Derrick Rose Says Knee Is Good, Practices Fully and Will Play In Chicago Bulls Next Preseason Game

Chicago Bulls superstar point guard Derrick Rose sat out in their preseason game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday due to soreness in his left knee, but he sounded optimistic after one of their recent practices.

In an interview with Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, Rose said that fans should not be worried, as his surgically repaired left knee is feeling good and that he could have played on Saturday if not for the decision of the team's front office to take a precautionary measure.

"My knee was good. I never was worried about it. I could have played but the front office made a decision to sit me out. My health is the number one concern," said Rose, who participated in full practice on Monday and will play in their upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday in Chicago.

Rose, who missed the entire 2012-13 NBA season as he rehabilitated from his ACL injury, admitted that he experienced knee soreness, but he reiterated that it was a part of the recovery process. He then declared that he was surprised that he was still feeling good despite experiencing soreness in his left knee before their preseason game on Saturday.

"It just happened. Of course I wouldn't want it to be sore but it's just something that happened and I'm all right right now. Going into the process, you hear about it, but when it actually happened, it surprised everyone. Like I said, I could have played in the game but they made a decision and I just listened to them," Rose said.

Rose also added that Bulls fans should not be worried, saying that he will be all right in time for the regular season.

"Nervous I could understand," Rose when asked about his thoughts on concerned Bulls fans. "But at the same time, I have to worry about myself and worry about my health. So as long as I'm healthy, this is the preseason, get all the wrinkles out, the regular season I should be all right."

The 25-year-old superstar played in the Bulls' first two preseason games, playing 20 and 23 minutes in those two matches, respectively, scoring 13 points in both games, while also showing a glimpse of his pre-ACL injury form.