Rose keeping return options 'open'

BY BLAINE BLONTZ | PUBLISHED 

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose disputed the theory that he’s waiting until next season to return from his significant knee injury, telling K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune that he’s keeping his options “open.”

 “Oh, no,” Rose said, when asked if he’d announce he’s sitting out this season. “I’m keeping it open.”

Rose went on to say that he’s trying not to think too much about the return, as he’s focusing his efforts on getting better. The guard continues to say that he’ll return to play “whenever I’m ready to play.” He doesn’t know when this time will be, and at this point all he believes he can do is cheer on his teammates.

It appeared that Rose was close to returning for the Bulls nearly two months ago when he began scrimmaging. However, he’s still not on the court, and most of the reasoning behind this is thought to have to do with mental barriers standing in his way.

Rose also noted that he’s open to playing limited minutes – at least initially – to ease back into the game. Whenever his return comes, he continues to claim that he’s hopeful he’ll be back “soon.”