Derrick Rose news: The 25-year-old former MVP is now officially back on the NBA hardcourt and has played against the Washington Wizards in his team's first pre-season game. 

Paying attention to his game, Rose appeared healthier and aggressive throughout his 14 minutes of playing time in the first half, wherein he already logged in 11 points, and an assist. 

While the Bulls failed to win against the Wizards, losing by four, 85-81, the entire Bulls lineup showed some glimpses of brilliance headlined by new acquisition Nikola Mirotic. 

Mirotic scored 17 points to lead Chicago, and provided the scoring when his team needed him most. Reserves Doug McDermott and Aaron Brooks also chipped in some points. 

As for Rose's game, he was all over the court in those 14 minutes of action in tonight's game. He was explosive whenever he penetrated the basket, and one who never knew he was injured would think that he never got injured.

Still, in spite all of the great plays for the Bulls, they came up short against the same Wizards team that eliminated them out of the playoffs last year. 

If that tells us something, it is that this Bulls team has a long way to go in order to live up to the hype it has been receiving since it landed Gasol and Mirotic.