Vinny defensive on Rose playing time

After general manager John Paxson said twice publicly in recent days that he’s talked to coach Vinny Del Negro about playing rookie point guard Derrick Rose in the fourth quarter, Del Negro was asked to address the matter before the Bulls’ game against the Charlotte Bobcats tonight.

“We talk almost every day, but I don’t like to get into what me and John talk about,” Del Negro said. “That’s between us. I make decisions on the team in what I see fit for players, when they should play and when they don’t. I know my players better than anybody.

“Derrick’s gonna be out there in the fourth quarter and everyone is gonna be held accountable defensively. If I feel there’s an advantage for us to do certain things in the fourth quarter, those are the decisions I have to make as the head coach and I’ll make them.”