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Thibodeau on Rose's return: 'He's got to get out there and play'

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose returned from a four-game absence due to a hamstring strain on Monday, and while he played relatively well, head coach Tom Thibodeau seems frustrated with Rose's up-and-down, day-to-day status.

Rose played 25 minutes on the night, scoring 18 points on 5-of-10 shooting and adding five assists in what was as solid an outing as can be expected after more than a week off. He started the game afire, with 10 points in the opening minutes, though he cooled considerably as the game progressed, looking tentative at times in the second half.

Just playing was a bit of a surprise for Rose, who has been day-to-day seemingly all season, first with sprained ankles and then with the current hamstring strain. The Bulls play again on Tuesday, and the team has not confirmed whether they'll risk playing him in a back-to-back situation or once again let him rest.

Thibodeau seems to really want Rose getting regular action, for whatever that's worth.

"Oh I don't know," Thibodeau said when asked if Rose seemed fatigued in the second half. "Jesus. He's got to get out there and play. When Derrick strings some games together, he's going to take off. He's got to go. That's the bottom line. he's got to go."

Prior to Monday, Rose had played in two games, missed two, played one, missed two, played two and missed four. That's a tough way to get into a groove, especially coming off of three seasons largely lost to injury. Still, there seems little reason to push him if he's not 100 percent here in November, with the Bulls' goals clearly based on what happens from April to June. The frustration is understandable, though.

In six games, Rose is now averaging 18 points and 5.3 assists on 44.2 percent shooting in just 27.5 minutes.

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