RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Michael Reinsdorf Believes Mirotic Would Be Lottery Pick In This Year's Draft

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:50:35 EDT

Michael Reinsdorf believes that Nikola Mirotic would be a lottery in this year’s NBA draft.

Mirotic was acquired by the Bulls after he was drafted 23rd overall in 2011.

Reinsdorf is proud of the Bulls’ recent draft record, pointing to the 2011 selection of Jimmy Butler.

“This is a guy who was the 30th pick in the draft that any other team could have had,” Reinsdorf said of Butler. “He played nearly every minute against Miami and LeBron James. If you saw how LeBron James embraced Jimmy Butler after that game, to me, it was the ultimate show of respect and that Jimmy has arrived as a ballplayer.”

Thibodeau: Rose Made Right Decision Missing Entire Season

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:50:04 EDT

The Chicago Bulls were eliminated from the 2013 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday, ending their season without having Derrick Rose in the lineup for a single game.

Rose tore his ACL during Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

"He never quite reached the comfort level he needed to play," said Tom Thibodeau. "So he made the right decision."

Rose looked close to returning at one point of the season and said that he might return for the Bulls' series against the Miami Heat.

"He’s been diligent," said Thibodeau. "He’ll continue to be diligent throughout the summer. And he’ll be ready to go next year."

Bulls Will Buy Out Richard Hamilton

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:04:59 EDT

Richard Hamilton scored 15 points in 35 minutes of the Chicago Bulls' Game 5 loss to the Miami Heat, and he knows he likely does not have a future with the organization.

The Bulls will buy out Hamilton for $1 million this offseason.

Hamilton has said he hopes to play two more seasons.

"Even though the last two weeks have been hard, my teammates have been great," Hamilton said. "They were so supportive of me and dumbfounded by the situation. They kept me going."

Source: Derrick Rose Strongly Considered Return Against Heat

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:19:28 EDT

At the outset of the second round of the Chicago Bulls' series against the Miami Heat, Derrick Rose strongly considered returning from his torn ACL but ultimately decided not to, according to a source.

Rose will not return in this series, though, and Tom Thibodeau is aware of that.

Rose reached the one-year anniversary of ACL surgery on Sunday.

Tom Thibodeau Fined $35K By NBA For Criticizing Officials

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:28:40 EDT

Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has been fined $35,000 for comments he made about the officiating following the Bulls 104-94 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday night at the United Center.

Thibodeau ripped the officiating throughout his postgame press conference and was particularly irate about the two early fouls called on Jimmy Butler, Nazr Mohammed's ejection for shoving LeBron James and Joakim Noah's loose ball foul in the fourth quarter.

The Bulls trail the Heat 2-1 in the conference semifinal series.

Taj Gibson was fined $25,000 after Game 2 for verbally abusing an official.

Taj Gibson Fined $25,000 By NBA For Verbal Abuse Of Referee

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:01:07 EDT

Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson has been fined $25,000 for verbal abuse of a game official, the NBA announced on Friday.

The incident occurred with 10:13 remaining in the fourth quarter of Chicago's 115-78 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Joakim Noah had a similar incident but did not get fined.

Nate Robinson Leads NBA In Postseason Fourth Quarter Scoring

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:47:05 EDT

Nate Robinson is averaging 8.3 points in the fourth quarter in the playoffs, up from only 4.8 points during the regular season.

Robinson’s minutes have gone up from 25.4 during the regular season to 31.5 during the postseason.

Carmelo Anthony ranks second in the league in postseason fourth quarter scoring, averaging 8.1 points.

Luol Deng Played Through Broken Thumb Earlier In Season

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:00 EDT

Luol Deng has missed the past four games after complications with a spinal tap and is doubtful to play on Friday in Game 3 of the Chicago Bulls' second round series against the Miami Heat.

Deng revealed on Thursday that he played part of this season with a fractured thumb to go along with torn ligaments in his wrist from last year.

"It’s hard, man," Deng said. "We’ve had a long season. I’ve played with a lot of injuries. I’ve gone through the torn ligament in the wrist. I had a fractured thumb earlier this year. I played with it. I went through all that to be able to play. I didn’t think something besides an injury would keep me out. And that’s what makes it really hard. I don’t know what you can do."

Deng, who said he has lost 15 pounds during his recent absence, made his second consecutive All-Star appearance this season.

Thibodeau: No Underselling How Noah Plays To Win

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:36:44 EDT

Joakim Noah is one of the NBA's best big men, but he also continue to get measurably better.

