Rose practiced in non-contact workout on Thursday after sitting out for two days…
Team USA and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has revealed that he intends to play against Puerto Rico in an exhibition game on Friday night.
The 25-year-old returned to practice on Thursday and took part in a non-contact workout after sitting out consecutive days and missing the win over the Dominican Republic.
While there was initial concern over Rose’s health, both the player himself and the coaching staff insisted it was merely precautionary in order to give him the time to rest ahead of a long schedule this summer.
Rose has played in just 10 games over the past two NBA seasons due to a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in April 2012 before a torn medial meniscus in his right knee in November last year.
The point guard was keen to allay fears that he is struggling with his knees, with speculation suggesting that he is suffering from pain after impressing through training camp so far this summer.
“I’m feeling good. I’m gonna give it a go tomorrow and see how it goes, and I’m just trying to stay positive until then,” Rose said, ESPN reports.
“I could’ve played, but there’s no point when you can get a little bit more rest, so that’s all I’m trying to do.”
Rose is eager to leave the decision-making to the coaching staff but insists that he will be ready to play when called upon and is thankful for the opportunity to feature this summer at the FIBA World Cup ahead of the new NBA season.
The Bull star insists that he is relishing the prospect of being able to test himself against his team-mates each day and will be aiming to get his pace and wind back in order to play at an elite level again.
However, there is concern as Team USA play five group games in six days, spanning between August 30 and September 4, and so it is likely that Rose will be given significant rest in between.
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