ATLANTA -- Bulls guard Rip Hamilton took some contact on his injured shoulder before Wednesday's shootaround, but will not play against the Atlanta Hawks. Derrick Rose also will miss his eighth consecutive game with a groin injury.
Hamilton, who worked out with Brian Scalabrine, injured his shoulder March 5 and has played in just 16 games this season because of various injuries. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau described Hamilton as "very close" to returning.
The condensed schedule, Hamilton believes, has led to a rash of injuries, and he wants to make sure he doesn't come back too soon. Coincidentally, the Bulls play Hamilton's former team Friday, when the Detroit Pistons visit the United Center.
"It's still some pain in there, but it gets better each and every day," Hamilton said Wednesday morning. "I'm able to shoot; that was the biggest concern because it's my right side. I'm able to get my shot off and I think that's the thing that I'm really happy with.
"I'm happy with my progress. I know that it's not going to be pain-free; we just want to prevent me re-aggravating it. But as long as I can get my hand over my shoulder, and be able to shoot the ball, I'll be fine."
Rose began running on a treadmill Sunday and has progressed, but he still has not taken contact. He has missed 17 games with a variety of injuries, as well, and the Bulls are 12-5 during that stretch.
"He's doing more," Thibodeau said.
"He's running now on the court, so that part's good. Doing more shooting, more moving. He's coming along."