Chicago Bulls' fans can begin to breathe a sigh of relief as the team's star, Derrick Rose, has returned to full contact practice. Rose injured his ACL April 28 and had surgery to repair it on May 12. Since then, he has been rehabbing while Bull's fans wait on pins and needles for his return.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau said Wednesday that Rose was now participating in full contact practice and that he no longer had any physical limitations with his repaired knee. Thibodeau told media that at this point Rose can do all of the cutting, shooting and dribbling he did prior to the injury. The only thing holding Rose back from playing full-time is getting acclimated with a game situation. Rose is hopeful to return after the All-Star game if all goes according to plan.

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said the team would continue to be cautious with Rose. They do not want him playing until he is fully cleared by team doctors so there is no risk of him injuring the knee again.

The Bulls have certainly been making up for the absence of the 2010-11 MVP. The team is currently 27-17 on the season, sitting 1 ½ games in front of the rest of the Central Division and are third overall in the Eastern Conference standings. Carlos Boozer has been playing some of the best basketball of his career while Rose has been away, averaging 15 points per game, along with nine rebounds per game. Boozer believes the acclimation process when Rose returns will not be a problem and that the team will only grow stronger.

Prior to the ACL injury, Rose was averaging 21 points per game, paired with seven assists per game. The Bulls could use those numbers in the lineup if they want to keep pace with the Miami Heat and New York Knicks who sit ahead of them in the standings for the Eastern Conference.

Rose returned to practice with the team in December, but was limited to only running and shooting. His return will be a key development in the race for the playoffs come the end of the season.