http://www.suntimes.com/output/bulls/cst-spt-bull23.html Paxson looking to add some toughness October 23, 2003 BY ROMAN MODROWSKI Staff Reporter The NBA regular season is still a week away, but the rumor mill is churning as if the February trade deadline is around the corner. The Dallas Mavericks ignited speculation by trading for Antoine Walker, creating a logjam of offensive-minded forwards that seemed to hint at further moves to come. One Web site reported Wednesday that Bulls operations chief John Paxson is shopping Marcus Fizer and Donyell Marshall, which isn't exactly news considering the Bulls' abundance of power forwards. Paxson has admitted being interested in strengthening his front line with a strong rebounder and defender. He is concerned with his team's toughness, which is why he made inquiries about Tyrone Hill. But Hill is looking for more than the veteran's minimum of $1.07million, which is all the Bulls can offer. Hill is still available, but a move is not considered imminent. Paxson's obstacle on the trade front is what teams want in return, namely Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. Paxson considers both young big men untouchable. Jalen Rose is available, but his maxed-out contract makes it very unlikely he will be moved. On the injury front, Rose practiced on a limited basis Wednesday for the first time since spraining ligaments in his right thumb Oct. 4. The Bulls co-captain said there's no chance he'll miss opening night on Wednesday. That means the only starter who isn't healthy is Chandler, whose sore back is said to be improving. Rose will miss tonight's preseason finale against Memphis, meaning he will have missed all eight preseason games. Rose, who has played in 237 consecutive regular-season games, was examined by a specialist in the morning and wore a bandage during practice. His teammates were instructed not to strike the hand. "The doctor told me it's healing the way he wants it to heal,'' Rose said. "But it's not healing to the point where he wants me to go full contact in practice and play in [tonight's] game.'' Coach Bill Cartwright is hoping Rose can establish some chemistry with teammates in the next week. "I don't know how much rhythm he can get in the next couple of days,'' Cartwright said, "but in the time remaining, I'm hoping we can keep him on the floor and find some rhythm.'' NOTES: Kirk Hinrich (flu), Kendall Gill (sore neck) and Tyson Chandler (sore back) missed practice. Gill is expected to play tonight. *Toronto Raptors coach Kevin O'Neill said Eddy Curry is the best center in the Eastern Conference. *Trenton Hassell said if he's cut by the Bulls, which appears to be imminent, he's confident he will land with another team. --

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