Several marquee NBA players are working to make a comeback at some point this season. Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo all suffered season-ending injuries in 2012 and are fighting to make a return at some point in 2013. After sitting out all of 2012 with an ACL tear, Derrick Rose is offering up some advice on what players should do about rushing back to the court.
Rose is finally back on the court after receiving plenty of criticism from fans for sitting out the whole year. Rose was cleared for by doctors for months, but opted to be cautious instead of rush back for the Bulls. Rose said he would advise Westbrook to do the same thing.
"Take his time," Rose said, via ESPNChicago.com. "He's the only one that knows his body. There's no need to force anything. And attack every day of rehab like it's your last day. Get everything you [can] get out of it every day."
Rose is confident that Westbrook can come back stronger than before after his knee injury. "He has that type of will. His frame, his body, I think [the rehab] is just going to help him become a better player."
Rondo is trying to make the same comeback as Westbrook. The point guard will be the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics offense upon return, but right now he is remaining coy about his timetable. All Rondo will say is that his leg is feeling stronger each day.
"I'll be returning in the 2013-14 season," Rondo said, via ESPNBoston.com. "I'm feeling great, working out every day. I'm able to do more as far as compound workouts, versus me just doing one workout per day. I'm doing more on my leg and I'm able to handle it. It's getting better, getting stronger every day."
Rondo is now awaiting clearance from Dr. James Andrews to start increasing drills and contract. The point guard wanted to be on the court opening night against the Toronto Raptors, but he knows that is far from likely. As of now, Rondo pegged his leg at 87 percent healed, but he will not return until he is at 100 percent.
"It's going to be hard to tell me to ease into something," Rondo said. "Once I get back out there, I want to go full speed. I don't want any limitations. That's when I'll return, when I'm able to do that."
