Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose says he plans to be back this season.
"That's the plan," he told reporters on Monday in his first appearance at United Center since undergoing surgery on his right knee on Feb. 27.
Rose did some light shooting on the Bulls' home floor a few hours ahead of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He added that he's unable to jump at the moment and is still rebuilding strength in his legs.
Photos: Derrick Rose shoots at the UC prior to #Bulls-Grizzlies, via @ChiTribNuccio http://t.co/w1HbsUP3Cq pic.twitter.com/2XiYsS9WVJ
— ChicagoSports (@ChicagoSports) March 9, 2015
Rose told reporters that he doesn't feel a "pinch" in his knee any longer and speculated that something may have happened to the right meniscus during a game against the Warriors in January.
Ten days ago, he underwent a meniscectomy - the removal of part of the meniscus in his right knee - which is the same one that he underwent surgery on in 2013.
His rehabilitation period was pegged at four-to-six weeks, which may allow him some action before the playoffs begin.
Rose, who was criticized by some for sitting out the entire 2012-13 season after an ACL tear in his left knee, says he'll be back when he's ready.
Rose: "Whenever I'm ready to come back, I'll come back". Says he won't pace himself when he does comeback.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) March 9, 2015
Some fans are taking their concern for him to new levels, even holding a vigil.
Here are more of Rose's comments from his scrum Monday:
(I'm in) a positive place right now. Whenever I feel well, that's when I'll step back on the court. I think (regular season). That's the plan. It's trusting faith. I've been giving my life to God a long time ago. All I can do is roll with the punches and know I will be fine.
I just know when I step out there I'm going to play the way I normally play, no pacing, throw caution to the wind, play normal.
At first (I was depressed). You're human, (then I realized) about how blessed I am, how everything in my life has changed for the good. (This) could be a blessing in disguise, give me enough time to work on all the lingering injuries and work on my body a little bit more.
There is nobody to be angry at. I feel good with how hard I've been working, where the team is, how I'm handling everything. The hardest thing is going to be (coming back) in condition. I want to (return before the season ends); it's all about how I'm feeling.
How can I be upset or devastated about anything. I know I have people out there that really love me and care about me as a person.
