Rose rejoins Knicks after tough COVID battle: 'It's nothing like the flu'

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Rose #4 of the New York Knicks warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 28, 2021 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE

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Following a lengthy battle with COVID-19, Derrick Rose has cleared the NBA's health and safety protocols and has rejoined the New York Knicks, the team announced Monday.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has said Rose will need some time to regain his conditioning before setting an exact date for his on-court return, according to SNY's Ian Begley.

"It's real. The COVID thing, I know a lot of people overlook it, but it's very serious," Rose told reporters Monday.

Derrick Rose confirms he had COVID-19:

"I know a lot of people overlook it, but it's very serious. I never felt anything like that before. It's nothing like the flu, it was that times 10" pic.twitter.com/2gJJwiW4uu
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 22, 2021

The 32-year-old has missed the Knicks' past eight games, with the team going 3-5 in that span.

The former league MVP put up 12.5 points and 4.9 assists per game across 10 appearances after being acquired from the Detroit Pistons via trade in early February.