Noah was ruled out of the Chicago Bulls' first round series against the Nets due to plantar fasciitis, but he decided before their Game 1 shootaround that he would be healthy enough to play.

“Yeah and I hope he continues to improve until the last year he plays in the league," said Tom Thibodeau. "I want him to have that approach. I want him to remain hungry. He’s also an All-Star now, and I think if he keeps working at it, I can see him being a defensive player of the year.

“But the most important thing about him is he plays to win, and you can’t undersell that. Jo can have five points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, have great impact in the game, and he’s happy because we won. That’s the most important thing for him.’’

LeBron Prepared To Defend Nate Robinson

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:50:22 EDT

Nate Robinson had 27 points and nine assists in the Chicago Bulls' Game 1 win over the Miami Heat on Monday, and LeBron James made it clear that he is ready to defend the 5-foot-9 guard moving forward in the series.

“I’ll take the challenge on anyone,” James said.

Robinson had nine of the Bulls' last 12 points in Game 1.

James said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Erik Spoelstra "stuck" him onto Robinson late in games.

Marco Belinelli Fined $15,000 By NBA For Obscene Gesture

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:12:00 EDT

Marco Belinelli has been fined $15,000 for making an obscene gesture during the Chicago Bulls' 99-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.

Belinelli's actions occurred with 4:52 left in the 4th period of the game.

The Bulls won the series in that decisive Game 7.

Derrick Rose: 'I Might Have A Chance' To Return Against Heat

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:37:08 EDT

Despite everyone around the NBA believing he will not return this season, Derrick Rose said on Monday that he still could return at some point in the Chicago Bulls' second round series against the Miami Heat.

"Still up in the air. I might have a chance," Rose said.

Rose has been scrimmaging 5-on-5 since Feb. 18 and has been medically cleared to play for two months, but he still doesn't feel confident that his body is ready for game action.

"It's definitely hard but I know that this will be over with pretty soon. Who knows when it's going to stop but I can't just get down on myself," Rose said.

Asked about Rose's availability for the series, Tom Thibodeau said: "We'll see."

Deng Out For Game 1, Hinrich Doubtful

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:09:06 EDT

Luol Deng is out for the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of their second round series against the Miami Heat.

Deng underwent a spinal tap and was released from the hospital on Saturday.

Kirk Hinrich will be a game-time decision with his injured calf, but is doubtful.

Krzyzewski Praises Thibodeau For Developing Culture Of 'Tough Character' With Bulls

Sat, 04 May 2013 22:44:07 EDT

Mike Krzyzewski believes the culture Tom Thibodeau has created with the Chicago Bulls is the reason the team is able to persevere through so many injuries.

"I think Thibodeau is one of the great coaches in basketball," Krzyzewski said. "He's developed a culture of tough character.”

Instead of collapsing from the absence of Derrick Rose and other key role players, the Bulls continue to win.

"I know Carlos [Boozer] obviously really well, I've coached him, I coached Luol [Deng], those kids ... they just have great character,” Krzyzewski said. “And the Bulls are a blue-collar team in a blue-collar town, and I think it's one of the great stories right now in the NBA, what the Bulls are doing.

"I think they have a philosophy that they don't talk about being sick all year. They don't talk about being hurt all year, so when the moment of truth comes in the playoffs, they're already accustomed to a certain way of living."

Derrick Rose Being Held Back By Lack Of Muscle Memory

Fri, 03 May 2013 20:46:11 EDT

Derrick Rose badly wants to come back to the court for the Chicago Bulls, but he told TNT's Rachel Nichols he is being held back by a lack of muscle memory that prevents him from shooting and feeling the way he desires off his torn ACL.

"[Rose] says that he just doesn't have the muscle memory back, is the way he put it," Nichols said during the network's coverage of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Rose has not played this season after undergoing surgery last May to repair his torn ACL.

Rose was reportedly cleared to play in early March, but he has been adamant about not feeling completely comfortable mentally.

The Bulls are tied, 3-3, in their first round series against the Brooklyn Nets, with Game 7 on Saturday.

Deng Underwent Spinal Tap To Test For Meningitis

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:37:22 EDT

Luol Deng underwent a spinal tap to test for viral meningitis, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

The tests came back negative, and Deng hoped to play in Game 6 against the Brooklyn Nets.

Deng was sent home about 90 minutes before tip-off, Tom Thibodeau said.

"He was in the facility in the morning and got treatment," Thibodeau said. "Came in this evening and got more treatment. I didn't find out until about an hour, hour and a half before the game."

Mirotic Wants To Play For Spanish Senior National Team

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:57:11 EDT

Nikola Mirotic would like to one day play for the Spanish senior national team.

