Despite ulcers, Rose will play tonight vs. Magic

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Friday, Jan. 28, 2011
1:08 p.m.
By Aggrey Sam
CSNChicago.com
A day after revealing he suffers from stomach ulcers, newly-named All-Star Game starter Derrick Rose will try to play in Friday nights Bulls home game against fellow Eastern Conference contender Orlando.

Ill have to see when I get down there to the United Center. More than likely, I am going to play, said Rose after Fridays shootaround at the Berto Center. This is the game that I love. I should be able to play. Im going to try my hardest, but well have to see.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau indicated whether or not Rose plays would be a game-time decision.

Well see how he is tonight, Thibodeau explained. I want him to go through his normal routine tonight and then, when he goes through it, if he feels like he has the energy to play, then he plays. If he doesnt, then he sits and backup point guard C.J. Watson starts.

If his energy is good, then he goes. But if its not good, then he wont go, continued Thibodeau, who added Rose got through the whole shootaround and that the abbreviated game-day practice had a good pace.

Rose elaborated on his current state of health since his diagnosis.

I can eat portions of things, but I havent had a whole meal in three or four days, explained Rose, who is taking medication for his health issues. The only thing Ive been drinking is probably shakes and smoothies."

I havent gotten on the scale yet, but I probably have lost weight, continued Rose, who added that he weighed in at 213 pounds before the condition cropped up. Im just waiting for it to heal right now.

I really cant complain right now. Were winning. Everythings going great right now. This is just something Ive got to fight through.

The Bulls point guard also discussed his selection as an Eastern Conference starting guard in next months NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Its great, knowing that everything is going my way right now. I feel blessed. If it wasnt for my fans, the organization, adidas, everybody playing a big role, I wouldnt have got that spot, said Rose, the Bulls first All-Star Game starter since Michael Jordan in 1998. I love L.A. The crowd there is going to be crazy, playing with a great bunch of guys, just out there having fun, the only thing that changes is Im going to be a starter.

It wont surprise anyone whos observed him closely that he wasnt overenthusiastic when he heard the news Thursday night.

Regular. It wasnt like a celebration or anything, Rose recalled about his reaction to the announcement, as he spent a quiet evening at home with friends and family. I just wasnt into it like that. Thats just really not me.

Rose found out when they Roses mother and friends came in the roomthey were in the living room, watching itI was in my room.

Rose did acknowledgein his own waythat he was deserving of the honor and excited about the upcoming event.

Ive been playing well. My confidence is very high right now, said Rose. Last year, I didnt start, but it was a good experience.

Still, he refused to classify himself among the NBAs elite players.

Not yet, Rose repeated three times. Ive still got a long way to go.

Added Thibodeau: Its great. Were happy for him, but were also concerned about what we have to do tonight. Thats a priority for us.

Business as usual.

Aggrey Sam is CSNChicago.com's Bulls Insider. Follow him @CSNBullsInsider on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bulls information and his take on the team, the NBA and much more.

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