Joakim Noah says his squad “is the toughest team to beat in a seven-game series” – when healthy, of course. And if Derrick Rose’s recovery timeline is to be believed, we’ll find out soon just how good the full-strength Chicago Bulls can be.
Almost four full weeks after undergoing since he had surgery to remove a portion of his meniscus on February 27, the 2011 MVP said he’s “not worried” about returning and said he’s “1-2 weeks from taking contact.” Via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:
“Oh yeah, I’m not worried about that,” Rose said. “I’m feeling good. I’m trying to do all the right things. Put all the positives in the bag and just try to go with it. It’s something that I’ve been doing for a long time. Rehab is definitely a grind. But I’m getting used to it.”
[…]
“Should be sometime this week or next week,” Rose said when asked about taking contact. “Gotta talk to (Director of Sports Performance) Jen (Swanson) and go from there.”
Rose also said that he would likely play again 1-2 weeks after he resumes full activities, no setbacks assumed. That puts his most likely return to the court at some point in the next 2-3 weeks, perhaps giving him several regular season games to get back up to speed before the playoffs begin on April 18.
Even fully healthy, we’re dubious that Chicago can live up to the talent level of its individual players. Continuity is key in basketball, and the Bulls just haven’t had any of it this season – Rose, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, and Mike Dunleavy have all missed significant cant portions of the schedule.
If Rose can return prior to the postseason and get his feet wet, though, Chicago will have the chance to enter spring basketball with positive momentum. And at this point, that’s about all Tom Thibodeau’s team can reasonably expect.
