Derrick Rose officially out for the season…again

Feb 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) before a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Over the weekend, Mitch Lawrence (of the New York Daily News) reported that he was hearing that the Chicago Bulls were expecting Derrick Rose to be ready to play once the playoffs start in a few weeks.

Yesterday, just before the Bulls win over the Indiana Pacers, coach Tom Thibodeau reiterated that Rose is indeed still out for the entire season.

Rose suffered a torn medial meniscus back in November, but still hasn’t been cleared to play — mostly because they don’t want him to return to the court this season. I think.

"[Associated Press via HoopsHype]Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau was asked if there was a chance Rose could return for the playoffs. “No,” he said. “He’s doing a little bit more, he’s coming along (and) doing some things in practice. But he’s out for the year.”"

Before it turns out to be the disaster that was the “will he or won’t he” mess that occurred last season heading into the playoffs, it appears that Thibodeau is putting it to rest before it even gets any chance at peaking. Good for him.