March 02--Part of the reason Derrick Rose is so immune to criticism from some corners about his big-picture approach to injuries is that it pales in comparison to enduring three knee surgeries and rehabilitations.
"The reality is I had surgery," Rose said. "(Setbacks) are something I have to live with and play through."
Rose returned Tuesday night against the Heat after missing three games to right hamstring tendinitis. Rose said he never experienced pain in his right knee, which has undergone two surgeries for torn menisci. And he made clear his conservative approach will remain, likely for the rest of his career.
"It's all a learning experience. The last few times when I was injured, I was just trying to push. This time when I came back, my mental (approach) was different (as) I know it's a process and where I want to be at the end of the year as far as the team and myself individually," Rose said. "It takes patience. You drive yourself crazy if you really think about it. But I'm good. I'm at peace with myself and I know that I'm rebuilding.
"I got over (frustration) like two years ago. I love where I'm at. Of course I would want the team to be in a better place as far as positioning in the playoffs. But this is the bed that we made. We have to play hard and make this push for the playoffs."
Rose is on pace to play 68 games. He played 61 in the previous three seasons combined.
"Nobody knows the player I'm going to become in the next couple of years. Nobody knows what I'm going to look like at my peak," he said. "I still have to add some things to my game as far as getting to the line and being a threat every time I touch the ball."
Crumbling down: Ask Bobby Portis if he believes in a rookie wall and you'll get a simple response.
"Yes," the first-round pick said.
Luckily for the Bulls, Portis appears to have broken through it. After a rough January, Portis averaged 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in February and said the All-Star break did him wonders.
"I was dealing with some personal stuff," Portis said, declining to elaborate. "Getting home and seeing my family really helped me."
Layups: Hoiberg said Joakim Noah is scheduled to rejoin the team March 8. He has been rehabbing in New York after season-ending shoulder surgery. "Jo is obviously one of the vocal leaders of this team," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "He built a great relationship with (Portis). So just to have him around will be welcomed." ... Rose and former teammate Luol Deng spent several minutes catching up pregame. "I loved playing with Lu," Rose said. "Great teammate, someone you can go to about not only basketball but just life experiences."
