Derrick Rose injury: Bulls star still not expected back before All-Star Game

Bulls' head coach Tom Thibodeau put all rumors to rest on Sunday, saying that former MVP Derrick Rose is still "not anywhere close to playing" after tearing his ACL last April, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.

"He's got a long way to go for that," Thibodeau said. "He's doing all the non-contact stuff in practice, none of the contact stuff, but he's doing well overall."

Rose's expected recovery time from the injury was 8-to-12 months, with the All-Star Game marking the ninth month of recovery. Yet, Rose is not expected to return by that date.

As Thibodeau said, Rose is currently in the non-contact phase of recovery and, per reports, is doing all the necessary activities that that phase involves, including running, cutting and shooting. However, he is still a long way from participating in a full contact practice and is, therefore, a long way from returning to full health. The team understands that.

"It's too early," Bulls' guard Richard Hamilton. . ."Our job is to just hold the fort down and hopefully he'll get healthy soon."

The Chicago Bulls are 16-12 without Rose this season and are tied with the Indiana Pacers for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.