"I've been putting a lot of work in, busting my ass to get back," Rose said before shoot-around Wednesday morning. "I'm just happy that I’m able to come back to a team where I think we're playing all right basketball. I think defensively we're playing good. Offensively, I shouldn't have to worry about it, just come back and play the way I normally play."
Image Credit: Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press
The original timetable for Rose's return was 4-6 weeks, and his latest comeback Wednesday night would put him a couple of days ahead of the worst-case scenario. The procedure was minor compared to a repair of the right knee meniscus he underwent last season, causing him to miss all but 10 games.
Of course, no procedure on any body part belonging to the 2010-11 MVP can be characterized as minor at this point. His latest recovery gives him five regular season games to get his conditioning and rhythm back before the postseason begins.
The Bulls were 10-10 during Rose's latest absence and find themselves in a tight struggle to hang onto the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. With five to play, the Bulls have a one-game lead on Toronto and a two-game lead on Washington for the third spot, which would give them a first-round matchup against Milwaukee.
The Bulls are 15-4 when using their regular starting lineup this season.
Thibodeau downplayed expectations for Rose. The Bulls went 10-10 in his absence.
“Him just being there is a plus for our team,” Thibodeau said. “I'm not expecting him to play 35 minutes, score 30 points. Play to your strengths, cover up your weaknesses, make your teammates better. That's all I want him to do.”
The Bulls own a one-game lead over the Raptors for the East’s third seed, though the Raptors hold the tiebreaker. Kirk Hinrich, who has missed two games with a hyperextended left knee, also will play.
Christine O'Connor
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