Bulls’ Nate Robinson taking nothing for granted
BY JOE COWLEY jcowley@suntimes.com January 2, 2013 11:00PM
Chicago Bulls guard Nate Robinson brings the ball upcourt during the Bulls exhibition game against the memphis Grizzlies Tuesday October 9, 2012 at the United Center. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
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Updated: January 3, 2013 10:38AM
ORLANDO, Fla. — Point guard Nate Robinson is guaranteed his full salary this season, with the Bulls making that official this week. But if eight seasons in the NBA have taught him anything, it’s that very little actually is guaranteed.
With Derrick Rose on a steady road to recovery from the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the Bulls might be carrying four point guards by February. Add that Robinson’s name continues to come up in trade rumors, with teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks looking for a scoring point guard off the bench, and his time with the Bulls might be up sooner than later.
‘‘For the most part, I go out there because I love the game,’’ Robinson said Wednesday. ‘‘Whatever team that I’m on, that’s who I am devoted to. They’re the ones that wanted me, so I owe them everything that I’ve got. I owe them every ounce of energy in whatever I do. I play for my kids and my family, as well. That’s how I play.’’
Mostly because he hasn’t had much of a choice. The adjective ‘‘well-traveled’’ fits Robinson. He has changed uniforms four times, playing for five teams. And his last three contracts have been one-year deals.
‘‘It’s something I’ve been doing for a while, so I’ve just got to get out there and grind,’’ Robinson said. ‘‘I’ve got to work harder than a lot of guys in the league, and I’ve been doing it my whole life. It’s nothing new for me. I’ve got three kids, so that keeps me hungry.’’
What he really hopes for after this season is some stability.
‘‘Hopefully next year it will change,’’ Robinson said. ‘‘We’ll see.’’
Down and out
Center Joakim Noah and reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic stayed in the locker room for the game Wednesday against the Orlando Magic because of flulike symptoms.
Coach Tom Thibodeau said the two still would travel with the team to Miami after the game, then be re-evaluated there. The hope is to have them back in time for the game Friday against the Heat.
Rose-less bench
Rose made his first road trip this season, but he wasn’t on the bench during the game. Thibodeau reiterated what he said Tuesday about Rose’s status.
‘‘It’s when he’s ready,’’ Thibodeau said when he was asked when Rose will return. ‘‘It’s not going to be sooner, later, this is the target date. It’s when he’s ready.’’
Making it up
The Bulls’ game against the Indiana Pacers that was postponed by a winter storm Dec. 26 in Indianapolis was rescheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
