Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose participated in a full-contact practice Monday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in February.
“He was a little winded, but we expected that,” coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. “Overall I thought it was good.”
Rose had a meniscectomy on his right knee Feb. 27 and was expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Last week, Rose said his knee was pain-free and he remained optimistic about returning before the playoffs.
Rose had two previous knee injuries — a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in April 2012 and a torn medial meniscus in his right knee in November 2013.
Rose is averaging 18.4 points and 5.0 assists in 46 games this season.