Bulls' Rose in; Watson to sit with concussion
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Chicago Bulls point guard C.J. Watson will miss his second consecutive game Wednesday because of concussion-like symptoms, but Derrick Rose will play his second straight after missing five in a row with back spasms.
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Watson slammed into New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries during Saturday afternoon’s loss. He has not been back on the floor since then because of the NBA’s new concussion policy, which was instituted before the regular season began.
The policy states that if a player is diagnosed with a concussion, he will have to show he’s healthy enough for competition. The first step is to be free of symptoms. Then the player must go through increasing steps of exertion — riding a stationary bike, jogging, doing agility work and taking part in non-contact drills — without symptoms returning.
A player can then be cleared by a neurologist.
When asked if he was concerned that the issue with Watson may be lingering, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said: “Hopefully not. It’s all precaution right now. We’ll see how he is after the break.”
The veteran coach was in favor of the new policy.
“I think it’s smart,” Thibodeau said. “As the information comes forward, I think it’s a good decision by the league to play it safe.”
Thibodeau said that Rose did not suffer any setbacks in his return Monday afternoon and will start against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night.
“He did everything, he’s fine,” Thibodeau said.
Nick Friedell covers the Bulls for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000.