Report: Rose apologizes to Cavaliers teammates for absence

Derrick Rose is ready to move forward.

The former NBA Most Valuable Player apologized to his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates at Wednesday's shootaround for his recent leave of absence, a team source told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

He cited his frustrations over his left ankle injury as the reason why he needed to get away.

"He didn't have to, but he did," said head coach Tyronn Lue of Rose's apology. "He asked me could he talk to the team before we started shootaround and addressed the team. Everyone welcomed him back and is happy he is here, and that's it."

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A spokesman for the team said Rose is expected to address the media either Friday in Indianapolis ahead of Cleveland's road matchup with the Indiana Pacers, or the following day when the team returns home to Quicken Loans Arena to host the visiting Philadelphia 76ers.

Rose's teammates will speak with him on an individual basis in the coming days to check in on him, the source told McMenamin.

LeBron James stated previously that he wanted the best for Rose, and was hopeful his leave wasn't a sign that he was going to retire after 10 seasons.

Rose has missed the last 14 games, including Wednesday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. Cleveland has reeled off 12-straight victories with veteran Jose Calderon running the point, and All-Star Isaiah Thomas expected to return to the lineup in the coming weeks following his recovery from a hip injury.

In his seven appearances, Rose has averaged 14.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 47 percent shooting in 26.9 minutes. There's currently no timetable for his return to action.