Rose cleared by team doctors to at least start “some activity”
He got the mask fitted, so he’ll be able to start getting used to that. So hopefully we’ll be able to get him back on the practice court here soon.’’ said head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg announced Wednesday that Derrick Rose was cleared by team doctors to at least start “some activity.’’
“Still won’t do any contact for at least the next several days,’’ Hoiberg said. “Don’t know exactly how long that will be, but he’s cleared to ride the bike and get a sweat going, so I know he’s excited about that.’’
Hoiberg said Rose was fitted for a mask Tuesday despite the swelling around his left eye. He had surgery Sept. 30 to repair a fractured orbital bone, but there were “still some issues with his vision.’’
“But I think just the fact that he can start getting back to activity is huge for him,’’ Hoiberg said. “It’s big for his confidence that he got the mask fitted, so he’ll be able to start getting used to that. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get him back on the practice court here soon.’’
The Bulls were planning to practice Thursday, take Friday off, then practice Saturday and Sunday before leaving for Charlotte, and the hope was that in the days after the game against the Hornets, Rose would be ready for practice contact.
Until then, however, it’ll be basic conditioning as they try to get him back in game shape.
“I don’t think he can do any weightlifting right now,’’ Hoiberg said. “It’s just really get a sweat going, get his legs moving a little bit.’’
Cubbie love
Hoiberg works for White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, but his heart is all Cubbie blue these days.
“Most people who grow up in Iowa grow up Cubs fans, so it’s been awesome,’’ Hoiberg said. “We’re kind of keeping a little bit of an eye on it before our game [Monday].’’
Training room
Besides Rose, Kirk Hinrich (foot soreness) and Tony Snell (ankle) missed the preseason game Wednesday against the Pistons.
Hinrich was held out for precautionary reasons; Snell’s ankle injury is considered mild.
Mike Dunleavy still is rehabbing from back surgery in September.
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