Rose continuing recovery from torn meniscus in knee.
Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has revealed that he isn’t expecting point guard Derrick Rose to return to full practice again this season.
The former league MVP has been travelling with the team since mid-January, and while he has participated in pre-game shootarounds, he isn’t expected to practice with the team again until the summer as he continues his rehabilitation from surgery on a torn medial meniscus in his right knee.
“Most likely not,” Thibodeau said, according to ESPN. “But we’ll see. He’s out for the year, but he’s doing great.”
“He’s running on a treadmill,” Thibodeau added. “Making a shot here or there, he’s doing well. He’s doing fine. He’s still nowhere close to practicing or anything like that, but he’s doing well overall.”
Rose has been missing for large periods across the last few years after he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee prior to his latest setback which came earlier this season against the Portland Trail Blazers.
While he appeared to be getting back into his rhythm and displayed signs of making a full recovery from what was a more serious injury, the Bulls remain confident that he can repeat that this time round and feature for the team next season.
At the time of the injury, the franchise ruled the 25-year-old out for the rest of the season, which was a welcome statement given the controversy surrounding his return the previous year.
However, speaking for the first time after undergoing surgery, Rose hinted that he could yet return this season depending on the circumstances and where he was with his rehab.
While teammate Joakim Noah praised him for being “a great leader” as he continues to show his support in the gym on a daily basis, Thibodeau’s latest comments would suggest that Bulls fans will have to wait until the pre-season to see their star point guard back in action.
COMMENTS