HoopsHype.com Rumors

Despite coach Tom Thibodeau's mantra that "we need everybody," Hamilton has dropped out of the rotation, with even Daequan Cook logging time ahead of him on the Bulls' depleted roster. "It's hard. I have to be honest," Hamilton told the Tribune. "The only thing I can do is be a good teammate, help my guys out. Try to talk and communicate with them as best as possible to understand time, score and situation. Just try to be as positive and give them advice from all the stuff that I know about the playoffs." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Daequan Cook, Richard Hamilton 

Chris Tomasson: Tom Thibodeau says Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich remain day to day and this loss won't affect their statuses. Twitter @christomasson

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

On the Thursday that Luol Deng will reunite with teammates in Chicago, Kirk Hinrich is scheduled for a second MRI on his severely bruised left calf, two sources said. The initial exam showed damage to muscle fibers, one source said, but the injury is failing to progress, so a second test will determine if a tear has developed. "Kirk has a ways to go," coach Tom Thibodeau said. Chicago Tribune

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

KC Johnson: Thibodeau on George Karl winning COY: "He’s been great at it for a long time. I’m very happy for him. I thought he had a remarkable season." Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, George Karl, Tom Thibodeau 

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng will miss Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat on Wednesday while Kirk Hinrich is considered doubtful, according to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. ESPN.com

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

‘‘Is Tom Thibodeau fun to play for?’’ Joakim Noah said, repeating my question. Yeah, fun. You know, F-U-N. ‘‘I wouldn’t . . . eh . . . no,’’ he said. ‘‘Let’s not get carried away.’’ Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Joakim Noah 

‘‘There’s no magic to it,’’ Thibodeau said. ‘‘You have to put the work into winning. If you do that, you can put yourself in position to win. There are five things we always talk about and try to get established in every game: the defense, the rebounding, lower turnovers, inside-out and share the ball. [If] we do that and everyone does their job, we feel we’re going to have a chance, no matter where we are, no matter who we’re playing against.’’ Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau 

KC Johnson: Asked Thibodeau if he could step back and objectively appreciate Butler's durability. "He's just doing his job," Thibodeau said. Classic. Twitter @KCJHoop

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Jimmy Butler 

Jimmy Butler registered 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Joakim Noah added 13 points and 11 boards in the victory. "This is just one game. We have to play a lot better in our next one," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler 

The Chicago Bulls will be without Luol Deng, Derrick Rose and possibly Kirk Hinrich for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Miami Heat on Monday, but Rose said he is not ruling out playing at some point in the series. Rose said Monday that his status is "still up in the air. I might have a chance," although coach Tom Thibodeau ruled him out for Game 1. Asked about Rose's availability for the series, Thibodeau said "we'll see." ESPN.com

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

Luol Deng remains at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago after experiencing complications from the spinal tap administered to test for viral meningitis and obviously won’t play in Saturday’s Game 7. “He’s still not feeling well, so that’s a concern,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng underwent a spinal tap to test for viral meningitis, a person with the knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about Deng's health. The test came back negative, and Deng arrived at United Center Thursday in hopes of playing. He was not feeling well enough to play and was sent home about 90 minutes before tip-off, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. USA Today Sports

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng, Injuries 

Deng, who had the test Wednesday, wasn't the only ailing Bulls player. Forward Taj Gibson and guard Nate Robinson were also hampered by flu-like symptoms in the Brooklyn Nets' 95-92 victory in Game 6 on Thursday. "It's unusual, but it's all around right now," Thibodeau said of the illnesses. "Everyone's feeling a little under the weather. You just deal with it." Thibodeau said Robinson, who had 18 points and four assists, has been sick for "a while." USA Today Sports

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Luol Deng, Nate Robinson, Injuries, Taj Gibson 

Thibodeau addressed the various injuries angle. "There is a big difference between the time of injury that he’s had and all these other injuries," Thibodeau said. "And we certainly appreciate what all the other guys are doing, but Derrick has had a very serious injury. It requires time. He’s 24 years old. We’re not going to rush him back. When he’s completely comfortable, that’s when we want him out there. If that means we wait another game, if that means we wait until next year, so be it. We want him completely comfortable and we’re not going to make that mistake." Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

Nick Friedell: Thibs on DRose: "There's always a chance ... As small as it it might be" Thibs says he remains impressed with how Derrick is handling things Twitter @NickFriedell

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

"He's a character now," Thibodeau said of his diminutive, shot-happy backup guard. "I had a good understanding of who he is from my experience with him in Boston. You've got to take the whole package, and the good outweighs the bad." Robinson accepts Thibodeau, the stern coach who seldom smiles in front of news reporters, for whom he is, too. "Everybody knows coach is a drill sergeant. But he has a heart, somewhere in there. I know he does," Robinson said. USA Today Sports

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Nate Robinson 

"I tease coach a lot. It seems like every shot I shoot, he's mad, regardless," Robinson said. "But at the same time, it's basketball. He does a great job putting us in position to be successful." USA Today Sports

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Nate Robinson 

Nick Freidell: Noah doing all right. Thibs expects same amount of minutes. Likely 20-25. DRose officially ruled out. Twitter

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose, Injuries, Joakim Noah 

Nick Friedell: Thibs still holding out hope that Rose will return at some point in the playoffs even is that is very unlikely at this point. Twitter @NickFriedell

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose, Injuries 

Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau doesn't want to shut the door on possible return for Derrick Rose this season and is leaning on his previous experience as an assistant for the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics as guidance. ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls, Tom Thibodeau, Derrick Rose, Injuries