GM optimistic about Derrick Rose

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Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman said Thursday that he's optimistic Derrick Rose will be able to play at some point during the 2012-13 season.

Rose, who turned 24 on Thursday, underwent surgery on his left ACL on May 12, and the prognosis for his return was between eight and 12 months.

"He's doing great, and he's right on schedule," Forman said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "He's attacked this rehab and has been very focused, and we're really pleased with where he is right now.

"But it's a process and it's a long process. It's still too early to pinpoint an exact time when he'll be back, but everything as of right now is right on schedule, and he's doing terrific. And when he's ready to step on the floor when he's at 100 percent he'll be back on the floor, and we're optimistic he'll be back at some point this year."

Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf told ESPN 1000 during the summer that he won't allow Rose to return until he's 100 percent. Reinsdorf said he doesn't want to make the same mistake he made with Michael Jordan during his second season, when Jordan returned from a foot injury. Jordan didn't aggravate the injury, but Reinsdorf felt it was a risk he doesn't want to take with Rose.

"Until the doctors say he's 100 percent and they put their reputations on the line, he's not coming back," Reinsdorf said in August.

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Rose said during media day interviews on Monday that he's about two weeks away from trying to cut on his rebuilt left knee, which he tore during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Philadelphia 76ers.

"Probably when I start cutting again (I'll feel I'm back), because right now cutting is the hardest thing in the world right now to do," Rose said Monday. "I'm scared of it. And right when I think I get that out of my system I think I'll be pretty close, where I have to prove to them that I'm ready to play. Hopefully it (doesn't) take the whole year."

Forman said it will be a team decision to determine when Rose is ready.

"We'll be cautious in general," Forman said. "Obviously, myself and Jerry and (vice president of basketball operations John Paxson) and (coach Tom Thibodeau) and the doctors and trainers will all keep tabs on it and have constant communication. We'll come to a consensus as far as when it's best to get him back on the floor. It really won't be until we feel very comfortable that he's ready to be back on the floor competing."

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