Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Thursday that he thought Rose’s reluctance to completely rule himself out was telling of his positive attitude.
“I think one of his great strengths is his attitude,” Thibodeau said. “In the end, this is going to make him even stronger mentally. And that’s probably the biggest thing. I saw the way he responded with the ACL. He has an even greater determination now. And I think that’s going to serve him well.”
Rose, dressed in a suit and tie, appeared to be in a good mood during a chat with reporters that lasted less than three minutes.
“I’m feeling good, actually,” he said. “Just trying to take it one day at a time and trying to stay positive.”
He didn’t agree with the notion that he had been feeling down after his second knee surgery.
“Who said I was down?” he said. “I said it was going to be hard but I was never down. I just look at it as a better way to better myself as an athlete. Build every part of my body all over again and come back better.”
Bulls GM Gar Forman reiterated that the organization was operating under the premise that Rose would not be playing this season.
“We’re still working on the premise that he’s out for the year,” Forman said. “And everything with his rehab is on schedule and he’s doing well, but that’s the premise that we’re working under.”
Thibodeau says he believes Rose’s focus is where it should be.
“I mean, for him, he has to focus on rehab,” Thibodeau said. “That’s what he has done. He’s doing well. He’s a long ways away from practice, never mind the game. And you got to remember this guy has been out a long, long time. He may not even get to the practice part this year.
“The big thing for us is to make sure he’s completely healthy. And that’s all we’re focused on. The team has to focus on preparation and improvement and getting ready for the next opponent. He has to focus on rehab.”
Rose did say he would like to attend Team USA’s training camp this summer in hopes of making the team that would compete in the Basketball World Cup in Spain.
“For sure,” Rose said. “If my leg is feeling healthy and I’m there, then I’m all in. Of course I want to play for that team. Playing for that team helped the year that I won MVP just getting in a groove so I’m excited if I am able to play in it.”