DERRICK ROSE will undergo a meniscectomy on the medial meniscus tear in his right knee on Friday morning, the Bulls announced on Thursday.
The procedure, which team physician Brian Cole will perform, is a removal of part or all of the meniscus. This type of procedure typically is used to address subsequent tears of the meniscus that Rose originally tore in November 2013.
In that surgery, which Cole also performed, Rose’s meniscus was repaired or reattached, and he missed the remainder of the 2013-2014 season. A meniscectomy typically involves a shorter rehabilitation period.
The Tribune, citing sources, has reported there is considerable optimism that Rose’s second meniscus tear is small. Until the surgery is performed and Cole determines how much of the meniscus needs to be trimmed, it’s unknown what the timetable for Rose’s return is.
The Bulls said General Manager Gar Forman will address that issue after the surgery. At the team’s annual charity event on Thursday night, a feeling of hopeful optimism emanated from team officials.
“Nothing’s an easy procedure, but our anticipation is that there’s an area that’s going to get taken care of and the hope is that he will [play this season],” Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson said.
Added Forman: “I don’t want to speculate until [Cole] goes in [Rose’s knee], but we’re certainly hopeful.”
If the tear is small and only a small portion of the meniscus is trimmed, it’s likely Rose’s timeline for on-court activity could be in the three to six week period. Rookie Doug McDermott, who didn’t have the injury history Rose did, returned to the court after his December lateral meniscus surgery in three weeks and to practice in four.
McDermott’s procedure lasted roughly 20 minutes and he exited without crutches. A source said Rose’s procedure should be similarly short.
Rose opted for a conservative approach in his two previous returns from knee surgery. That he is undergoing a third procedure in less than three years after he first tore his left ACL in April 2012 and had it surgically repaired in May 2012 also can’t be overlooked.
Rose missed the entire 2012-2013 season after his ACL surgery, also performed by Cole.
“He has been through a lot,” Paxson said. “He has been through some tough rehabs. But Derrick has great character. I personally believe that he’s going to find his way through this. Hopefully, this is something that’s easily corrected and he’ll be better than ever and feeling really good maybe for the first time in a long time.”
Paxson had three knee surgeries late in his NBA career.
“To have them early in your career and especially given the athlete he is, it’s hard,” Paxson said. “We all feel for him. We’re in this with him.”
A meniscectomy does pose risk for long-term issues like arthritis or cysts, according to a local orthopedic surgeon.
“We have a lot of faith in Derrick,” President Michael Reinsdorf said. “We know he has gone through a lot the last few years. We’re behind him. And we think he’s going to be good. He has put so much effort into his various comebacks. We’re hoping this is just a minor setback.”
Regardless of the timeline for Rose, the Bulls are likely to fill their 15th roster spot, though sources said it won’t necessarily be a guard. League sources said the Bulls have had preliminary conversations with representatives for Nate Robinson, Mike James and Jannero Pargo.
But given that the rotation is basically set, adding a young big man for an inexpensive look in practice also has been discussed internally.
“It’s always difficult whenever you have an injury that occurs, especially with everything Derrick has been through,” Forman said. “But we have a group of guys who I think will come together.”
K.C. Johnson / Chicago Tribune