playmaker on offense. Butler is coming off of a career season and he said this summer that he is looking to take a bigger role when it comes to setting up the offense. Butler said he wants to record more triple doubles and if Rose is out to start the season, he will get the chance to have the ball more.
Johnson reports that Rose has been able to participate in the non-contact parts of practice, but that he has not been cleared for other basketball activities. Vincent Goodwill of CSN Chicago reports that Rose was taking shots ahead of the game on Monday while fitted with a facial mask. Rose likely will wear the mask for a while once he comes back to help protect his face from taking another injury.
The Bulls are implementing a new system with Hoiberg taking over for Tom Thibodeau and while Rose has not been able to play or practice with the team, Hoiberg said that Rose has been working on things off the court. Hoiberg said that Rose has been studying the new system on film and that he expects the point guard to be ready and comfortable with the offense once he is able to come back. Rose dealt with injuries over the past few years and last season he was abler to play in 51 games, which was his most since back in 2010. Rose averaged 17 points and nearly five assists per game last season.
