Derrick Rose could soon be back on the practice court with the Chicago Bulls if the All-Star guard has things his way.
"When I get off the anti-gravity treadmill, that's when I'll consider coming back or not,'' Rose told the Chicago Sun-Times two weeks ago. On Thursday, the newspaper reported Rose is not only off the machine, but now running on his own.
"He's doing some running, yeah,'' coach Tom Thibodeau admitted to the Sun-Times. "So he's off the anti-gravity treadmill. Still on it at times, but he's full-weight now and doing lateral slides and things like that."
Rose underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee in early December and was immediately deemed out for the rest of the season. While team officials insists there has been no change to that plan, they are excited to see him progressing as he seems to be in less than 12 weeks after surgery.
"Everything with his rehab is on schedule, and he's doing well," said GM Gar Forman. As for a possible return schedule, he added "we're still working on the premise that he's out for the year. That's the premise we're working under.''
Even if the 25-year-old former league MVP isn't able to return to the court for the Bulls this season, his apparent quick rehab bodes well for his hopes of playing for USA Basketball in late July this summer.
"Yeah, for sure,'' Rose told the Sun-Times when asked if that was still part of his plan. "If my leg is feeling healthy and I'm there, I'm all in. Of course, I want to play for that team. Playing for that team helped the year I won MVP, just getting in a groove. So I'm excited if I am able to play in it.''
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