Derrick Rose Recovery Expected to Take 8-12 Months, Chicago Bulls Doctor Says

ESPN is reporting that star Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will be out approximately eight to 12 months after undergoing surgery to repair his left ACL.

Doctor Brian Cole, who performed the operation on Saturday, spoke to reporters Tuesday about Rose’s status and expected recovery time.

“We’re at this point very optimistic,” Dr. Cole, 2009’s NBA Team Physician of the Year, explained. “We think of recovery as the long process that’s in stages. But the short answer is the time frame we believe an athlete of this caliber generally requires is about eight to 12 months. Sometimes shorter, sometimes longer.

“While he will be at hopefully a very high level at 12 months, it still may take slightly longer for him to be at his pre-injury level. That’s not uncommon for athletes of this caliber.”

Rose, a three-time NBA All-Star and last year’s MVP, suffered the knee injury during the first game of the Bulls’ Eastern Conference quarterfinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers. In his absence, Chicago, the No. 1 seed at the time, fell to the eighth seeded Sixers in six games.

Given Dr. Cole’s recovery prognosis, Rose (at best) would miss the first few months of the 2012-13 NBA season, starting at the end of October.

At worst, he could miss the entire campaign, which could be a major blow to the Bulls.

“Obviously short term we’re going to take a hit,” Bulls general manager Gar Forman said of playing sans Rose. “Our thinking in general long-term won’t change at all. But short term obviously you don’t replace Derrick, and what he brings to the team and the production he’s got.

“But we’re going to have to fill that spot, scrape it together in the meantime to fit in with our other guys.”

From one fan of your game (and humble attitude in the midst of super-stardom), here’s to a speedy recovery Mr. Rose.