Derrick Rose injury: Bulls teammates reportedly believe star close to returning to practice

It has long been rumored that Chicago Bulls star point guard Derrick Rose would be ready to return from his ACL injury around the All-Star Break in February. But according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley, several of Rose's teammates believe the much-hyped return could come sooner:

According to an NBA source, while ‘‘The Return'' to the court for NBA games is still up in the air for Rose, the all-everything point guard could be just weeks away from practicing with the Bulls again after surgery on his left anterior cruciate ligament last May.

‘‘That's the belief that a couple of [the Bulls'] players are under,'' the source said.

Rose tore his ACL in Game 1 of the Bulls' first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers back at the end of April. Rose's rehab has been reportedly going well, and it has been well chronicled through a series of Adidas videos known as "The Return."

Rose recently began cutting on the knee and was seen doing sprints at the Berto Center on Monday. Bulls general manager Gar Forman was asked about a timetable for Rose to start practicing again, but no date has been set.

Even if Rose did return to practice around Christmas, it's still a huge unknown when he would actually return to game action. The Bulls are sure to be extra cautious with their star, and will likely make sure he's at or near 100 percent before he makes his official return.