Before the Bulls could get to business shooting, passing, defending and doing all the other things they need to practice before the season begins, they had one huge hurdle Monday: media day.
It may seem like glorified standing around, but that would be missing the nuance of a storied tradition. (Yes, we wanted that to sound over the top.)
Most people, the media included, are glad it's over because it means the season is that much closer. And if you're planning on surviving Bulls media day in the future, you'll need the following.
Serious face
You don't just get your picture taken if you're a Bulls player or coach. Oh no. You have to put your arms out to show your wingspan, pretend like you're passing, cross your arms, dribble very slowly-all without smiling. So much for sports being fun.
Sunglasses
Not that anyone was using them inside the Bulls' brand-new practice facility, but RedEye counted no fewer than six spots for photo shoots and TV interviews. That's a lot of bright lights.
Go-to phrase
For coach Tom Thibodeau, it's just two words. How will the East change with all the new-look teams? "We'll see." How much will Derrick Rose play in the preseason? "We'll see." Will LeBron James ever get his hair back? Had he been asked that last question, there's little doubt he would have said, you guessed it, "We'll see."
Dump button
Derrick Rose dropped one s-word during his 20-minute news conference, though he apologized. You'll forgive him if he's not in interview shape after missing most of the past two years.
Beard trimmer
This one's mostly for Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic, who were rocking the most dynamic facial hair Monday. And make no mistake, Mirotic's scruff is straight out of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
ONE-LINER OF THE DAY
That honor goes to Joakim Noah, when addressing Pau Gasol's decision to leave the L.A. Lakers and come to Chicago as a free agent.
"I thought we had no shot [to get Gasol]. But you know what, he picked the cold. We can laugh about it, but he made a decision based on winning, and I respect that."
QUESTION OF THE DAY
It took slightly different forms, but it boils down to: How is Derrick Rose feeling?
Gar Forman, general manager:"You could see his reactivity, his explosiveness [during the FIBA World Cup]. I call them the old Derrick Rose moves."
Tom Thibodeau, coach:"He handled the physical part [of the World Cup] well. The shooting's still not there, but that will come."
Derrick Rose:"The only way to answer the critics is to be on the court and actually be playing."
