Derrick Rose return date still unknown

By Mark Carman | Apr 1, 2015

Dec 29, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Rose needs to build “more strength” in his knee before coming back for the Chicago Bulls.

Derrick Rose practiced with full contact the last two days, but is not yet ready to return to the court. Rose spoke at shootaround in advance of the Chicago Bulls game tonight at Milwaukee. Rose said that he”hasn’t even thought about it” as to when he can get back on the court, but is just “focusing on his rehab.” Rather than looking towards a specific return date, Rose is focused on “building strength” adding that his strength “is there, but just need a little bit more time.”

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This Friday’s home game with Detroit will mark five weeks since Rose had meniscus surgery February 27th. The Bulls have eight games left in the regular season, including a road game with LeBron and the Cavs Sunday. His teammates have done well to keep home court advantage in at least the first round, with an outside shot of catching Cleveland.

Taj Gibson was optimistic when speaking on how Rose has looked in practice the last couple of days.

"“Derrick has looked real good. Talking trash like he never left. Everybody was excited to see him back. He was real aggressive, Kirk (Hinrich) was going at him. It was good to see.”"

Tom Thibodeau has taken a more measured approach on how Rose has looked and when he will come back, choosing not to commit to anything just yet.

"“He just has to string some practices together. He has to continue to build. He has a long way to go and we have to focus in our what our team needs to do. The more he (Rose) is out there, that type of conditioning is different, its body on body, he needs that.”"

Thibodeau believes mentally Rose has handled his latest rehab well, given that he’s been there before.

"“He has been through it, so he understands what he has to do. This is not anything new, this is a third rehab for him. He has made it through two. This one was minor in comparison to the other ones, so he is in a good place.”"

The Bulls have won five or their last six. Moral seems to be high, despite the cloud of when will Rose return to the court still surrounding the team.

Next: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is unimpressed by buzzer beater.

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