Derrick Rose says that the decision whether to play is his alone
BY NEIL HAYES nhayes@suntimes.com April 7, 2012 8:26PM
Derrick Rose. File Photo. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Updated: May 9, 2012 9:55AM
Coach Tom Thibodeau says Derrick Rose’s availability for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden is a game-time decision.
Rose said it’s not Thibodeau’s decision to make.
“It’s really not up to him. It’s up to me,” Rose said. “If I’m feeling good I’m going to play. If I feel I need some more days I’ll take some more days. More than likely, I’ll be out there.”
A full-scale practice Saturday morning at the Berto Center was the latest test to the groin injury that has benched Rose for 12 straight games. The All-Star point guard has been increasing his activity level in recent days and has not reported a setback. He has played 3-on-3, chased speedy John Lucas III around defensively and practiced with the starters.
“It feels good practicing with the guys, interacting them,” he said. “I ran the play sets again. To be practicing, it feels great. I feel like a basketball player again.”
Thibodeau said he’ll have an idea of how much he wants Rose to play in his first game. After that, game situations will help dictate his minutes.
“You won’t know until he gets out there because of the amount of time he has missed,” Thibodeau said. “He’s never missed an extended amount of time like this before. He’s been putting a lot of extra time in so hopefully he’ll be ready when he goes out there.”
Rose said he will have as much input as Thibodeau into how much he plays.
“If I do choose to play it’s up to me,” Rose said. “If it’s a close game, no matter how many minutes I play, I’m going to want fight somebody to be out there.”
