http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-derrick-rose-scrimmages-20150331-story.html

There are myriad ways to measure the supreme confidence and optimism emanating from the Bulls these days, from Derrick Rose scrimmaging hard for a second straight day Tuesday to the depth that has developed through the various injuries to the health that appears to be taking hold for the stretch run.

But Taj Gibson's attitude, featuring simultaneous competitiveness and selflessness, is as good a place to start as any.

"I didn't want to be on his team," Gibson said, smiling, about beating Rose in the scrimmage. "I wanted to be against him."

Though the scrimmage didn't feature a traditional format of first unit vs. second unit, the fact Rose's team didn't win further showcased the Bulls' depth. That's the same depth that has kept the team-first Gibson on the bench behind rookie Nikola Mirotic in recent fourth quarters despite Gibson leading the NBA in fourth-quarter minutes last season.

"If you look at our front line, we have a bunch of guys who can basically start anywhere," Gibson said. "We understand what it takes. We understand we're trying to win a championship. So sacrifices are going to be made from top to bottom. It's about the ultimate goal, and that's winning.

"At the beginning of the year, Niko did the same thing. Pau (Gasol) did it at times. Joakim (Noah) did it at times. You have to understand you're playing for a great team. You can't be worrying about the "me" aspect. You have to be worried about the team. Basketball is a team sport. I've been around for awhile. I'm happy to see guys doing well and to be a part of it."