"Derrick Rose has taken the next step in rehabilitation from his left knee surgery, beginning cutting drills.

"He's doing great," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We have to be patient with it. He's been very diligent. He's in every day. He's moving along. He started cutting. He's been shooting for a while now. He feels pretty good.

"Everything is going according to plan. He's not ahead of schedule. He's not behind schedule. He's exactly where he should be."

The only timetable given for Rose came in the news conference directly following the May 12 surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament when the Bulls said the All-Star guard would miss nine to 12 months. Asked if he thinks Rose will return this season, Thibodeau reiterated his stance.

"I do," he said.