NBA

Deng's illness was very, very bad and he has to be hospitalized, so we're glad to see he's doing better now. He's expected to be fine well in advance of training camp and fortunately he didn't jeopardize his long-term health by trying to return too early.

Hinrich's calf won't need surgery, and it sounds as if he's finally recovered from the nasty calf injury that hampered him during the playoffs. He's anything but a sure thing to hold up next season after dealing with a laundry list of injuries during the 2012/13 season.

All signs point to Rose playing in the first game of the 2013/14 season, and after he sat out the entire year, everyone will be paying extra attention to anything he does in the offseason. Rose has kept himself out of the public spotlight, but it shouldn't be much longer until he's doing everything with his teammates--and that includes playing in games with them.

As Brian Mahoney tweets, the team is "bringing the defense to the next Olympics." Both coaches do outstanding work with their respective teams, and each will be an asset to a reformed Team USA coaching staff.

"Nate's first thought would be to remain with the Bulls, but if the Knicks' opportunity presented itself, I am sure he would appreciate an opportunity to play in New York again," Goodwin said. Robinson started his career in NY had his best season as a pro during the 2008-09 season, averaging career highs of 17.2 points, 29.9 minutes and 2.6 boards on 43.7 percent shooting. The Knicks won't be bringing on J.R. Smith and Nate, so they could be picking one of the two for their sixth-man role next season. Iman Shumpert also made some strides on offense after missing 37 games last season. The Bulls will try to bring Nate back after a strong second half and playoff run, but it might take a multi-year deal to do so.

Stein has dropped a list of early names over the last week or so and Gibson's is the latest to add on to the list. After having issues with a sprained MCL this season, it's not yet known if Gibson will accept the invite.

Rose "took a lot of unfair shots" from critics according to Paxson, and it's abundantly clear the Bulls organization was nothing but supportive of Rose's decision the entire season despite some incorrect reports to the contrary. "Everybody wants to point a finger and blame and accuse and that kind of stuff. And the reality is, Derrick and us, we were all on the same page from the beginning," Paxson said. The executive VP of basketball ops also noted the team and Rose are formulating a summer plan to ensure everyone is on the "same page."