Derrick Rose refuses to go by other people’s deadlines for his return to action from minor knee surgery, but Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau thinks that time is inching ever closer.
Rose took part in practice Tuesday (though only non-contact portions), and Thibs was encouraged by what he saw.
Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson also practiced, though it remains unclear when they’ll suit up again.
Per the Chicago Tribune:
Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson practiced fully Tuesday at the Advocate Center and Derrick Rose participated in the non-contact portions. All three players remain on schedule to return, with Butler and Gibson possible later this week and coach Tom Thibodeau saying Rose is “maybe even slightly ahead” of his four to six week timeline that began Feb. 27.
“It’s the next phase of his rehab,” Thibodeau said of Rose participating in parts of practice. “He still has to obviously strengthen the knee. But it’s a good step for him.”
When asked if Gibson and Butler could return this week, Thibodeau couldn’t resist a shot at the restrictions that management and the medical staff have issued all season. […] “I’m hopeful,” he said. “But I don’t want to speak until I’m told.”
