Oft-injured Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose is back on the practice court, according to reports, which is good news for a franchise trying to land one of the big-name free agents this offseason.
The Bulls have been linked to all the major stars available this summer, including LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. The Bulls would figure to become the best team in the NBA on paper if they added James or Carmelo to a core including Rose, a former MVP, and Joakim Noah, one of the top defensive centers in the NBA. Rose has missed nearly all of the past two seasons with severe knee injuries though, so problems with his health could scare off the big fish.
Rose has hopes of playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, however, and has been practicing full-court five-on-five since mid-May. In the 10 games Rose appeared in last year he wasn't himself, scoring 15.9 points per game and shooting just 35 percent from the floor.
He also isn't an active "recruiter" for the Bulls, despite reports that he worked out for Carmelo to prove his health. "My thing is if they want to come, they can come," Rose said.
"I love Melo's game. He's a great player. Takes the game serious. He's consistent. He shoots the ball great. I love his heart. I can play with anybody, no matter who it is. I believe I can play with anyone if they step on the court with me."
Assuming Rose is healthy and back to his old self, adding Anthony to the core would give the Bulls the scoring punch they've lacked for years. Rumor has it that Carmelo is headed back to New York, however, where he will be able to receive the full max contract of five years and $129 million.
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