The main topic of conversation today was Derrick Rose. It wasn’t just his hair that kept the media’s attention, it was his comments as well. Gar Forman started off Media Day talking about positive vibes of Derrick Rose’s workout this summer. As always, Forman feels confident in Derrick Rose’s ability to make it back to his MVP level. Forman also went on record to say he fully supports Rose throughout his ongoing lawsuit and will continue to support him. Rose also addressed the lawsuit by claiming his innocence and is eager to be proven not guilty.
Derrick Rose once again made some questionable statements in front of a group of journalists. Rose started talking about his life then found himself babbling on about making more money on his next contract that won’t be until 2017. It felt odd and slightly inappropriate timing for Rose to speak about another big contract at this point in time, but his questionable statements is now starting to become a part of the norm. Derrick Rose also mentioned that he feels that he’s still great, a statement not many MVPs find themselves making on media day.
Forman on Rose’s legal: “We understand there’s a process that he has to go through. Derrick is part of our family. He has our full support.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 28, 2015
Rose: “You see the way all this money will be passed around in this league. My day (free agency) is coming.” — Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) September 28, 2015
While Derrick Rose was sporting his new hair style, Jimmy Butler was taking on the big questions on Media Day; first time in his career. Butler emphasized his role with the Bulls as he expressed himself to be one of the leaders of the group. He assured the media that no man can beat Lebron James by themselves, it’ll be a group effort led by the leaders. While Butler sure sounded like a leader, he raised some eyebrows once again after talking about his desire of playing the point guard position. Butler made it clear that he was not kidding.
Butler on playing backup PG and Holberg’s reaction: “I think he thinks I’m joking around. I don’t know but maybe.”
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) September 28, 2015
After Derrick Rose, Fred Hoiberg was arguably the biggest topic of discussion. With the new coach walking into a playoff caliber team, all eyes were on Fred Hoiberg on Media Day. Hoiberg set the record straight that he’s still figuring out the starting lineup. He said he has 28 days to experiment with lineups, which will be fun to watch during the preseason. Hoiberg also said that he visited every player in the off-season, and he’s excited to start the season. The more important part is players spoke highly of Hoiberg. Specifically Gasol and Rose spoke on their excitement of playing under Hoiberg because he’s more relaxed. Fred Hoiberg also said that he’ll be playing through Pau Gasol a lot, which leads to the assumption that he’ll be starting. If Sam Smith is correct in his prediction that Gasol and Noah will not be starting together, it’s becoming more apparent that Noah will be coming off the bench.
Rose on Hoiberg: “He’s more relaxed. I think players appreciate that.” — K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 28, 2015
Holberg on starters: “We’ve got 28 days to figure that out. I haven’t made any decisions as who’ll start. We’ll be able to experiment.”
— Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) September 28, 2015
Hoiberg plans on playing through Gasol a lot, either on the block/high post or pick and roll — Vincent Goodwill (@vgoodwill) September 28, 2015
Noah says “It’s a new chapter for Bulls.” Respectful of Thibs, but sounds excited about the future.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) September 28, 2015
Overall, the Bulls Media Day had it’s ups and downs. The spirits were high in the Advocate Center with a new kind of energy in the air with Fred Hoiberg around. However, with just a few comments here and there, Derrick Rose had the rest of the media distracted about his free agency talks that won’t happen until 2017. Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah all spoke about their excitement bringing back the same team as last season instead of going into rebuilding mode. Nikola Mirotic, Taj Gibson, and Doug McDermott were all in high spirits as they were clowning around the video sets for their in-game videos for the United Center.