A native of Montenegro, Mirotic moved to Spain as a teenager and played for the country’s U20 team at the 2011 European Championship.

"I had a great time playing with the U20," Mirotic said. "I have very fond memories. I am very happy. In Spain, I have felt like at home. We will see what the future holds."

Mirotic hopes to be selected to play for Spain's senior team at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

"One has to remember that I am a Spanish national and I want to play with them," Mirotic said. "Right now, I belong to them.”

Teammates Don't Believe Derrick Rose Owes Them A Comeback

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:17:02 EDT

Derrick Rose's teammates on the Chicago Bulls continue to support him and don't agree with the notion that the star guard owes it to them to return from his torn ACL.

"We don’t feel that way," Kirk Hinrich said. "It’s been a very difficult year for Derrick. I’ve never experienced any sort of injury like that. I’m not one to speak on how anybody else’s body feels. We know what kind of guy he is and what kind of teammate he is and we don’t feel that way.

"I haven’t heard one ill word said about it. You give a guy who has that type of character the benefit of the doubt. We know that he’s such a big part of this organization and this team that we trust he’s making the right decision for that and for himself."

Tom Thibodeau continued to make it clear that the Bulls will not rush Rose back.

"We certainly appreciate what all the other guys are doing, but Derrick has had a very serious injury," Thibodeau said. "It requires time. He’s 24 years old. We’re not going to rush him back."

Hinrich To Miss Game 5 With Bruised Left Calf

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:41:46 EDT

Kirk Hinrich will miss the Chicago Bulls' Game 5 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets with a bruised left calf.

Hinrich arrived at Monday morning's shootaround in a walking boot.

"It's real disappointing," Hinrich said. "You never want to miss playoff games."

An MRI on Hinrich's calf muscle revealed no tear.

The bruise is severe enough that missing the rest of the week "is a real possibility," the source said.

Hinrich Undergoes MRI On Left Calf

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:29:52 EDT

Kirk Hinrich underwent an MRI on his sore left calf muscle following the Chicago Bulls' triple-overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets.

Hinrich played nearly 60 minutes in the game.

"It was pretty grueling," Hinrich said.

Hinrich said the injury "is pretty bad."

Bulls Hope To Keep Nazr Mohammed In Offseason

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 00:00:05 EDT

Gar Forman has told Nazr Mohammed to buy -- not rent -- a home in the Chicagoland area in the veteran center's homecoming to play for the Bulls. To that statement, Mohammed was adamant that he agrees and wants to staying with the Bulls past this season.

"I like the sound of that," Mohammed said.

"In a perfect world, you'd love to end your career in the city that raised you. Every player would love to help the team he was a fan of growing up."

Mohammed signed a one-year contract worth the veteran's minimum last offseason.

"That was attractive for him to come back home," Forman said, "to come full circle."

Joakim Noah Will Continue Playing 25-30 Minutes

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:18:03 EDT

Joakim Noah had just one point and eight rebounds in 27 minutes in Thursday's Game 3 win over the Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls center did not suffer a setback on Friday and is expected to play around 25 to 30 minutes in Saturday's Game 4.

"I think he's encouraged by how he feels," Tom Thibodeau said. "He's not great but he's not having that soreness like he did previously when he played, so that's a good sign."

"If there's a problem then obviously we're going to have to cut back."

Noah has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot for most of the second half of the season.

Bulls' Front Office Supports How Thibodeau Manages Playing Time

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:31:23 EDT

The front office of the Chicago Bulls supports Tom Thibodeau’s philosophy of doling out big minutes to star players.

Luol Deng leads the NBA with an average of 38.7 minutes a game while Joakim Noah (36.8) is also over 35 minutes a game. Derrick Rose, likely out for the season while recovering from a torn ACL, also has been near the top of the leaderboard in minutes played.

Gar Forman said the Bulls have an analytics department and that minutes played in correlation with injuries is studied.

‘‘It’s hard to generalize,’’ Forman said. ‘‘Different players’ minutes will affect [things in] different ways, so it’s hard to generalize that assumption in whole. We have studied that. I mean, different body types, different years, how many years you’ve played, the age, all those things are factored in.’’

Forman is fully behind how Thibodeau hands out playing time.

‘‘In our scenario, Tom paces the team throughout the year, and we think he does a good job at that,’’ Forman said.

Thibodeau has heard the complaints that he relies on his stars too much.

