For the first time in a while, the Bulls had a full complement of players when they took the practice court on Sunday following Saturday's day off.
"Every one practiced," coach Vinny Del Negro said. "Let's see how they feel in the morning, but we a full group today, which was great. Everybody went the whole way."
In fact, the three point guards that sat out the preseason finale Friday night against the Washington Wizards -- Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Jannero Pargo -- all stayed long after practice working on their shooting.
"I've got to get back in condition," Rose said.
It was Rose's first full practice since injuring his right ankle on Oct. 2. He participated in about 40 of practice last Thursday. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback in practice this week, he is on target to play in the regular-season opener Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Good to see everyone putting in extra work. I like the fact that we have some strong teams in the beginning. It will humble folks who want to start and it will show who has the goods. And when you are not an elite team, its always good to get the tough teams at the beginning and the end of the year. At the beginning, they won't care and at the end, the season is usually wrapped up for them.