HoopsHype.com Rumors

Kobe Bryant comes in at fourth on the SI list, thanks in part to his cap-destroying 27.8 million in salary last season (that jumps to $30 million next season, so expect him back on the list). He also still has $19 million in endorsements. He’s got a sweet Nike deal, too. Third among NBA players and seventh overall on the SI list is Derrick Rose. And the entire city of Chicago rolled its eyes at once. He made $16.4 million in salary and had $17 million in endorsements thanks to a massive Adidas deal. NBCSports.com

Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose 

How big of a boss is Phil Jackson? A fan asked him to showcase all 13 of his NBA championship rings (11 as a coach, two as a player), and he pulled them out like it was nothing. The two rings in the front are from his time as a player in New York. The six in the middle are from his years in Chicago and the five at the top are from when he held it down with the Lakers. Dime

Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Phil Jackson, Coaching 

Ira Winderman: NBA confirms East finals will not start earlier than Monday. If Heat-Bulls or Knicks-Pacers go six or more, East finals open next Wednesday. Twitter @IraHeatBeat

Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks 

Memo to Bulls: Wednesday's Game 5 tips at 6 p.m. Central. "We have a lot left in the tank," Joakim Noah said. After a season of so much adversity and injury, players unanimously rejected the fatigue angle, even if their performance at both ends suggested otherwise. "They put a lot of pressure on us with their defense and we didn't execute very well," Noah said. "It's tough. We're disappointed with the way we played, especially in a big game. There's no turning back. We just have to keep fighting." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Joakim Noah 

After such a season of thrills, Nate Robinson's likely final home game as a Bull featured him missing all 12 shots with four turnovers. He is the just third player in the last 26 years to miss all 12 or more shots in a playoff game. "Nate's a tough guy," Thibodeau said. "He'll bounce back." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson 

After carrying the Bulls for weeks, Robinson finally crumbled under the weight of the offensive burden. Remember how hot he was in the triple-overtime win against Nets? Robinson met the other extreme in likely his final appearance on the same floor, going 0-for-12 with four turnovers. Criticize Robinson for an awful game, but remember he also represents the main reason the Bulls still are playing. "I just didn't make no shots,'' Robinson said, icing his injured shoulder. "We have another crack at it. You never know. I might go 12-for-12.'' Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Nate Robinson 

Maybe a $35,000 fine from the league office was enough to change Tom Thibodeau’s tune when it comes to officiating in the NBA playoffs. Three days after he insisted his team wouldn’t get any calls against Miami, Thibodeau said the series isn’t about officiating – and never has been. Daily Chronicle

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Tom Thibodeau, Referees 

KC Johnson: You can say you were there: Bulls set franchise playoff records for fewest points, worst FG percentage (25.7%) and fewest points in quarter. Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls 

KC Johnson: Richard Hamilton reiterated what Tribune reported 2 days ago: His health is fine. He dropped out of rotation by Thibodeau's decision. Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Richard Hamilton 

KC Johnson: Nate Robinson said he hurt his left shoulder when he fell on that trap where LeBron James went in for breakaway dunk. Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, LeBron James, Nate Robinson, Injuries 

Lang Greene: Richard Hamilton w/ five points in 10 minutes of action tonight. Could find himself on free agent market this summer. No plans to retire Twitter @LangGreene

Chicago Bulls, Free Agency, Richard Hamilton 

Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich are “most likely out” for Monday’s Game 4 against the Miami Heat. In the tight-lipped coach’s world, that translates to out. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Injuries 

The Tribune has reported for days that both players’ availability for the remainder of the series is doubtful. And Deng’s comments on Sunday, in which he revealed he still is experiencing headaches or vomiting when he exerts himself, underscore that. Hinrich still has yet to run on his severely bruised left calf since Game 4 of the Bulls’ first-round series against the Nets. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Injuries 

For the second straight day, Thibodeau wouldn’t comment on the $35,000 fine he received from the NBA for criticizing officials following Game 3. The Bulls will be without Hinrich, Deng and Derrick Rose but will return Nazr Mohammed, who won’t receive any further league discipline after getting ejected from Game 3 for shoving LeBron James. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, Nazr Mohammed, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

"I don't care," Spoelstra said when the issue of Thibodeau's comments was broached after his team's Sunday practice at the University of Illinois-Chicago. "I don't spend a lot time thinking about Tom is saying. I don't. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Erik Spoelstra 

As with the moments with James and Wade that have become less frequent, Chalmers said he did not take umbrage. "That was a conversation Chris and I were having and we were trying to figure out something," he said. "I wasn't worried about what Joakim was doing." Of Noah's clapping, Bosh said, "Of course I was aware of it, but that just goes in there with all the other distractions that I don't pay attention to. At that time, me and 'Rio were working things out. "Playoffs bring out the monster in you sometimes." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers, Joakim Noah 

Moments after the Bulls coach called Luol Deng "day to day" and left Deng's Game 4 availability open because "hopefully, with another 24 hours he's better," Deng painted a graver picture. "I did some individual work (Saturday) and I started throwing up a little bit. I couldn't finish the workout," Deng said. "I tried to practice (Sunday) and the same thing. I just warmed up and couldn't get through practice. My body, my system is not reacting well to anything I'm doing right now." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Indeed, Deng continues to sound doubtful for the remainder of the series, even though he admitted he talked to Thibodeau about giving "five or 10 minutes or whatever to give these guys a little break." Deng's illness and subsequent serious complications from a spinal tap that necessitated a blood patch to heal have created a long recovery road. "It's not as bad as it was before," Deng said. "But I can't even get through a regular warm-up." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Despite erroneous reports that he was set to dress for Game 3, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, the former league MVP won’t return to the court in the series, something Thibodeau is aware of. CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

However, at the outset of the second round, Rose did strongly consider coming back, but ultimately decided against it, another source said. CSN Chicago

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries