"Derrick Rose-speak" is alive and well in the Chicago Bulls basketball facility.
One day after talking about the possibility of returning to the Bulls this season for the playoffs, Rose sounded much less enthusiastic about playing for Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World Cup next summer.
"I haven't really thought about it," Rose told the Chicago Tribune. "That would be a good idea, but if I'm not ready, there's no need."
The Tribune reported that Bulls management would support Rose if he were to try out for the team as part of his rehabilitation from a Nov. 25 surgery on his right knee to repair the medial meniscus.
But playing in the offseason goes against Rose's routine.
"I never play in the offseason, and I think I never will," Rose said. "I just don't like people looking at my game. I think that's when you see players' tendencies and I don't want anyone to see my tendencies. That's why I don't ever play pick-up."
On Thursday, Rose did suggest he could return this season if the Bulls didn't make an early exit in the playoffs.
"I mean if I'm healthy and the situation is right, I'm going to be back playing," Rose said. "But if it's something totally different and the outcome is not how I would want it to be, there is no need."
Rose tore the ACL in his left knee during the first game of the 2012 playoffs and missed all of the 2012-13 season. He worked out with the team for months in the latter stages of last season but never returned, prompting criticism that he was not a team player because he didn't attempt to play.
His absence during the end of last season was a public relations disaster for the Bulls, but now Rose seems to be preparing to take the Bulls on another roller coaster ride.
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