David Stern disputed the growing speculation that the NBA's lockout-shortened season have contributed to major injuries.

"I don't think it's related at all. Zero," Stern said.

Derrick Rose and Iman Shumpert tore their ACL on Saturday in non-contact injuries, while Dwight Howard had season-ending back surgery this month.

"When anything happens, that's going to happen," Stern said of people trying to find a cause-and-effect relationship. "But I was just reading something from a doctor who said that he just doesn't believe it. There's no evidence that the wear and tear ... and on Derrick it's kind of interesting, it was horrible to watch, but he was out. He missed 27 games earlier this year, so he only played in 40 of those games that we had in this quote condensed schedule. So what's your suggestion?"

Rose came into the season missing just five games in his NBA career, but suffered various injuries throughout the year.

"When you think about it, that's the only thing that changed," Rose said about the schedule recently. "The way I work out is usually the same, even though I ran more than I usually did in the past. But I really don't know what to blame it on. Where they're just like freak accident, freak injuries, where it's just happening."

The NBA's medical consultant doesn't believe the compressed schedule is related to the injuries.

"There is no evidence that wear and tear, or that kind of issue, playing too much, really has any correlation with ACL injuries in any sport that we've ever studied," Altchek said Sunday. "In fact, I think if you're tired [from a condensed schedule], you're a lot less likely to tear your ACL because you're not going to be as explosive."

Derrick Rose attended Chicago's practice on Monday, less than 48 hours after tearing his ACL.

"We want him be around," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "As much time as he needs is fine. I don’t think he’ll be able to travel with us. But he’ll be around. And he wants to be around. He’s anxious to get around his teammates. That’s the way Derrick is. He doesn’t look back. He looks ahead. That’s a great way to be."

A specific medical plan for when Rose undergoes surgery is still being formulated.

"He's got to wait because they're strengthening the quad and all that," Thibodeau said. "It will probably be clearer by the end of the week."

The Bulls have yet to release official information on a timetable for Derrick Rose's surgery and rehabilitation plans after tearing his ACL on Saturday.

A safe estimated return from an ACL injury is six to nine months.

Rose's surgery is likely to be postponed two to three weeks in order to allow the initial swelling to subside, according to someone familiar with the injury.

Derrick Rose is out for the remainder of the 11-12 season after tearing his ACL in Game 1 against Philadelphia.

The Bulls were up by 12 points with 1:12 remaining in the fourth quarter when Rose was injured.

"It's part of the game," said Tom Thibodeau. "There are going to be injuries. … You can get hurt any time. You've got to deal with it. He's had a lot of injuries this year, it's unfortunate. But we'll deal with it."

Rose will also miss the 2012 Olympics.

Derrick Rose suffered a left knee injury with 1:10 remaining in Chicago's 103-91 win over the 76ers in Game 1.

Rose needed to be helped off the court.

"He's going to be examined and they'll know," Tom Thibodeau said. "He started moving his leg, but they have to do an MRI and all that, so I would be guessing."

"I hope he's not seriously hurt," 76ers coach Doug Collins said. "I admire him so much. I think he's one of the young, bright lights in this NBA. And I hope he's going to be back and he's going to be able to play, because I admire greatness, and he's a great player."

Derrick Rose played a complementary role in Chicago's 93-83 win over Dallas on Saturday as he attempts to get his game back after missing time with five separate injuries this season.

“He’s been out a long time,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s finding his way, like Rip [Hamilton] has finally gotten comfortable after going through the extended period off. Derrick is going through the same thing. What Derrick has done in the past, he’s gotten up to speed very quickly. Hopefully, that will be the case this time around.”

The Bulls and Celtics had been pursuing Mehmet Okur, according to sources.

Both teams were hoping Okur could be healthy enough to contribute during the playoffs.

Okur is unable to play due to a bad back, but he intends to seek an NBA deal in the offseason.

Nikola Mirotic was voted the 2012 Rising Star by a panel of Euroleague head coaches.

Mirotic becomes the first two-time winner, having also captured the award for the 2010-11 season.

The Rising Star award recognizes the best Euroleague player who was under the age of 22 at the start of the season. Past winners include Andrea Bargnani, Rudy Fernandez and Danilo Gallinari.

The Chicago Bulls acquired the draft rights to Mirotic in a 2011 draft-day trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Derrick Rose was in a walking boot on Monday after injuring his ankle during Sunday's loss to the Knicks, according to a source.

Rose will be reevaluated on Tuesday morning and his status for Tuesday's rematch against New York is uncertain.

Rose had missed the previous 12 games due to a groin injury.

Rose dealt with an ankle injury during last season's playoffs.

The Bulls own the best record in the NBA, which would give them homecourt advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

Tom Thibodeau values what homecourt advantage would bring, but there are other important factors he is considering.

‘‘You want to be playing your best basketball at the end, and you want to be as healthy as possible,’’ Thibodeau said when asked about the importance of the homecourt edge. ‘‘It’s important to put as many things in your favor as possible while keeping in mind the health component and playing well.’’