Rose practiced Thursday afternoon for the first time since he scored seven points in 24 minutes in Team USA's 95-78 exhibition win over Brazil on Saturday night in Chicago. David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Team USA point guard Derrick Rose expects to play in Friday night’s game against Puerto Rico in New York after sitting out Wednesday’s exhibition to rest his knees.
Rose practiced Thursday afternoon for the first time since he scored seven points in 24 minutes in Team USA’s 95-78 exhibition win over Brazil on Saturday night in Chicago. He was held out of Wednesday’s game against the Dominican Republic, a 105-72 win in Madison Square Garden.
“I’m feeling good,” Rose said. “I’m gonna give it a go tomorrow and see how it goes, and I’m just trying to stay positive until then.”
Rose is on the mend from his second knee surgery last November when he was injured while playing for the Chicago Bulls. Saturday’s exhibition was his first game since then.
Rose said he could have played Wednesday.
“But there’s no point when you can get a little bit more rest, so that’s all I’m trying to do,” Rose said.
Team USA is preparing for the FIBA World Cup in Spain starting Aug. 30.
“If I can play, I’m gonna play — no matter when it is or how many games it is,” Rose said. “If I’m healthy enough to play, I’m gonna play. I’m not worried about that.”
