No cause for worry yet about Bulls

No cause for worry yet about Bulls
But they clearly have to improve once schedule breaks in their favor

PORTLAND, Ore. -- It's an unconventional time to write this, but anybody overly concerned about the Bulls getting blown out by the Lakers, Nuggets and Trail Blazers in succession shouldn't be.

Oodles of legitimate concerns surround the Bulls: John Salmons' shooting percentage; Derrick Rose's limited penetration; injuries forcing heavy minutes upon a shortened rotation.

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And a 6-7 mark with one starter injured and Rose only recently showing flashes of attacking the rim consistently because of his own health issues isn't that surprising for a team that, after all, finished .500 last season.

The Bulls have played the second-toughest schedule in the NBA thus far, with opponents winning more than 60 percent of their games. And upcoming games against the Jazz, Bucks and Cavaliers will do nothing to alter that trend.

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When it does, the Bulls have 11 of 15 games at the United Center, including home games against the lowly Nets, Knicks and Kings. If the Bulls aren't above .500 by New Year's, then it's time to panic.

"If you don't bring your game every night, you're going to lose in this league," Del Negro said. "Understanding and respecting what you need to do as a pro and going to do your job every night is something I stress every night.

"We're not talented enough just to roll the ball out there. We have to execute at both ends and be efficient. Some teams have superstar players they can just throw the ball to and can get wins behind them. We have to work together as a team."

With their road victory in Cleveland, the Bulls have shown they can beat elite teams when they do just that. But this trip also is reminding followers that those nights will be more the exception than the rule.