Pain free: Rose feeling good, addresses trade rumors

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Derrick Rose spoke to reporters for the first time since his five-game absence prior to tipoff of Wednesdays 110-91 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was his second straight game since returning to the lineup, having scored 23 points and handing out six assists in nearly 35 minutes in Monday nights win over the Atlanta Hawks.

I felt good. If anything, I was just trying to test myself, trying to make sure that I still have it, said Rose. I hit a couple of shots, some of them I usually hit, I missed. I just tried to play my game, thats aggressive and it started off pretty good.

He followed that up with 16 points and seven assists in 30 minutes against Milwaukee and said his back is no longer a concern.

Im not worried about it anymore, said Rose. I dont feel any pain anymore.

Rose also admitted that the rehabilitation and steps he has taken to return to the court will be a process he follows for the remainder of the season, continuing to do daily stretching and visiting with his chiropractor.

Ill go see him after shootarounds and days off, said Rose. Just go up there for an hour, so that he can work on me and get back to what Im doing.

Usually making himself available to reporters after games, Rose explained the reason he didnt address the media following his return on Monday.

I was just tired of hearing about my back, he said. I just needed a break. Im sorry about not speaking but I needed a break.

He also dismissed the circulated rumors of him privately urging management to pursue trading Carlos Boozer for Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol.

I heard it after the game on Monday and thats something that I wouldnt say to anyone, said Rose. It was all false and thats something Ill never do. Im good with the teammates that I have. Ive always been saying that. Weve been winning games and were not in the position to look to trade anyone right now.

I talked to Boozer a little bit, but I think he already knew that the rumor was false, continued Rose. Its something that I wouldnt do to anyone. It was all false.

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