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Thibodeau on Rose: Unfair — the guy has been through so much

All the usual clichés about a somber mood at Bulls shootaround apply, but no concrete details were available Wednesday morning about Derrick Rose's latest knee injury.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said it's basically a recurrence of last year's medial meniscus tear in Rose's right knee. The repair didn't heal completely and needs to be done again. Thibodeau said Bulls team doctor Brian Cole, who performed Rose's first two knee surgeries, will do the next one. A time or date for the surgery has not been scheduled.

“I don't know what to say other than it's so unfair,” Thibodeau said. “The guy has been through so much.”

Thibodeau didn't want to speculate on when Rose might be able to return to the court. Last season, when Rose first suffered the cartilage tear, he had surgery on Nov. 25 and missed the rest of the season.

“Once Dr. Cole does surgery, then we'll let you guys know what the timeline is,” Thibodeau said.

The Bulls are also unsure when the latest injury happened. Rose played 33 minutes in Monday's win over Milwaukee and left the game with 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter.

There was a play early in the second half when Rose chased a loose ball near midcourt and dove to try to keep it from going out of bounds. He got to his feet and kept playing, but seemed to be stepping gingerly for the next several minutes. Rose hit just 1 of 13 shots against the Bucks.

“We don't know exactly when it happened, other than he went to get the MRI after practice (Tuesday),” Thibodeau said. “So for us, first and foremost, it's our concern for Derrick, not only as a basketball player, but as a person. He's been through a lot, he's had to endure a lot, and he's gotten past a lot. It's disappointing news and we're hopeful that everything will work out fine.

“Initially, the last procedure he had on the meniscus, we knew this was a possibility, and so unfortunately it didn't take and now they have to go back in and take care of it. We knew that could happen and it did, but our concern is with Derrick, and I think you guys know how we all feel about him — our organization, our players, everybody. So it's tough news.”

Rose suffered the first meniscus tear 10 games into last season, when he made a quick stop during a game at Portland. Rose went to the ground and limped to the bench, clearly feeling the injury.

After Monday's game, Rose spoke to reporters and walked out of the locker room as though nothing was wrong. So there is reason to believe this surgery could have a shorter recovery time.

Thibodeau was asked about the possibility of Rose coming back before the playoffs begin in late April.

“We don't even want to jump ahead like that,” Thibodeau said. “The big thing is to take it step-by-step. We just got the news, and first and foremost is Derrick and our concern for him. Once we get through whatever surgery procedure he has to go through, then we'll think about those other things, but our concern is with him.

“Anytime you have surgery it's tough, but this will hopefully be much shorter than the other ones.”

Rose missed nearly two full seasons because a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in April 2012 and then last season's meniscus tear. This season's comeback had its ups and downs, but was going well. Rose has played in 46 games, averaging 18.4 points and 5.0 rebounds. He's had four 30 point games.

The Bulls have been through this before, but it's still disappointing news. Joakim Noah declined to speak to reporters after shootaround.

“Very tough news, unexpected,” said Pau Gasol, who is new to the Bulls this year. “Heartbreaking in a way because of how much he has been through for the last couple years. Difficult to deal with; we feel for him. He's definitely a key player for us.

“Right now, we just support him and we wish that everything goes well, the surgery goes well and he recovers successfully and well. Right now, that's all we can do; try to keep our minds in the game and then do our best on the floor so we can continue to make progress as a team.”

Thibodeau was unsure whether he'll start Aaron Brooks or Kirk Hinrich on Wednesday night against Charlotte. Hinrich missed the last two games with an illness, but said he's feeling much better. Taj Gibson missed Monday's game with an illness, but is also expected to play.

“I'm still shocked,” Hinrich said. “I had no idea that he had an injury like that yesterday at practice. Just feel for him. I can't imagine what he's gone through these last three years. Just when it seems like he was hitting his stride, playing great, the team felt like he had put (his earlier struggles) behind him. For this to happen is devastating.”

Thibodeau said no decision has been made about potentially adding a point guard. Nate Robinson, who did a brilliant job of filling in for Rose during the 2012-13 season, is available as a free agent after agreeing to a contract buyout with Boston in January.

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