Chicago Bulls Superstar Derrick Rose Says He's More Explosive Than Before As NBA Return Nears

Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose has played only three preseason games after sitting out for almost 18 months, but the former NBA Most Valuable Player is definitely oozing with confidence.

In an interview with Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago after the Bulls' preseason game against the Detroit Pistons, Rose said that he is more explosive now compared to his play before sustaining the ACL injury in April 2012 that sidelined him for the entire 2012-13 NBA season.

"I think I'm way more explosive now, like getting to the rim. I think I can take contact a little bit better. And as far as jumping-wise, I think I can jump even higher. They tested my vertical; I increased it by 5 inches. I just didn't show it yet because there's no need to," Rose said.

After sitting out from the Bulls' preseason game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday due to knee soreness, the 25-year-old superstar scored 22 points in 22 minutes in their 96-81 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday - his first game at the United Center in more than 18 months.

When asked about the mental part of the recovery process, Rose said that he has already gained enough confidence to the point where he is not worrying about his knee anymore.

"The biggest thing is after you have an ACL or any injury, it's the mental part. And for me not to think about anything no more and actually be reacting to the defense and the offense, it feels great knowing that I'm safe. I don't have to worry about anything at all, even if I go to the hole and get contact and fall any type of way, that I could easily get up and bounce right back and play the way that I normally know how to play," Rose said.

Rose, who averaged 21.8 points and 7.9 assists during the 2011-12 NBA regular season, will play his second game at the United Center when the Bulls collide with Indiana Pacers on Friday.