Derrick Rose Could Still Play For Chicago Bulls This Year

Derrick Rose might be wearing a Chicago Bulls uniform before this season is done.

The former MVP has missed the entire season after tearing his ACL last April but has been working tirelessly on rehab. Before the Bulls game on Sunday, Rose said he would be open to returning this season if it would be possible, but isn’t putting too much pressure on himself.

“I’m not trying to think about that right now,” Rose said. “I’m just trying to get better. I’m just trying to help my teammates, give them confidence to go out there and play hard, and just be a great teammate.

“I’ll play whenever I’m ready to play. Who knows when I’m ready to? Right now, all I can do is just cheer on my teammates.”

Rose admitted that there could be a benefit to sitting out the rest of this year and using the summer to continue his rehab but said ultimately, “I’m going to come back whenever I’m ready.”

With the Chicago Bulls currently in the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference, and, with only six games remaining in the regular season, some around the team have questioned whether it would be worth it to rush Rose back to the court instead of keeping him shuttled until the next season.

If it were up to Derrick Rose, he would return to the Chicago Bulls even if it’s to a smaller role.

“I wouldn’t mind [playing limited minutes] at all,” he said. “Of course I want to play more, but it’s not that big. I’m going to play whenever I’m ready. I don’t care if it’s 15 or 40 [minutes]. I just love the game too much. I’m just waiting, just praying about it and hopefully I’ll be out there soon.”

If he is ready to return, Derrick Rose would have the support of the Chicago Bulls brass. Both management and head coach Tom Thibodeau have said it would be fine if Rose made his debut during the playoffs.