The Chicago Bulls depart on Tuesday for Brazil in preparation for their first ever game in South America. On Saturday, Chicago will face the Washington Wizards in their third preseason contest of the season at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
"I think this trip is going to help us come together and bond as a team,” Derrick Rose told the Chicago Tribune after Monday night’s 106-87 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in St. Louis.
Rose and his teammates are still becoming acclimated to one another and teams who have played games abroad in the past have always commented on how it helped them come together as a unit. And despite Brazil being known for its flavor when it comes to the female persuasion, D. Rose insists that focus won’t be an issue for this team.
“What's the distractions down there? What'd you hear, man?” asked Rose jokingly. “No, we're all professionals. If anything we're going to enjoy the trip. We know this is a business trip and this is really our time to come together."
The Bulls/Wizards showdown will be televised locally at 4 p.m. on Saturday.