‘‘What people have to understand is it all depends on where you are with your team, whether you’re a young team or an old team,” Thibodeau said. “How you pace your team is important. . . . I mean, if you look at Tim Duncan, everybody talks about him now, but when he was younger, he was playing 41 minutes a game. You look at [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie] Pippen, they were big-minutes guys. That was always intended in Phil [Jackson’s] coaching — to always keep two of his three best players on the court at all times. Each team is different.’’

Deng: Rose's Uniform Ready For Him

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:43:06 EDT

Derrick Rose tore his ACL on April 28, 2012 and continues to recover from the injury, sitting out the Chicago Bulls' first round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

"He really wants to play," said Luol Deng. "And this decision, even though people are coming down on him, it's really killing him. It's really hurting him. I know how much he wants to be out there with us."

Rose won't be available for the length of the series against the Nets.

"I know that for a fact," said a person briefed on Rose's status.

Rose wasn't ready in time to play in the regular season, which makes a return during the increased intensity of the playoffs more perilous.

"If Derrick comes in this locker room and says he wants to play tomorrow, his uniform is ready," Deng said. "If he doesn't, we're with him 100 percent."

Celtics, Bulls Sharing New York Hotel

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:21:57 EDT

The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are staying at the same hotel in New York as they respectively play the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Both the Celtics and Bulls lost in Game 1 on Saturday.

“This was a quiet, dark hotel last night. The New York-area teams didn’t treat the guests very well,” Doc Rivers said.

Thibodeau: Rose Not Likely To Return For Playoffs

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:02:39 EDT

Tom Thibodeau told reporters Saturday that Derrick Rose is "most likely out" moving forward in the postseason.

"But you never know," Thibodeau said. "The playoffs are stretched out too, so you have to factor that in. Who knows another week from now where he is? You always want to leave that possibility open."

Rose has not played this season as he continues his recovery from ACL surgery.

Joakim Noah Could Miss Entire First Round

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:46:23 EDT

Joakim Noah could miss the Chicago Bulls' entire first round series against the Brooklyn Nets due to lingering plantar fasciitis, according to Tom Thibodeau.

When asked whether it is possible that Noah could sit out all or parts of the opening round, Thibodeau said Thursday: "It's possible, yeah; he's still day to day. If he has soreness, we're going to take it as it comes."

Still, Thibodeau is optimistic he will have Noah available against the Nets.

Nazr Mohammed is likely to start at center -- with or without Noah.

Bulls Not Expecting Mirotic Signing Until 2014

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:56:20 EDT

Gar Forman would not be surprised if Nikola Mirotic decides to remain in Europe instead of joining the Chicago Bulls next season.

The Bulls selected Mirotic with the 24th pick in the 2011 draft.

"You're slotted in the first round, and I think the slot for No. 24 is $1.3 or $1.4 million," Forman said. "Well, he makes a lot more money than that right now over at Real Madrid. So the way the CBA is written is after three years then you're no longer slotted. Then you can use whether it's exception room or cap room in order to pay a guy.

"So there's no possibility this summer because next year will be his third year. But after next year, the summer of 2014, then we'll be able to start some negotiations as far as a buyout possibly with Real Madrid or negotiate with him to come over here."

Forman envisions playing the 6-foot-10, 220-pound Mirotic at power forward.

"He's probably a four, but he's very, very skilled,” Forman said. “He shoots it from 3, can handle it, good mobility. And he's a tough, tough kid."

Carmelo: Stop Trying To Rush Rose Back

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:13:39 EDT

Carmelo Anthony is hoping fans and the media will have patience with Derrick Rose as he continues his comeback from knee surgery.

"I wish y'all would stop rushing Derrick back," Anthony said. "Please. He shouldn't come back until he's about 110 percent ready. I don't think he should come back if he's not ready to go out there and play. If he can't compete at a high level, then what's a couple more months going to do? What's two more months going to do? I don't think he should come back, and that's just my opinion.

"I really don't know where he's at with his rehab and stuff like that, but I feel bad for him because I know he's got to deal with that every day, he's got to deal with that question. And nobody really knows on the outside what he's really going through, what his body is going through. So until he's 100 percent right, I would hope he would sit out."

Thibodeau Dismisses Suggested Rift Between Bulls, Rose

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:19:48 EDT

Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has dismissed the idea of a rift between the team and Derrick Rose's camp.

Thibodeau says Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was adamant from the start that Rose would not rush back.

"We've made it clear that we don't want him out there unless he's comfortable," Thibodeau said. "So I think he understands that. He's done his part. We have to do what's right. I think we are."

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Sat, 18 May 2013 12:17:02 EDT

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