Add Jimmy Butler to the list of Chicago Bulls players who think everybody should lay off Derrick Rose. The fourth-year shooting guard said recently that he understands why Rose is sitting out these early-season games with the playoffs and a possible finals run in mind.
From USA Today’s Sam Amick:
“Man, (Rose’s) head is in the same place all of our heads are in, and that’s wanting to win a championship,” Butler said. “That’s what he’s getting ready for. That’s what we’re getting ready for. We want him to be a hundred percent – not 99 – because you come back too early and you’re risking another injury. He’s fine. He’s our leader, and he knows what he’s doing.”
Rose has missed four consecutive games with a strained left hamstring. Recent comments about planning for the future have caused controversy among and media, but between Butler and Joakim Noah, it’s clear that his teammates are on the same page as him.
As for possible returns for Rose and Pau Gasol, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that the two stars are practicing Sunday and will be game-time decisions on Monday when the Bulls play the Jazz in Utah.Gibson sent home. Rose and Gasol will practice.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 23, 2014Hinrich will do limited parts of Sunday practice. Hinrich, Rose and Gasol all gametime on Monday. Gibson obviously out Monday and Tuesday.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 23, 2014