Derrick Rose all set to play against the Atlanta Hawks - NBA Update
Chicago Bulls superstar, Derrick Rose has missed five consecutive games because of the stubborn back spasms and the total tally of his missed games this shortened season has now reached 10.
Although the Bulls have still done a good job without him, winning 7 out of the 10 games that he did not feature in, they desperately want him to recover soon. The way things are going, it seems that they might get their wish pretty
quickly.
On Sunday, Rose took part in the team’s training at Berto Centre for the game against the Atlanta Hawks, scheduled for Monday. Although, his inclusion in that game is still in doubt, but the way he participated in the different
drills at the practice hinted that he has recovered significantly.
"Each day, he's done more," Coach Tom Thibodeau said on the occassion. "He's responded well. He hasn't had any problems. So today was more physical. (He) defended pick-and-rolls, went one-on-one, defended the post, played in the
post, defended catch-and-shoot. So he did a lot. We'll see how he is tomorrow."
Rose, who is expected to feature in the All Star game on February 26th, still has some time to work on his fitness. When Bulls coach was asked whether he would employ Rose in the two Bulls outings before the All Star
game, he responded.
"When he's ready to play, he's ready to play. Whether it's tomorrow or later, I'm not going to base it on anything other than him being ready to play — not our opponent, not the All-Star Game, not anything, but if he's cleared
medically and he's ready to play, then he'll play."
Bulls felt Rose’s absence immensely in their disappointing loss against the New Jersey Nets on Saturday. Their starters looked completely listless and failed to make any sort of impact in the game. And now, with few important games
coming up in the next few weeks, they desperately need him to get back in the team.
However, Rose needs to be 100% fit as even 90% fitness would not get him a place in the team. Bulls have declared that they will be extra cautious with their star player, and they will definitely not be taking any sorts of risks
with him.
Tags: