Derrick Rose staged a private workout for Carmelo Anthony on Tuesday as part of the Chicago Bulls recruitment of the free agent forward, according to BasketballInsiders.com.
According to reports, the former league MVP was intent on showing Anthony he's healthy from the back-to-back season-ending knee injuries he's suffered and ready to compete at thhe level that in 2011 made him the youngest MVP in league history.
The website added coach Tom Thibodeau's pitch to Anthony centered around a belief that a core of the league's No. 2 overall scorer, Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson would immediately be able to compete for an Eastern Conference crown.
Carmelo Anthony free agent news
The 25-year-old Rose had previously told reporters he wasn't planning on being a part of the contingent that met and hosted Anthony at the United Center, but apparently he had a change of heart. Later in the day, BasketballInsiders reported Anthony went to dinner with a group that included Thibodeau, Noah, Gibson, Scottie Pippen and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf, but not Rose.
Anthony, 30, is also scheduled to meet with Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles before deciding where he will spend the next several seasons of his career. The Knicks and Phil Jackson also remain players for the 11-year veteran, who averaged 27 points and eight rebounds last season. Over his career, Anthony has averaged 25 points, six rebounds and three assists.
Rose played in just 10 games last season before suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee. He missed the entire 2012-13 season rehabbing from a torn ACL.
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