Chicago Bulls RUMORS: Derrick Rose Expected Back By Playoffs, Nate Robinson Still An Option For Insurance?

Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose underwent surgery on his injured right knee and is expected to return in time for the playoffs. Although Rose will be out for only four to six weeks, it's still possible Chicago signs free agent guard Nate Robinson as insurance.

Rose told the team's medical staff on Tuesday he felt pain in his right knee, and an MRI subsequently revealed he had a meniscus tear in his knee - the same kind of injury to the same knee that ended his season last year. Fortunately for Bulls fans, the injury wasn't season-ending this time.

"This morning's procedure went great," Bulls general manager Gar Forman told the team website. "Derrick is expected to make a full recovery and he is anticipated to return to play in four to six weeks."

That time table, at worst, has him returning close to a week before the postseason begins on April 19. Forman characterized the procedure Rose underwent as "minor," and Yahoo Sports reported Rose left the hospital the same day bearing his full weight without any crutches or assistance.

While the prognosis for Rose is optimistic, it's still possible - likely, even - that Chicago brings in a point guard to fill their 15th roster spot. Robinson is an obvious candidate because of Chicago's need for insurance at the 1-guard spot, along with the fact Robinson played in the postseason with Chicago in 2013 and is familiar with both coach Tom Thibodeau's system and many of the players on the roster.

Robinson is currently a free agent, and a report from RealGM indicated he and the Bulls have already begun exploratory talks.

UPDATE:

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Chicago bulls rumors, Derrick rose injury, Derrick rose return
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