Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose appears on track to return before the 2015 NBA playoffs. Rose, who's been out since late February with a knee injury, reportedly has been cleared for contact and participated in a 4-on-4 drill during practice Monday.
Rose has been shy to guarantee his return this season, but it looks like he's on track to be back in time for a few games before the start of the postseason. He participated Monday in his first full-contact practice since Feb. 27 and appears likely to return this season, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
"Rose, on track to return in the four- to six-week timeline offered by team physicians and officials, scrimmaged full-court for two 10-minute sessions," Johnson wrote Monday. "The games were 4-on-4 because Pau Gasol, Mike Dunleavy, Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich were excused as part of a rest and maintenance day."
Chicago's timetable for Rose, who underwent a second procedure on the meniscus in his right knee, was four to six weeks, which - at best - would allow him to play in maybe five regular-season games before the playoffs begin April 19.
As for how Rose looked in his first practice back, coach Tom Thibodeau seemed pleased with what he saw.
"He was aggressive," Thibodeau said. "He was a little winded, but we expected that. Overall, I thought it was good. He said he feels good physically. The big thing is going to be the wind and conditioning. He's been out a long time."
Rose indicated last week he would be able to play in games within one to two weeks after receiving clearance to practice fully, barring any setbacks.
