Contrary to what you may have read a few weeks ago in an ESPN.com report, TNT analyst Doug Collins never was contacted by the Bulls about replacing Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro.

But Collins is close with Del Negro, vice president John Paxson and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, so he's as plugged in as anyone in the media concerning the Bulls. I had a chance recently to speak briefly with Collins and he had a couple of interesting comments:

On Derrick Rose and his slow start:

"Derrick Rose did tweak his ankle [in training camp], but I personally don't think he came into camp in great shape. I think he's learned a valuable lesson this year about the importance of the offseason and preparing himself, especially when you're coming off the rookie of the year and what he did."

On the players being too satisfied with their playoff lost to the Boston Celtics last season:

"I remember talking to Jerry Reinsdorf in the summer last year. He was very happy with the way the team competed and everything, but he said, 'You know, I had to let the team know, "The fans here love you so much, don't forget that you lost that series. You didn't win it, you lost it." So we've got places to go; we have to get better.'"