Derrick Rose has said that he is optimistic of being able to play a role in this season's playoffs.

The Chicago Bulls guard underwent knee surgery last month after tearing his meniscus, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.

However, the 25-year-old said at his first press conference since undergoing the operation: "If I'm healthy and the situation is right, I'm going to be back playing.

"If I'm healthy and my meniscus is fully healed, of course I'll be out there playing. But if it's something totally different and the outcome is not how I would want it to be, there's no need.

"I'm just worried about getting my leg together and just trying to cheer on my teammates that I have on my team right now. There's a chance I could come back, so I'm just cheering them on. That's all I can do."

The Bulls are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference.