Day: October 8, 2012

Chuck Hayes returns with more bounce for Kings

chuck hayes

To return in better shape, Hayes tried different activities (Bikram hot yoga, bike riding, tennis, swimming) before returning to the court. Hayes said he’s continuing to work to get be in optimal shape for the season.

“I think Chuck has put the work in and now he’s in better shape,” Smart said. “He had a dunk the other night so he’s moving up.”

Hayes (6-6, 250) wasn’t getting near the rim much at all last season. But he looks lighter on his feet and his moving much better on the court in camp.

— Reported by Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (Blog)

Joakim Noah kept out second day by personal matter

Joakim Noah

Joakim Noah has a reputation as a free spirit, but he remained a missing one Sunday.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said his starting center missed a second consecutive day of training camp for ‘‘personal reasons.’’

‘‘Just a personal matter,’’ Thibodeau said. ‘‘He’ll be out a couple days. Hopefully he’ll be back [Monday].’’

Noah spent a few weeks in the offseason working with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, especially on offense, so it would be nice for the Bulls to have him back for the preseason opener Tuesday.

— Reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times

Coach Thibodeau discusses life without D-Rose

derrick rose

How many different ways can Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau be asked about life without Derrick Rose?

If one week of training camp is any indication, Thibodeau is sure going to find out.

‘‘Obviously, Derrick is a great player, but this is not a new thing for us — he missed half the season [last year],’’ Thibodeau said Sunday. ‘‘We found a way to do it last year, and I expect us to find a way to do it this year. This is about the players we have available. They’re more than capable.

‘‘Rip [Hamilton] has been a big shot-maker his whole career, Carlos [Boozer] has been a big shot-maker his whole career, Luol [Deng] has hit some big shots for us, so we have several guys that are capable.’’ …

Life without Rose until maybe February because of his surgically repaired torn left anterior cruciate ligament is atop that list, but it’s not the only concern. Rose isn’t the only key starter who’s been on the shelf for extended amounts of time.

— Reported by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times