Bulls Derrick Rose could seriously miss 2012-13 NBA season

Just minutes ago the Chicago Bulls concluded a press conference discussing the surgery and recovery time of their franchise player Derrick Rose. The reigning NBA MVP tore his ACL, and today was an opportunity for a post-surgical update. Answering questions from the media were Bulls GM Gar Forman, trainer Fred Tedeschi and the orthopedic surgeon who performed Rose’s operation Dr. Brian Cole.

A lot was said, but this exchange says the most, in just a few words:

Andrew Seligman, AP: “I just want to make sure I’m clear on one thing, in the best case scenario, Derrick comes back around the end of January, early February, and he could (still) possibly miss the season. Is that (correct)?”

Dr. Cole: “That’s clearly the range of what’s possible.”

Yeah, that’s what Bulls and NBA fans are facing here with the health of the superstar point guard. For real. Rose comes back at mid-season at best, and could possibly miss next season at worst. Dr. Cole said earlier in the press conference that in years past, many athletes saw their careers ended from this type of injury, but that medical science has progressed to the point where athletes make more often come back from ACL reconstruction.

Forman “We’re hopeful he’ll be back next season, but we’re not making plans as if he will be, but we’re optimistic he will be at some point.”