It looks like Derrick Rose's return might be closer than we think.
According to Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, Rose is reportedly much closer to being ready for full contact practice this week-one of the biggest, and possibly last, hurdles that the former NBA MVP has to cross before he is ready to make his official return.
Just before the Bulls played the Lakers Monday, Thibodeau said that Rose was "very close" to being cleared for full contact. "Very close. That will be the next step," Thibodeau said.
Rose, who tore his ACL during the playoffs last April, has been inching closer to a return to action in the last two months. He has cleared hurdles such as being able to cut, engaging in light shooting drills, being cleared for non-contact practices and being seen taking jump shots in Boston last week during another practice session.
The difference between a full contact scrimmage and the non-contact practices that Rose has been doing since is key; contact practices simulate the NBA action that Rose will have to contend with once he returns.
"It's not going to be one or two days of contact and he's going to be out there," Thibodeau told the Chicago Sun-Times. "That's not going to happen. He's showing great patience. Everybody else has to. He has to continue to focus on his rehab. When he's ready, whenever that is, that's when he comes back. Our doctors have been on top of it since day one. And Derrick's done great."
On a sidenote, Knicks guard Iman Shumpert, who also tore his ACL on the same day that Rose tore his, made his return to the Knicks last week during their London game. If Shumpert's return was any indication, Rose might be back much sooner than we think.