Derrick Rose Sitting? Carlos Boozer Playing? Bulls Trading For Stephen Jackson?

Around the web the last few days there are a few things I've seen, which have gone overlooked to a large degree. 

First, the bad news. Derrick Rose might be sitting tonight. I know, I hope it doesn't happen too. The last thing this team needs is Derrick Rose to miss time. He had to leave the Bulls' Thanksgiving dinner early last night because his neck was so stiff that he couldn't turn his head.To look in a certain direction he had to turn his entire body. That's not good news.

Update at 6:38 PM. Marc Stein is reporting that the Bulls have signed John Lucas III and are flying him into Denver for the game. If Rose is unable to start, Watson would start in his place with Lucas taking the backup duties. It is unclear whether this is a season long contract or a short term contract. The Bulls have been avoiding signing extra players as they are trying to remain flexible in trade options. 

Hopefully the training staff can get it worked out in time for tonight's game. The good news is Taj Gibson looks like he's playing. 

Second, there is a possibility of some good news coming soon.The Bulls have been talking to Charlotte about James Johnson. It got me to wondering who might be the target. Could it be Stephen Jackson?

I think Jackson would be a perfect fit for this team, as he's a good three point shooter, handles the ball well and also plays well without the ball.He's not a ball hog, but he is a shooter.

Considering that we also have Charlotte's pick and a little cap space. Thanks to the front-loaded contract with Korver, I think it would work with a trade exception.

Which would you rather see a starting five with Rose, Jackson, Deng, Boozer, and Noah, and then have Gibson coming off the bench, or some of those players missing and Anthony as a Bull? Personally, I think that trading for Jackson would make for a better team. 

Finally, it looks like a tentative date has been set for Boozer's return. As of right now it looks like he'll be in the lineup against the Lakers for the home game on December 10th and the Bulls will be needing him.

In case you haven't looked at the schedule lately, it's not getting easier when the "Circus Trip" is over.

The first game back is against Orlando, then they go on the road to the Celtics. That's followed by buffer game at home against the Rockets and another tough home game against the Thunder.Then another buffer game in Cleveland before hosting the Lakers.

It finally gets easier after that. Of the 13 following games, only one is against a winning team, and that's the Pacers  at home. That should give time for Boozer to assimilate.