Chicago Bulls fans are keeping their fingers crossed that Derrick Rose will be read y in time for the playoffs, but head coach Tim Thibodeau thinks otherwise.
In an interview with Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Thibodeau revealed that Rose has been running in practices, and has started jumping when taking shots, but he quickly added that the injured superstar is still nowhere near to practicing.
"He's doing a little bit more, a little bit more running now. But he's still nowhere near ready to practice. But he's doing well. His spirit's strong, body feels good, so just keep concentrating on the rehab, be a great teammate, and that's what he's doing," Thibodeau said on Rose.
Rose, who missed the entire 2012-13 NBA season after sustaining an ACL injury in his left knee in April 2012, underwent surgery in November after tearing a meniscus in his right knee.
Previous reports indicated that Rose will consider making a comeback if the Bulls go deep into the playoffs this year, but the former Most Valuable Player recently hinted that he could sit out the remainder of the season.
Thibodeau has been firm on his stance on Rose's possible comeback this year, insisting that a playoff return is a long shot at this point, but he is not closing his doors on the possibility of Rose practicing with the Bulls again this season.
Thibodeau said that they are closely monitoring Rose's situation, saying that there is still a chance that the 25-year-old superstar will return to practice before the end of the season, but only if Rose is completely healthy.
"We'll see where we are at the end of the year if he gets cleared to practice," Thibodeau stressed. "But there's no timetable on that. Just put everything you have into each and every day with the rehab, get stronger. We want to make sure he's completely healthy before he moves forward."
Rose averaged 15.9 points and 4.3 assists in 10 games before sustaining another possible season-ending knee injury during their 98-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on November 11 in which he finished with 20 points before hurting his knee.
