NBA has no deadline for Rose decision

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CHICAGO -- While Chicago Bulls fans are holding their breath waiting for health updates on injured guard Derrick Rose, the NBA is patiently and optimistically giving Rose every opportunity to participate in All-Star festivities this weekend in Dallas.

Rose suffered a bruised right hip in the first quarter of Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic when he went up for a layup and was fouled by Dwight Howard. Rose fell hard to the floor, hit his free throw and left the game.

X-rays taken at the arena showed no structural damage, and Rose went for an MRI, which confirmed that there was no significant injury. Rose will be re-examined by a team physician on Saturday in Dallas.

"The guy earned his chance to be here, and we want to give him every chance to play," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said from Dallas. "I wouldn't say we have a contingency plan, but I'm sure [NBA vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson] has a list of players who he could replace someone with if someone can't participate.

"We're optimistic he'll be here."

Rose is scheduled to defend his Skills Challenge title on Saturday, then participate in the All-Star Game on Sunday. He's the Bulls' first All-Star since Michael Jordan in 1998.

Frank said the NBA has no type of deadline for a player to declare if he'll be unable to participate.

"If a player didn't think he could do it, they're always up front about it," Frank said.

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