Bulls remain vague on Rose's return after point guard's comments

We interrupt the Bulls' stretch run to bring you this broken record of Derrick Rose updates.

"Went through practice today, did everything. So we'll see where he is tomorrow," coach Tom Thibodeau said following Monday's practice at the Advocate Center.

Rose told ABC's Lisa Salters over the weekend that his return will probably happen this week, so there was reason to think more definitive news would be available, but it was more of the same.

There's a strong suspicion Rose could return during one of the upcoming games in Florida. The Bulls play at Orlando on Wednesday, then Miami on Thursday and have five games left in the regular season.

"Ultimately, he's got to feel comfortable enough to play," Thibodeau said. "That's the big thing. I think he's getting closer. He hasn't had any setbacks, so those are all positive signs. Doing everything in practice. His conditioning is still a work in progress, but it's improving."

If Rose is feeling good and mostly needs to work on his conditioning, then it's reasonable to think his best option is to start playing, so he can work his way back into game shape during these final few days of the regular season. After the trip to Florida, the Bulls' next game is Saturday against Philadelphia at the United Center.

"He's been out a long time," Thibodeau said. "The scrimmage part is body on body, the conditioning part is totally different. So we're not expecting him to play 35 minutes. Go out there and we'll establish a baseline. Run the team and just him being on the floor helps our team."

Rose had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Feb. 27 and has missed the last 20 games.

Sunday's 99-94 loss at Cleveland was a good example of how Rose can help. Aaron Brooks could go back to his role of being an offensive weapon off the bench. As a starting point guard, Brooks has had ups and downs. Against the Cavs, he finished with 17 points, 6 assists and 7 turnovers.

In theory, at least, Rose should make the Bulls better in late clock situations, bring more space to the outside shooters and provide a tougher matchup for Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving.

"We're a different team with him back, obviously," Kirk Hinrich said. "Just the threat he gives us at that position is unique, There's always a little bit of a transition, so it's (good to see that) it's looking like he'll be playing a couple games before the playoffs."

Hinrich is hoping for the same sort of transition. He missed the past two games due to a hyperextended left knee, but returned to practice Monday.

"It's starting to feel better," Hinrich said. "Today was the first day I really did anything other than pool or a bike. So I'm encouraged. I hope to be back soon. I'll try to do more tomorrow and see where I'm at."

Hinrich didn't rule out playing against Orlando or Miami this week. After losing to Cleveland, the Bulls have no hope of catching the Cavs for second place, but they are trying to hold off Toronto for the No. 3 seed.

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