Bulls G Rose says knee’s improving

Derrick Rose got emotional during an event to launch his latest Adidas sneaker.

Asked about his rehab from a torn ACL in his left knee and the support he felt from fans, Rose choked up as he talked about how far he’s come from a kid playing outdoor ball at Murray Park in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

His new shoe has street signs on the inside of the tongue, marked 73rd and Paulina.

Besides talking about his new shoe, and signing a pair for a selected fan — Ahmad Harb of Des Plaines — Rose gave an update on his rehabilitation.

“I’m starting to shoot now. I started to jump a little while ago, like a couple of days ago, where I’m still improving every week,” Rose said. “My leg does get sore sometimes, but I’m able to fight through it. My trainers and the people that have been working on me have been making sure that I’ve been doing a great job.

Rose is hoping to return to the court somewhere around midseason. He also talked about the new-look Bulls. Most of last season’s reserves are gone, while the team added players such as Kirk Hinrich, Marco Belinelli, Nate Robinson, Vladimir Radmanovich and Nazr Mohammad.

“The players that we lost, I’m definitely going to miss them,” Rose said. “But you know how the NBA is. It’s a business first. You’re not going to play with the same people every year. With the players we have and the coaches we have, we’re just going to have to make do and go out there and try to win a championship.

“That’s my only goal is to win a championship. Hopefully, it’s soon. I’m going to put my heart into whatever I do, on and off the court. With the team we have now, we have a good chance. We have a good shot.”