Saturday Bulls fans everywhere held their collective breaths when it was reported that star guard Derrick Rose was being held out of a preseason game in Brazil because of knee soreness.
Team personnel made sure to point out that this was simply a precautionary measure and Rose himself confirmed that to the Chicago Tribune.
“I’m good,” Rose said. “I could’ve played, but the front office made the decision to sit me out. I can’t complain about it. It’s nothing huge. I know that I should be able to go next game.” …
“If there’s soreness, then we’re going to rest,” [Bulls GM Gar Forman] said. “Any time you’re dealing with any type of injury or soreness you’re concerned. But it’s not a major red flag or huge concern.”
Rose said he knows he will be ready for the regular-season opener in just more than two weeks against the Heat and added he wasn’t startled or nervous about this speed bump.
“You wouldn’t expect it to happen,” he said. “But when it does happen, you can’t be down on it. I know that it’s feeling better day-by-day. I’m just trying to stay positive.”
Anytime Rose misses a shot or practice, there’s going to be high scrutiny around it because of the circus that was the entire last season.