CHICAGO -- Derrick Rose is improving, but Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Tuesday that the former league MVP isn't expected to practice with the team again this season as he rehabs from surgery on a torn medial meniscus in his right knee.
"Most likely not," Thibodeau said. "But we'll see. He's out for the year, but he's doing great"
Thibodeau spent some time after shootaround watching Rose take extra jumpers on the United Center court. Rose has been traveling with the Bulls since mid-January and has kept his spirits high during his latest rehab process.
"He's running on a treadmill," Thibodeau said. "Making a shot here or there, he's doing well. He's doing fine. He's still nowhere close to practicing or anything like that, but he's doing well overall."
Center Joakim Noah sees progress in Rose's recovery.
"He's doing a lot more than just shooting around," Noah said. "He's in the gym non-stop. Just working on his body, getting better, getting better, and that's what it's all about. He's a big part of this team, and he has that mentality of just having no regrets. Just giving everything you got. If you can go, you can go, and if you can't you did everything you could to make it. That's what it's all about."
Noah was asked specifically if he is hoping to have Rose back by the playoffs.
"That's not my decision," he said. "That's nobody's decision. It's all about how he feels and regardless of what happens we're going to be supportive."
Noah enjoys having Rose around the team again as he tried to get back on the floor.
"He's working really hard," Noah said. "He's always around the team. Being a great leader, showing support to his teammates and just watching him work every day. I think it's just extra motivation for us to go out there and go harder."
In other injury-related news, power forward Carlos Boozer (calf) will miss his third game Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks.
