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06:53 PM ET 03.06 | The Chicago Bulls may have just 22 games remaining on their schedule, but coach Tom Thibodeau isn't sweating star player Derrick Rose's absence from the roster just yet. Speaking after practice Wednesday, Thibodeau insisted that Rose could still return any time this season even as the postseason nears. The guard previously mentioned the possibility of missing the entire season, and his continued absence from the lineup has only fueled speculation that he'll eventually return next fall. However, the Bulls continue to play their cards close to the vest with Rose, refusing to make any strong statements about when and if he'll play this season. "We're just going to keep going as we are. As long as he's making that steady progress, hopefully (his return) happens, but we're prepared either way," Thibodeau said.

Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

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March 6, 2013 07:37 PM ET

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Save it for next year DRose. There is no sense in coming back to early and getting hurt again.

G-DAWG

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March 6, 2013 07:45 PM ET

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Go Pacers !!!

Fred Wayne

Fort Wayne , IN

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March 6, 2013 11:08 PM ET

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Miami is winning anyway, come back next season.

Pimpston23

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March 6, 2013 11:41 PM ET

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no sheet sherlock!!

satomtx

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March 7, 2013 02:46 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 07:10 PM ET 03.06 by Em Em Aye

Thibs is prepared but is his team? Last year they seemed to have an emotional collapse when Derrick was done for the season. The Bulls players know they need him if they are going to do anything in the post season.

Ive seen that tongue somewhere

CREEPY FACE !!

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Comment #7 has been removed

March 7, 2013 07:22 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 05:20 AM ET 03.07 by AC Blue

Here's the point some people are missing - that the Bulls will fall short in the Playoffs whether or not Rose returns. The reason is that the team is not used to playing with him lately, and Rose himself will be rusty as far as real game situations, even if he's ready to come back in every other area - physically, mentally, and basketball-wise.However, the team may allow Rose to come back for a simple reason - that he gets to get back to real game experience, which he can build on for next year.In short, if he comes back, it's to help him get back for next year anyway.

Agree, there isn't enough time to get into game shape. First he needs to trust his knee. That takes more time than you think.

Onion

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March 7, 2013 07:34 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 05:20 AM ET 03.07 by AC Blue

Here's the point some people are missing - that the Bulls will fall short in the Playoffs whether or not Rose returns. The reason is that the team is not used to playing with him lately, and Rose himself will be rusty as far as real game situations, even if he's ready to come back in every other area - physically, mentally, and basketball-wise.However, the team may allow Rose to come back for a simple reason - that he gets to get back to real game experience, which he can build on for next year.In short, if he comes back, it's to help him get back for next year anyway.

Yeah because he never played at the NBA level before.....

It Wasn't Me

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March 7, 2013 08:26 AM ET

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With A Rose You Sometimes Get The Thorns, Bro.

I Love LA

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March 7, 2013 08:26 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 05:20 AM ET 03.07 by AC Blue

Here's the point some people are missing - that the Bulls will fall short in the Playoffs whether or not Rose returns. The reason is that the team is not used to playing with him lately, and Rose himself will be rusty as far as real game situations, even if he's ready to come back in every other area - physically, mentally, and basketball-wise.However, the team may allow Rose to come back for a simple reason - that he gets to get back to real game experience, which he can build on for next year.In short, if he comes back, it's to help him get back for next year anyway.

Rose will be back by March 18th. They play Denver that night. Including that game, that will give him 17 games to get back acclimated to playing. There won't be much adjustment for the team as a whole because they're playing style, without him, has not changed very much at all. With him back, all the pieces fall into place.

With Rose back, the Bulls are the second best team in the East and will be the biggest challenge to the Heat in the EC playoffs.

Klockwork33

Chicago , IL

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March 7, 2013 11:03 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:26 AM ET 03.07 by Klockwork33

Rose will be back by March 18th. They play Denver that night. Including that game, that will give him 17 games to get back acclimated to playing. There won't be much adjustment for the team as a whole because they're playing style, without him, has not changed very much at all. With him back, all the pieces fall into place.With Rose back, the Bulls are the second best team in the East and will be the biggest challenge to the Heat in the EC playoffs.

"biggest" is kindof subjective. It is a matter of going 4-0 vs 4-1 against the Heat in the ECFs. Whichever suits you.

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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March 7, 2013 11:28 AM ET

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I love D Rose. He's the greatest!

Docmadinejad

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March 7, 2013 05:15 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 07:37 PM ET 03.06 by G-DAWG

Save it for next year DRose. There is no sense in coming back to early and getting hurt again.

How would coming back now be too early?
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