Derrick Rose is already playing with "explosion and speed" as he prepares to compete for a spot on the Team USA squad set to compete abroad this summer.

The Chicago Tribune reported at least three people who have seen or played against Rose recently described him as quickly rounding back into form. Rose is also rumored to already be competing five-on-five and playing against teammates and local players with NBA ties.

Derrick Rose to play for Team USA

The youngest MVP in league history tore his right meniscus just 10 games into the 2014 season, forcing him to the sidelines with a season-ending knee injury for the second straight season.

After years of spending his summers working out near his offseason home in California, The Tribune reported being in Chicago this summer is affording Rose the opportunity to continue working with trainer Jen Swanson.

Bulls finding strength in Derrick Rose

In all, the 25-year-old Rose has now played in just 50 regular season and playoff games combined over the last three seasons. Coach Tom Thibodeau has also previously indicated that his star guard may take part in some summer-league practice and scrimmages leading up to the Bulls fielding a Las Vegas summer league team in July.

"I love Derrick; he's a special guy," USA Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski told The Tribune. "I feel bad that these last couple of years have interrupted what should be a sensational career for him. Hopefully, this will be a jump start to the NBA season and maybe we can win the World Cup along the way."