Derrick Rose Injury: No Timetable Set For Return After Knee Surgery; Coach Thibodeau Says New Setback Is ‘Unfair’

There's no timetable yet for Derrick Rose's return as he will undergo another knee surgery, the third time in three years. Coach Tim Thibodeau said the Chicago native has been through so much and to have to go through another rehabilitation process is "so unfair."

Reporter KC Johnson tweeted an excerpt of the interview with the Chicago Bulls' coach, "Thibodeau: "It's so unfair. He's been through so much."

Reporter Nick Friedell tweeted another reaction from Tim Thibodeau regarding Derrick Rose's knee surgery: "Thibs said he's texted and called Rose. 'As you can imagine, it's not an easy thing to deal with.'"

Chris Mannix wrote on Sports Illustrated that Derrick Rose's knee surgery has cast doubt on Chicago Bulls' future.

"To the Bulls, Rose is irreplaceable, which is why everyone in the organization will hold out hope until told otherwise that Rose can find his way back to the floor this season," he wrote.

But there's still hope for Derrick Rose beyond the knee surgery, because there's a precedent.

"Russell Westbrook has undergone three surgeries on his meniscus and is an MVP candidate this season." he added. "Rose has an unquestioned work ethic and has battled back from adversity before. But can he be a franchise player? That's more difficult to answer."

The New York Times said that the type of knee surgery that Derrick Rose will choose will impact on his recovery period. The Chicago Bulls point guard can either repair the damage tissue or have part or all of it removed.

"Dr. Robert Marx, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, said the recovery time could be as short as a few weeks if part of the meniscus tissue was removed. When the meniscus is repaired with sutures - the procedure Rose underwent last season - the recovery could take up to six months."

Prior to the knee injury, Derrick Rose only averaged 18.4 points and 5 assists this season on a career-low field goal percentage of 40.7.