CLEVELAND -- Prior to the Cleveland Cavaliers' loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday, Derrick Rose went through an extensive workout on the Quicken Loans Arena court.
The former MVP expects to take his rehabilitation a step further on Thursday, when he said he plans on playing in the Cavs' matchup with the Orlando Magic.
An offseason free agent signee, Rose has been out of action since Nov. 7. Although it was initially an ankle injury that led to the point guard's absence, Rose would eventually take an extended leave from the Cavs as he contemplated his basketball future.
In recent weeks, however, Rose had rejoined the team and become a fixture on the Cleveland bench.
In returning to the Cavs, Rose joins an already crowded rotation that includes guards Isaiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver. For his part, the ninth-year veteran isn't concerned about his role upon returning, telling reporters on Wednesday: "I just want to hoop."
Appearing in seven games this season, Rose averaged 14.3 points and 1.7 assists in 26.9 minutes per game. He arrived in Cleveland last summer on a veterans' minimum one-year contract after spending a season with the New York Knicks.
The Cavs will look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Magic on 7 p.m. ET on Thursday night.
