Derrick Rose: 'I believe I'm a special player'

Derrick Rose played in only 10 games this season after missing all of last year. (Sam Forencich/Getty Images)

Derrick Rose spoke to the media on Thursday for the first time since undergoing season-ending knee surgery on Nov. 25.

Among other things, the 2011 MVP said he knows he'll be the same player when he returns from this latest injury — because he believes he's "a special player" — that he's walking and able to put pressure on his leg — which he said should make rehab much smoother than last time — and that he won't change the way he plays because of his rash of injuries.

He even left the door open for a return should the Bulls (7-9) make the playoffs. He attempted a comeback for last year's playoffs as well but didn't play.

"If I'm healthy and the situation is right," Rose said when asked if he could come back for the postseason.

Rose played 10 games this season, averaging 15.9 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game after missing all of last season.

Here are some more snippets from the press conference...

Of the notion the Bulls might have to move on without him, Derrick Rose said, "You can be a fool if you want to."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 5, 2013

Derrick Rose says he can't change the way he plays, and if he tears the knee up 10 more times, he can live with it.
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) December 5, 2013

Derrick Rose on whether he will be the same player when he comes back: "I know I am."
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) December 5, 2013

Derrick Rose optimistic about better tomorrows, "I’m able to put pressure on my leg now. With the ACL, I wasn’t able to put any pressure."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 5, 2013

Derrick Rose: "My story isn't done yet..I just know (God) has something bigger for me."
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) December 5, 2013