It was the presence of Tyrus Thomas as much as the single stem roses found throughout the United Center press conference Monday which suggested the blossoming of a new era for the Bulls.
Bulls general manager John Paxson and new head coach Vinny Del Negro flanked Derrick Rose on either side as the trio sat in front of the full room.
Rose spoke of how Thomas and other veterans have helped him transition from the top pick in the draft last week to teammate this week.
"I was just asking questions about the team,"
Rose said. "They said just to be humble and and stay focused. I think that I can lead the team. Of course with the veterans, I have to listen to them, what they do about detail."
Paxson said Thomas and Joakim Noah will be part of the Bulls summer league team, which begins practice Thursday and plays its first game in Orlando Monday.
It is unusual for a player entering his third season, such as Thomas, to take part in summer league. But Thomas said the idea of helping Rose start his career, combined with having witnessed some of the Boston Celtics run to the NBA championship, made him decide to participate. Thomas was in Boston to support Celtics forward Glen Davis, his former LSU teammate.
"It was my choice,"
Thomas said. "After winning 33 games, you want to do whatever it takes to get better and win. Me playing a couple of summer league games is not going to hurt, it's going to help to acclimate Derrick and build more chemistry with Joakim. If that what it takes to get to that level where you want to get, it's a small sacrifice."
Rose was headed to the Berto Center immediately after the press conference for his first workout since draft Thursday and the whirlwind of interviews which followed.
"Working out hard, listening to all the veteran players on the team, and of course coach,"
Rose said of his plans. "Just sucking it in and learning from everyone. I do."
Thomas said he has yet to give Rose any basketball advice.
"Just about the whole process because I know how it is,"
Thomas said. "After day three or four of doing all the media stuff after being drafted, you just want to relax and chill. But he wants to win, he has a positive attitude. That's what we need right now. I see some good things with me and him, being able to get up and down the floor. I think it's going to be real good for us."
Rose said the summer will be "a learning process"
for he and Del Negro, who has no coaching experience. Del Negro is expected to hire his staff as early as today. Bernie Bickerstaff, an NBA veteran of more than 30 years, is expected to be named as an assistant coach. He was head coach at Seattle, Denver, and Washington and also held the position of GM at Denver and was head of basketball operations at Charlotte.
"All the guys I've brought in, I've had a relationship with in some way,"
Del Negro said. "The experience factor for me is important. The commraderie of the staff is important, how guys are going to work together, and the roles they'll have. So far I'm really happy the direction it's going. But I'm the head coach and I'm going to make the final say. They're going to be my assistants and loyalty is big for me, as is their support and suggestions."
Del Negro also expects to take it slow to start with Rose, who will wear No. 1, a nod to being the first overall draft pick and his AAU uniform.
"I'll put Derrick in situations in which he's comfortable,"
Del Negro said. "We'll talk about it and we'll grow everyday. I'll monitor that best I can. As he becomes more comfortable, and as I do, then I'll let him go a little more."
