Derrick Rose has revealed that he is hoping to return to action with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the NBA playoffs.
The point guard has not played since undergoing knee surgery last month, but he is due to start taking contact in practice next week.
When asked about playing before the end of the regular season, the 26-year-old told ESPN: "That would be the plan, but who knows? Whenever I'm ready to come back, that's when I'm going to come back.
"I don't have any [pain]. So that's a good sign. The swelling is gone. So it's all about just getting on the court. 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 with rehab. It's a grind, definitely a grind, but I'm getting used to it.
"It's been good. Just been taking my time, being patient, doing everything I was supposed to do. Doing all the right things, and everything else is out of my control."
The 2011 MVP has also suffered an ACL tear and torn meniscus in the last three years.
Sian Cowper
