Derrick Rose's second comeback from major knee surgery is going so smoothly it's almost a given the Chicago Bulls star guard will be on hand for Team USA trials next month competing for a spot on the World Cup team.
According to reports, coach Mike Krzyzewski has all but penciled Rose in as one of nearly two dozen players that will be in Las Vegas at the end of next month for what are certain to be several ultra-competitive days of hoops.
Derrick Rose helping Chicago neighborhoods
"We expect him to be there that last week of July when we're choosing the team," said Krzyzewski. "He can't make the team unless he's ready to go full bore. And knowing Derrick I would think he'll be ready, and hopefully he'll be 100 percent."
Until then, Rose seems to be taking a low-profile, under the radar approach, though team officials noted weeks ago the 2011 league MVP was back to doing full workouts and all basketball related drills.
Bulls finding strength from Derrick Rose
After missing the entire 2012-13 season, Rose appeared in just 10 games this season before suffering a torn meniscus in his other knee.
"It's a fluid group, so you're always waiting to the end of the playoffs to find out contractually, physically, and family-wise who you actually have," Krzyzewski said about all the players he may have at his disposal for camp. "It's a very fluid situation.
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is one of the assistants on the team and he and other top Bulls' team officials are all on board with Rose being in camp.
"I think he's put a lot of work into his body," said Thibodeau. "So we're optimistic that he's going to make a complete and full recovery. He's really in a good place right now and he continues to train. We're optimistic that he'll play with Team USA this summer and have another good summer of work and be ready to go in October."
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