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Derrick Rose’s surgery successful, he may return for opening night

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose

AP

Derrick Rose has had his surgery to repair his fractured orbital bone in his face, and like every athletic operation ever it has been declared a success by the team.

More importantly, coach Fred Hoiberg thinks Rose might be able to play opening night.

Hoiberg spoke after Bulls practice Wednesday he’s optimistic despite no official timetable. Here is what he said via our own Sean Highkin, who was on hand, and Bleacher Reports’ Kevin Ding.

Recovery from this kind of surgery has taken anywhere from two to four weeks on players in the past. The determining factor is where the fracture was around the eye socket — if it’s close to the eye and could lead to vision issues, the player is out longer.

Rose will return likely wearing a mask, which is an adjustment for players. The other adjustment is a mental one — being able to drive and risk contact again without hesitation.

Aaron Brooks and Kirk Hinrich are the backup point guards behind Rose, and both are a drop off from what even a 75 percent version of the former MVP brings to the court. The Bulls need Rose to be closer to his old self (and a lot of other things) if they are going to threaten Cleveland in the East.