The Chicago Bulls have been playing without Derrick Rose since he underwent surgery on his knee at the end of February and while the team is hoping that he could return for the playoffs, Rose said that he was not sure what would happen, but added that there is a "good chance" he will be back at some point this season.
Rose has dealt with injuries to his knee in each of the past three seasons and ESPN.com reports that he is able to shoot, but cannot yet jump on the knee. The report says that Rose hopes he can return this season and this was the first time he spoke with reporters since undergoing surgery. Rose said the time off should help him get back to 100 percent after dealing with nagging injuries to his ankle this season and if the Bulls make a deep playoff run, it could help his potential return even more.
The Bulls are coming into the offseason with some pressing matters, including the future outlook for Rose and Jimmy Butler hitting free agency. Butler is a restricted free agent, so the Bulls likely will be able to keep him, but he will have offers on the market. According to ESPN.com, the Bulls plan on mating any offer for Butler, as they see him as the future franchise star to build around. Rose's injuries and his history clouds the future for the team and one thing they know is that Butler has improved greatly this season.
Butler could be named the most improved player in the league after the way he has played, as he is leading the team with 20 points per game. Butler is also averaging six rebounds and three assists and he should be in line for a massive raise next year. Butler rejected the contract extension offered to him from the Bulls and that was likely a smart move, as he has only shown improvement since doing that.
Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Celtics are going to chase all the top free agents on the market, including Butler. There is a very small chance that the Bulls let Butler go, as Rose has his future a bit up in the air while coming back from another injury. Butler is going to be chased hard by teams with money like the Celtics, Lakers, Knicks and possibly the Rockets and that puts pressure on the Bulls to keep him.
The Bulls are currently second in the central division and they have 40 wins on the season and are behind the Cavaliers in the standings. Many felt the team could make it to the finals this year, but the loss of Rose could put a major dent in that. The team has Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Butler and other talented players on the roster, but without Rose, a deep run will be very tough this season.
Rose previously tore his ACL back in 2012 and that forced him to miss the entire next season. Rose came back and ended up tearing his meniscus and that resulted in surgery that forced him to miss the rest of the season.
"I think so, that's the plan," Rose said to reporters about returning. "Whenever I feel right, that's when I'm going to step back."
