Derrick Rose On Return Date: I’m Not Coming Back Until I’m 110%

Derrick Rose is starting to take full contact at practice and many Chicago Bulls fans are expecting the former MVP to return to the lineup shortly after the all-star break. But Rose’s return date may not be within sight after all. The all-star said today that his return is still very far away.

Rose told USA Today that he isn’t coming back until he is 110%.

Rose said:

“I’m not coming back until I’m 110%. Who knows when that can be? It cane within a couple of weeks … It could be next year. It could be any day. It could be any time. It’s just that I’m not coming back until I’m ready.”

Rose’s attitude shouldn’t surprise Bulls fans. Coach Tom Thibodeau has been very reserved about his expectations for Rose’s return date and the former MVP is taking the same approach.

Thibodeau said:

“Well, that’s what we’ve been saying all along. There’s no change there. It’s all the same. When he’s ready, he’ll play … I just talk to him every day. I’m not concerned about [it]. To me, I know where we are and nothing has changed … He’s right where he should be. He’s right on the schedule. When he’s ready, we’ll know and we’ll go from there.”

Rose’s return date may not be set and the Bulls point guard may not be on the court for another month two, but there is good news for Bulls fans: When Rose does come back, he’s going to be a better player.

Rose said:

“With all this hard work I’ve been putting into my game, I’m doing stuff I never did before. I gained 10, 11 pounds of muscle. I don’t know what type of player I’m going to be. I just know that I’m going to be very good.”