Ever since Michael Jordan retired (for the second time, not the third) the Bulls have been struggling to find a go-to scorer. Some will argue that Chicago had that with Ben Gordon, but the team decided to let the streaky shooter leave in free agency.
The Bulls believe they finally have a franchise player instead of just a bunch of above average parts. Point guard Derrick Rose surpassed lofty expectations in his rookie campaign, but he might start out of the blocks a bit slower in his second year.
Rose is bothered by a sore tendon behind his right ankle. The injury has forced the former Memphis star to miss practice this week, but he will be on the court Thursday against the Spurs.
Still, the defending Rookie of the Year isn’t too optimistic about playing more than 30 minutes.
“It’s going to be tough, I’ll tell you that,” Rose said. “I’m like an old man. I gotta wait 20, 30 minutes into practice to get loosened up. And it gets stiff when I stop playing.”
Chicago becomes more of a defensive and slower-paced team when Kirk Hinrich takes over the point guard duties.
Pick: Under
Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers (-7, 198.5)
We may have got a glimpse at just how defensively dominant the Blazers are going to be this season. Either that or we just found out how bad Houston is going to be without Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.
Portland outrebounded Houston 51-33 and Rockets big man Luis Scola found little day light in the paint all night. Scola, who is Houston’s best low post scorer, finished with just three points.
The best news for Portland supporters was the contributions from Martel Webster. The former first round draft pick missed all of last season due to injury and was pushed into the starting lineup after Nicolas Batum underwent shoulder surgery.
Webster chipped in with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. Blazers coach Nate MacMillan wants to keep Travis Outlaw in the sixth man role, so Webster’s production is vital to the first unit’s success.
Look for Portland’s bench scoring to be the driving force behind a Thursday home win over the Nuggets.
Pick 'n' Roll 10/29
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