Bulls say Rose cleared but he's not ready yet

DAILY NEWS WIRE SERVICES
Posted: March 10, 2013

Injured Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose is "not quite" ready to return from his knee injury, coach Tom Thibodeau said Friday.

The 2011 NBA MVP continues to practice without restrictions, but his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee remains up in the air.

"He's been cleared to do everything there is," Thibodeau said before the Bulls hosted the Utah Jazz at the United Center. "Before he makes the final step, everyone has to get together and sign off. That hasn't happened yet. The most important part of this is that we have to trust Derrick, and I trust him."

ESPNChicago.com reported Friday that Rose's doctor has cleared him to play, but he has told the team he won't until he can dunk with confidence off his left foot. Thibodeau said a decision "hasn't been finalized yet."

Thibdodeau was noncommittal when asked whether he expects Rose to play this season, saying the Bulls are prepared either way.

"I just want him to do what he has been doing, which is put everything you have into each day," he said. "He's practiced well. He's got to keep doing it, and when he goes, he goes. We can't wait on him. We have to find ways to win now. Hopefully, at some point, he'll be ready to go. He's put a lot of work in. No one wants to play more than he does. We have to trust him."

Rose tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in last year's playoff opener against the Sixers.

In other news:

* ESPN.com reported that the league and the players' union are close to a deal on testing for HGH, sources said. Testing could begin as soon as the 2013-14 season.

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