Nick Friedell, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Rose enters 'next phase' of rehab

CHICAGO -- Derrick Rose has entered the "next phase of his rehab" as he makes his way back from a meniscectomy, according to Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

"Obviously, he has to strengthen the knee," Thibodeau said after Rose took part in "some" of Tuesday's practice. "But it was good; he did a lot of noncontact stuff. So it's a good step for him."

Rose did not say for certain that he would be back this season, but acknowledged that is the plan when he addressed reporters for the first time last week. The procedure on Rose's knee took place on Feb. 27, and the Bulls originally said Rose would be out 4-6 weeks.

"I'd say he's on schedule, maybe even slightly ahead," Thibodeau said of Rose's progress. "It's good steady progress, and as long as he's able to keep moving forward like this, I think it's a real good sign."

Speaking of good signs for the Bulls: While Taj Gibson (ankle) and Jimmy Butler (elbow) will not play in Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers, both players went through all of Tuesday's practice, and Thibodeau is "hopeful" that both could be back this week. Gibson, who has been dealing with ankle problems throughout the season, hasn't played since reinjuring his left ankle on Feb. 27. Butler hasn't played since spraining a ligament in his left elbow on March 1. He was initially supposed to miss 3-6 weeks, but he is getting range of motion back and is feeling better. He wore a brace on his left arm during practice but is optimistic that he could be back this week.

"I think so," Butler said. "I think it's possible. I mean, my body feels great in the morning. My first practice back, I had a few bumps, but I think it's possible."

Butler said he didn't think he is ready to play "quite yet," but he knows it will be a big boost to get everyone healthy and back on the floor.

"It's good," Butler said. "It's good to see everybody out there trying to get back as soon as possible. But I think some guys are still a few days behind, and whenever their body gets back to it, that's when they'll be back."

Thibodeau is looking forward to having a full roster again in the near future.

"It's critical for us," he said of getting everyone back healthy. "There's 14 games left. We want to build some continuity, and it would be good to have everyone out there. Certainly, all three guys -- you look at Jimmy, Derrick and Taj -- they're critical to our team. So when we have those guys, it gives us good depth."

^ Back to Top ^