Derrick Rose's health will not be an issue as the Chicago Bulls prepare to approach targeted free agents during the summer signing period, according to coach Tom Thibodeau.
Though still just 25 years old, the former MVP has played in just 50 games since the 2011 season after suffering back-to-back season-ending knee injuries.
Derrick Rose planning to play for Team USA
The Bulls are expected to meet with Knicks free agent forward Carmelo Anthony soon after he officially becomes a free agent on July 1 and Thibodeau doesn't seem to think the matter of Rose's planned return next season will be an issue.
"Not really," Thibodeau told ESPN. "In the NBA, injuries are part of it. And most guys go through a period in their own career when they're injured. It's adversity that you have to get past and get over and most of these guys have done that, so I don't think that's going to be a big deal. I think they're going to see Derrick and they're going to know that he is healthy."
Bulls finding strength from Derrick Rose
Rose is rumored to be ahead of schedule in his latest rehab and already playing full court and planning to practice with the team's summer league team. He is also slated to compete for a spot on the Team USA squad that will play in the World Cup this summer, with trials being held late next month in Las Vegas under Mike Krzyzewski.
"I think our situation is very attractive when you look at the players that we have," Thibodeau added. "I think the depth of our team and who we are, when you look at, obviously, Derrick being back is huge for us."
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