Injured Derrick Rose Nearing Return?

Derrick Rose has now missed 11 straight games due to an injured groin, but there are indications that he could be back on the court very soon. From the Chicago Tribune: “In fact, there has been talk of putting Rose through contact as early as [today], a Bulls’ off day. Rose has not taken contact since suffering the injury on March 12. ‘He’s getting better,’ coach Tom Thibodeau said. ‘He has been running. He’s adding onto what he’s doing each and every day. That’s the encouraging thing. He’s doing more and more and not having any repercussions the next day. So he’s going step by step. We just have to be patient, let him work through it and he’ll be fine. He’s moving along like we anticipated. As long as he’s getting better each day, that’s all we’re concerned with. We want him to be completely healthy. We’re encouraged by his progress. He just has to remain patient. It’s the groin. It’s tricky.’ Rose said on Sunday in Oklahoma City he expects to return before the regular season ends. Thibodeau seconded that confidence on Monday, and it’s possible Rose could return late this week or early next.”