#1 PG
| PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Regular Season | ||||
| - | - | - | - | - |
Rose has been sidelined all season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the playoffs last year.
Coach Tom Thibodeau silenced the rumors that Rose could return Friday at the team's morning shootaround.
Rose hasn't played since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in last year's postseason opener, and Thibodeau said the former MVP is unlikely to play at all. But has been practicing for weeks and may be available if the series goes all the way until the first weekend of May.
Rose tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during last year's playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. His comeback remains the biggest story surrounding the team. Thibodeau keeps saying Rose is close and there's ``no drop-dead date,'' adding ``whenever he's ready, he's ready.'' Thibodeau ruled out Rose for Thursday's game against the New York Knicks during the morning shootaround.
Rose has not played this season, although he has been practicing, and whether he will this year remains up in the air. There was nothing new on that front, with coach Tom Thibodeau saying, "The same. Just steady progress."
Rose squashed rumors that he might make his long anticipated return from surgery on his left knee against LeBron James and the Heat with two words at the morning shootaround: "Not tonight." The comments came in the wake of a Twitter post by rapper Waka Flocka Flame, who wrote, "Word is D.Rose back." Rose and the rapper are fans of each other, but the former MVP said he's not sure when he'll be back. He said his return is "in God's hands."
His comment comes after older brother Reggie ripped the Bulls, telling ESPNChicago.com they don't have the talent to compete for a championship and that their decision to stand pat before Thursday's trade deadline could be a "big factor" in whether Derrick returns this season from a knee injury.
Rose told reporters before practice Tuesday in Los Angeles that he can "do everything" and it's just a matter of him "having the confidence to do it." Rose spoke exactly 10 months after he had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He says he's felt no outside pressure to return and downplayed the idea of a rift with the Bulls organization.